Controller

Soul City Church•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Controller is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and day-to-day management of Soul City Church’s financial operations. This role ensures that all accounting, reporting, and compliance functions are executed with excellence, consistency, and transparency. Working in close partnership with the Executive Pastor and Fractional CFO, the Controller provides reliable financial data, maintains strong internal controls, and supports budgeting and forecasting processes. This role is critical in ensuring that Soul City’s financial foundation is strong, scalable, and aligned with best practices in nonprofit stewardship. The Controller will thrive in a highly creative, fast-moving, and vision-driven ministry environment: bringing structure, clarity, and financial discipline that enables innovation rather than restricts it. This role requires someone who can translate financial realities into actionable insights while supporting a culture that values faith, creativity, and bold vision.

Requirements

Financial Accuracy & Integrity
Accounting & Reporting (GAAP; nonprofit fund accounting strongly preferred)
Internal Controls & Compliance
Attention to Detail
Systems & Process Management
5–7+ years in accounting/finance (with at least 2+ years owning the close)
Experience in a nonprofit organization environment (or creative agency)
Demonstrated ownership of: Monthly/quarterly close process
Financial statement preparation (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
Audit coordination (external auditors, PBC lists, responses)
Experience building and maintaining budgets and forecasts
Working knowledge of accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks or equivalent)
Strong Excel / Google Sheets proficiency (modeling, reconciliations, data cleanup)
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field required

Nice To Haves

CPA or CPA-track
Deeper nonprofit experience (grants management, donor restrictions, fund accounting nuance)
Experience with: Pushpay
Planning Center
Google Workspace
Experience supporting leadership with financial insights (not just reporting)
Exposure to payroll/HR systems or working with a PEO
Experience managing or mentoring junior staff or outsourced accounting teams
CPA strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll coordination.
Lead the monthly close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements.
Maintain reconciliations, documentation, and audit-ready financial records.
Prepare reports for leadership, elders, and the Fractional CFO.
Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial policies.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit, church, and regulatory requirements.
Serve as primary point of contact for audits, tax filings, and external reviews.
Support the budgeting process in partnership with the Executive Pastor and Fractional CFO.
Provide ongoing budget-to-actual reporting and variance analysis.
Assist ministry leaders with budget tracking and financial understanding.
Oversee the accuracy and integrity of giving records and contribution tracking.
Ensure timely and accurate donor statements, year-end giving summaries, and tax documentation.
Support donor communication efforts by providing clear, accurate financial data and reporting.
Evaluate and improve financial systems, workflows, and reporting tools.
Ensure effective use and integration of platforms such as QuickBooks, PushPay, and Planning Center.
Drive efficiencies and scalability as Soul City grows.
Oversee bookkeeping contractors, contribute to a culture of stewardship, accuracy, and accountability.