Controller

Children’s Place Association•Chicago, IL

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Controller is a strategic leader responsible for directing Children’s Place Association’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal control environment, and grant/contract compliance functions. This role is central to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data for an organization funded primarily through government grants, state contracts, and philanthropic fundraising , including restricted contributions. The Controller oversees the month-end closing process, supervises key accounting staff, and partners closely with the Grants & Contract Manager to ensure timely billing, receivable management, revenue recognition, and compliance with funder requirements. This position plays a vital role in supporting program leadership, Development, and the executive team with timely financial insights.

Requirements

Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of complex revenue structures.
Excellent analytical skills and ability to communicate financial information clearly.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong proficiency with accounting systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, MIP, QuickBooks, Abila) and Microsoft Excel.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to collaborate across departments.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
Minimum 7 years of progressive nonprofit accounting experience, including oversight of grant-funded programs.
Demonstrated experience managing government grants (federal, state, DCFS, DHS), performance-based contracts, and philanthropic fundraising revenue .
Prior supervisory experience required, preferably managing grant or contract accounting staff.
Experience with Uniform Guidance, GAAP, fund accounting, and restricted fund management.

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations Lead and manage the full accounting cycle, including month-end closing, journal entries, reconciliations, and preparation of timely financial statements.
Ensure accuracy of the general ledger and maintain a well-structured chart of accounts for grants, contracts, and restricted gifts.
Prepare monthly financial reporting packages for the CFO, Executive Leadership, Program Directors, and the Board of Directors.
Assistant the CFO with the annual audit preparation, including schedules, supporting documentation, and footnotes.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and internal financial policies.
Grants, Contracts & Fundraising Revenue Management Partner with the Grants & Contract Manager to ensure accurate billing, revenue recognition, invoicing, and collection of receivables for all government and foundation grants, performance-based contracts, and fee-for-service agreements.
Monitor grant and contract spending to ensure compliance with allowable costs, funder guidelines, and donor-imposed restrictions.
Oversee the monthly reconciliation of grant revenue, deferred revenue, receivables, and restricted contributions.
Support Development by documenting fundraising revenue, restricted donations, pledge receivables, and donor reporting requirements.
Ensure proper treatment of grant and contract revenue under ASU 2018-08 and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
Prepare or review budget-to-actual analyses for programs funded through government and philanthropic sources.
Accounts Receivable & Billing Management Oversee the AR process to ensure timely submission of invoices and claims to funders such as DCFS, DHS, City of Chicago, and private foundations .
Track outstanding receivables and follow up on past-due payments.
Work with funders to resolve billing discrepancies, payment delays, or rejected claims.
Maintain a receivable aging schedule and forecast expected cash inflows.
Accounts Payable & Cash Disbursements Supervise the part-time Accounts Payable Specialist to ensure timely and accurate processing of payables.
Review AP transactions for coding accuracy, grant allowability, supporting documentation, and compliance with procurement standards.
Monitor cash disbursements, approve payment batches, and maintain strong internal controls for vendor payments.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis Assist the CFO in developing the annual agency budget and grant-specific budgets.
Provide financial analysis and projections to support program planning, fundraising strategy, and contract negotiations.
Lead monthly budget reviews with program managers to monitor performance and spending trends.
Support cash flow forecasting by tracking expected AR collections and grant drawdowns.
Internal Controls, Policies & Compliance Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring segregation of duties, documentation standards, and audit-ready documentation.
Update financial policies and procedures to align with Uniform Guidance, federal/state requirements, and GAAP standards.
Oversee financial components of procurement, time & effort reporting, cost allocation, and indirect cost methodologies.
Serve as primary contact for grantor audits, financial monitoring visits, and programmatic financial reviews.
Internal Controls, Policies & Compliance Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring segregation of duties, documentation standards, and audit-ready documentation.
Update financial policies and procedures to align with Uniform Guidance, federal/state requirements, and GAAP standards.
Oversee financial components of procurement, time & effort reporting, cost allocation, and indirect cost methodologies.
Serve as primary contact for grantor audits, financial monitoring visits, and programmatic financial reviews.
Leadership & Collaboration Supervise, train, and mentor the Grants & Contract Manager and AP Specialist.
Provide professional development, support workload planning, and create a positive, collaborative environment.
Partner with Program Directors, Development, and HR to provide financial insights and ensure strong cross-departmental communication.
Act as back-up for payroll review, grant billings, and AP/AR functions as needed.