Controller

Womens Lunch Place • Boston, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Women's Lunch Place is a Boston-based nonprofit serving more than 2,300 women annually through day shelter, meals, housing, healthcare, and case management. The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations and strategy. This includes budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, compliance, risk management, and grants management. The Controller works closely and transparently with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, Investment Advisory Council, and external partners to support the organization's mission and ensure long-term fiscal health.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible finance experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial regulations, audits, reporting standards, and compliance.
• Government and non-government grants accounting experience preferred.
• Proven track record of overseeing complex budgets, reporting systems, and audits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to convey financial information clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with QuickBooks Online, Excel, and other accounting and financial analysis tools.
• Commitment to WLP’s mission, values, and culture, with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and listening skills.
• Excellent collaboration skills.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Proficiency in financial software and tools, including QuickBooks Online.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing business environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

• CPA or MBA preferred.
• Government and non-government grants accounting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Program Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Board Treasurer, and Finance Committee to develop and manage the organization’s financial strategy and policies, including long-term financial planning and monitoring of investment portfolio in collaboration with the Investment Advisory Council.
• Serve as financial liaison to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee; communicate and present financial matters effectively to the Board.
• Lead the creation and monitoring of all financial plans; update and implement necessary accounting practices and internal controls.
• Oversee and execute Federal, State, and City grant budgeting, reimbursement and reporting requirements
• Lead the annual budgeting process, working with department heads to develop and manage the organization’s revenue and expenses and providing a detailed budget narrative to accompany the financial statements; oversee QBO input, monitor budget performance and provide regular updates to ensure financial sustainability.
• Prepare, analyze, and present accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and statements.
• Analyze material variances to budget. Offer recommendations for improvements.
• Lead in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, modeling, and scenario planning to inform business decisions.
• Manage and optimize the agency's cash flow, including monitoring working capital and ensuring sufficient safety and liquidity while maximizing growth.
• Implement a robust financial management and reporting infrastructure to support strategic and operational goals.
• Manage all aspects of audit preparation and serve as the main point of contact with external auditing firm.
• Review the draft audited financial statement, Form 990 and PC and provide comments to the auditor and Finance committee.
• Supervise and provide oversight to the external contracted bookkeeper and ensure timely payment and recording of payments and receivables.
• Coordinate with the Senior Director of HR and Philanthropy team on payroll, reporting, and restricted funding.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP), tax filings (990, 5500, PC), and federal/state regulations.
• Oversee and update the finance department’s Financial Policies, Investment Policies, and accounting manual.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of HR, administer all organizational insurance programs, including health, workers comp, liability, D&O and retirement funds.
• Review all grant and funding agreements for potential restrictions to properly record revenue recognition in accordance with the grant.
• Ensure timely monthly closings with preparation of related workpapers and support for key accounts.
• Manage financial aspects of grants and government contracts, including proposal budgets, financial reporting compliance, and reimbursement submissions.
• Partner with the Philanthropy team on donor reporting, campaign fund tracking, and reserves management.
• Monitor and report on any capital project financials, including monthly loan requisitions, with transparency, accuracy, and cost control.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks; maintain and improve internal controls.
• Ensure best practices in financial risk management are employed.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments, financial institution evaluations, and insurance reviews.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and consultants in competitive bidding processes, ensuring favorable terms.
• Maintain on-going relationships with banking and investment provider.
• Manage IT system consultant, data security, communications and technology infrastructure to support staff and program needs.
• Oversee facilities management, including maintenance, capacity planning, vendor contracts, capital expenditures, and safety compliance.
• Maintain WLP certifications and insurances.

Benefits

• 20 vacation days and 10 sick days annually for full-time employees; vacation increases to 25 days after 3 years
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Health insurance (80% employer-paid)
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability (60% wage replacement)
• Life insurance up to $25,000
• 403(b) with up to 5% automatic employer contribution
• Pre-tax MBTA/Commuter Rail passes
• Pre-tax health, dependent care, and insurance premium options
• Up to 20% discount through SPOT

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior