Controller

Akin (formerly Childhaven)•Seattle, WA

11d•$180,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Akin is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented Controller to lead accounting operations and support the organization’s financial stewardship. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will oversee the accuracy and integrity of financial operations, lead and develop the Finance team, and partner with leaders across the organization to strengthen financial practices and support informed decision-making. The role supports a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities. The Controller oversees accounting operations and financial reporting, including financial close, general ledger, payables and receivables, cash accounting, reconciliations, fixed assets, cost allocations, grants, contracts, restricted revenue, and compliance. The role strengthens internal controls and financial policies, coordinates audits and regulatory financial information, improves systems and workflows, and provides accessible financial guidance to organizational leaders. The position is primarily performed in a professional office environment, with occasional travel to Akin locations throughout Washington State. Hybrid arrangements may be available depending on business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including significant responsibility for financial close, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls.
Three or more years of experience supervising, developing, or providing significant functional leadership to accounting or finance staff.
Demonstrated experience with nonprofit accounting, including fund or grant accounting and restricted revenue.
Experience preparing for and supporting annual financial statement audits.
Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and financial-control practices.
Experience using enterprise accounting or financial management systems and advanced spreadsheet functionality.
Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, restricted funding, and grant and contract financial management.
Experience leading financial close processes, preparing financial statements, and maintaining effective internal controls.
Ability to identify financial and operational challenges, evaluate root causes, and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to recognize trends, discrepancies, and potential financial risks.
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a complex environment.
Collaborative leadership approach emphasizing staff development, accountability, and teamwork.
Ability to make financial information accessible to non-financial audiences.
Experience using Microsoft Excel and technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.
High standards of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment when handling confidential information.
Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.
Lived expertise may be substituted for professional experience on a case-by-case basis.
Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline.
Significant accounting leadership experience within a nonprofit, human-services, healthcare, or other complex mission-driven organization.
Experience with federal, state, and local government grants and contracts.
Experience with Medicaid, Head Start/Early Head Start, or similarly complex public reimbursement and funding environments.
Experience working within a multi-entity or affiliated organizational structure.
Experience with a dispersed or statewide organization.
Experience implementing or significantly improving an accounting or enterprise financial management system.
Bilingual in Spanish or another language.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash accounting, reconciliations, fixed assets, and cost allocations.
Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and ensure accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting.
Ensure financial statements and transactions comply with GAAP and applicable nonprofit accounting standards.
Maintain accounting policies, financial systems, and the organization's chart of accounts.
Partner with the CFO and financial planning team on budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and organizational decision-making.
Provide financial oversight of government grants, contracts, philanthropic contributions, and other restricted funding.
Partner with program leaders and Grants and Contracts teams on funding compliance and accurate financial reporting.
Oversee grant accounting, revenue recognition, cost allocations, billing, accounts receivable, and financial reconciliations.
Identify and address revenue risks, reimbursement delays, and financial discrepancies.
Ensure financial documentation meets federal, state, local, donor, and contractual requirements.
Develop and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures.
Lead financial audit preparation and serve as a primary point of contact for external auditors.
Coordinate financial information for regulatory filings, including Form 990, and support grant and compliance audits.
Identify opportunities to reduce financial risk, improve accountability, and strengthen operational practices.
Partner with organizational leaders to resolve financial challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
Streamline, automate, and improve accounting processes and financial workflows.
Strengthen financial systems to support accurate reporting, effective controls, and organizational growth.
Partner with Information Technology and vendors on financial system improvements, integrations, and upgrades.
Develop documented processes that increase efficiency, reduce manual work, and support long-term sustainability.
Serve as a trusted financial resource to program, administrative, and organizational leaders.
Translate complex financial information into clear, practical guidance for decision-making.
Build working relationships across Finance, Grants and Contracts, Development, People Services, Compliance, and other departments.
Develop practical solutions that balance financial accountability with the needs of a dynamic, service-focused organization.
Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff; establish clear expectations and promote accountability, employee growth, cross-training, documentation, and knowledge-sharing.
Foster a collaborative team culture focused on accuracy, responsiveness, continuous improvement, and internal customer service.