Controller

NATIONAL ABLE NETWORK INC • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

Controller Regular Full Time Chicago, IL

National Able Network® is a mission-driven nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to workforce development, training, and economic opportunity for individuals and communities throughout the Midwest. Our work is grounded in partnership, accountability, and a belief that strong systems and strong people together create lasting impact.
The Controller plays a critical leadership role within National Able Network’s Finance team, serving as the senior-most fiscal leader supporting the Chief Financial Officer. This role blends technical accounting excellence, grant and regulatory stewardship, and a service-oriented mindset to support both internal programs and external nonprofit partners.
The Controller ensures the integrity, transparency, and compliance of the organization’s financial operations, particularly across government grants, philanthropic funding, and outsourced fiscal-agent services, while continuously strengthening systems, processes, and partnerships that enable our mission to thrive. The Controller plays a vital role in ensuring that public dollars, philanthropic investments, and partner resources are stewarded responsibly so our programs and partners can focus on changing lives.

This is an ideal role for a nonprofit finance professional who values mission impact, collaboration, and operational excellence, and who enjoys serving as a trusted partner to program teams, funders, auditors, and client organizations.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience managing federal, state, corporate, and foundation funding.
• Strong working knowledge of donor-restricted funds, gift agreements, and fund accounting.
• Experience supporting Single Audits and federal fiscal monitoring.
• Proficient in advanced Excel functions and adept at navigating multiple systems and data sources.”
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort working across multiple systems and data sources.
• Service-oriented and collaborative approach.
• Exceptional attention to detail while maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective.”
• Comfort balancing structure, deadlines, and evolving priorities.
• Clear communicator who builds trust across finance, programs, development, and external partners.
• Demonstrates initiative, embraces innovation, adapts to change, and strives for continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with nonprofit accounting systems (e.g., Blackbaud products, Sage Intacct); Microsoft Business Central experience highly desirable.
• Prior experience providing fiscal agent or outsourced accounting services strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 4 years in nonprofit grant and philanthropic financial management.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary during audits or reporting cycles.
• Local and periodic overnight travel required.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with nonprofit accounting systems (e.g., Blackbaud products, Sage Intacct); Microsoft Business Central experience highly desirable.
• Prior experience providing fiscal agent or outsourced accounting services strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for the full financial lifecycle of government and private contracts.
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance and all applicable federal, state, and funder-specific fiscal regulations.
• Prepare and review reimbursement requests, drawdowns, forecasts, budgets, and fiscal reports.
• Maintain clear and accurate segregation of grant funding and expenditures.
• Oversee compliant cost allocation methodologies, time and effort reporting, and indirect cost recovery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for fiscal monitors, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain thorough audit trails and supporting documentation.
• Lead financial preparation and coordination for Single Audits and programmatic fiscal reviews.
• Manage restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds in alignment with donor intent and GAAP.
• Ensure accurate documentation and timely release of donor restrictions.
• Maintain reconciliation between the Donor Management System (DMS) and the general ledger.
• Partner closely with the Development team to support pledge tracking, donor acknowledgments, and restricted fund reporting.
• Provide comprehensive financial oversight for nonprofit organizations served through National Able Network’s fiscal agent model.
• Oversee client general ledgers, bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, monthly close, and financial statements.
• Ensure client compliance with grant requirements, donor restrictions, tax filings, and regulatory standards.
• Support client audits, funder reporting, and fiscal reviews with a high level of responsiveness and professionalism.
• Ensure optimal functionality and integration of accounting systems and Donor Management Systems.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen automation, reporting efficiency, and compliance documentation.
• Partner with the CFO to enhance internal controls, scalability, and financial transparency as the organization grows.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• Company-sponsored Short-Term Disability / Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Paid Time Off up to 25 days based on 40 hour work week
• Generous Holiday Pay including 15 holidays throughout year
• 401(k) w/Company Match of 3% dollar-for-dollar, .50 cents on dollar up to 4-5%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Loyalty Benefit: Additional 10 days of PTO after every 5 years of FT service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees