Controller

Community Economic Defense Project•Denver, CO

9d•$110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

CEDP operates large-scale public assistance and housing stability programs that distribute financial assistance to thousands of households each year through federal, state, and local funding sources. The Controller plays a critical role in ensuring strong financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across these complex funding streams. In this role, you will report to the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), and serve as a key leader in advancing the organization’s financial health and mission impact. The Controller oversees all finance, accounting, post-award grant management, and reporting activities. The Controller will partner closely with the CFO to prepare and present financial information to the Board of Directors, the Executive Team, funders, and other parties. The Controller will collaborate regularly with executive leadership and individual teams to drive financial health and compliance. The Controller leads the day-to-day financial operations and supervises a team of 6 staff members responsible for grants administration, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and regulatory requirement compliance. This role also ensures strong financial management, effective internal controls, oversees the annual audit, single and 990 preparation, while ensuring smooth audit processes. As the Controller, you will work closely with program leaders and their teams to build an understanding of financial processes and identify ways the finance function can better support program success while ensuring required industry and financial compliance. In addition, the Controller also collaborates with the CFO, senior leadership, and colleagues in human resources (“HR”) and information technology (“IT”) to strengthen and integrate finance, HR, and IT systems, helping to create efficient, transparent, and people-centered operations across the organization.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or related field; active CPA strongly preferred and/or MBA or other advanced degree a plus.
4-5 years of experience coordinating financial statement audits, including Single Audits, managing reporting, close, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
A strong track record in non-profit grants management, including compliance, billing, reporting and reimbursement process for government, corporate and foundation grants, is essential.
Technology savvy with experience working in, reviewing, and tailoring ERP Software and accounting modules as needed. Responsible for managing relationships with software vendors; and using accounting and reporting software to strengthen controls, workflows and decision support.
Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a high-performing diverse team; with the judgement and foresight to delegate effectively.
Keen analytic, organization, and problem solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including experience presenting key financial information and recommendation to executive leadership, Boards of Directors, and/or external parties.
Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to finance and non-finance stakeholders at all levels.
Experience managing financial operations for organizations administering large government-funded programs, public assistance funds, housing programs, or other high-volume grant-funded initiatives strongly preferred.
Comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced, all hands-on-deck environment.
Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse personal and professional backgrounds with a focus on social and racial justice and equity.
Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to CEDP’s Community Pledge and organizational values, and actively contribute to advancing the organization’s strategic goals through daily practice, decision-making, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP applicable to nonprofit organizations, including relevant guidance under ASC 958 and ASC 606, and with Uniform Guidance, and other applicable regulatory standards.
Maintain and continuously improve internal control and safeguards over cash, revenue, expenses, payroll, grants, and program budgets-to-actual results, including appropriate segregation of duties, supervisory review controls, and well-documented policies and procedures that support compliance, accountability, and sound stewardship of nonprofit resources.
Prepare, analyze, and deliver accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and related reports; monitor financial results and significant variances; and provide clear, actionable analysis to the CFO and senior leadership.
Assist CEDP’s leadership in annual and ongoing budgeting and forecasting by compiling and validating financial data, maintaining budget-to-actual reporting, analyzing and explaining variances, and working with the CFO and department leaders to improve financial performance and transparency. Support the CFO in engaging organization leadership around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.
Monitor spending against grant and program budgets and support timely, accurate funder financial reporting and reporting requests.
Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning by maintaining accurate revenue and expenditure projections, and by continuously collaborating with Program Leadership to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
Manage and track the performance of invested assets in accordance with Board-approved policies and investment guidelines.
Supervise, develop, and strengthen the finance and accounting team by clarifying roles and responsibilities, reinforcing accountability, cross-training staff, and implementing processes and professional development plans that support strong performance and continuity across accounting, grant management, AP, AR, and payroll functions.
Partner closely with program leadership to translate operational program activities into sound financial structures, supporting program budgeting, contract spending projections, financial forecasting, and sustainability planning.
Oversee financial controls and reconciliation processes related to high-volume financial assistance payments made on behalf of clients, ensuring accuracy, compliance with funder requirements, and strong fraud prevention safeguards.
Provide leadership in strengthening cross-functional communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; contributing to and promoting a positive and supportive work environment.