Controller – Finance

Controller – Finance

Controller – Finance 150 150 Foundation List Nonprofit Jobs - Nonprofit, Foundation, Healthcare & Education Job Board
University Settlement Society of New York
Published
February 6, 2026
Location
New York City
Category
Job Type

Description

University Settlement partners with 40,000 New Yorkers on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn every year to build on their strengths as they achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For over 135 years, we’ve collaborated with our neighbors to pioneer highly effective programs that fight poverty and systemic inequality. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, engaging with every individual holistically, and creating space for people to organize. Joining together with our neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, we help build community strength.

We work with New Yorkers of all ages. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equity, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, mental health and wellness, benefits assistance and eviction prevention, adult literacy and education, healthy aging, community and recreation centers, performing and visual arts, and youth development.

Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the Managing Director, Finance, the Controller will manage the fiscal accountability and financial stability of the organization. They will have overall responsibility for the maintenance of the general ledger, supervising the annual organization audit, and necessary financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

  • Responsible for the overall management of the accounting and finance functions across University Settlement.
  • Manage monthly and annual closing processes, including recurring journal entries, bank reconciliations, and analysis of general ledger accounts.  Conduct an analysis of the general ledger and reconcile inaccuracies or imbalances.
  • With the Managing Director of Finance, support the development of the annual budget for the organization.
  • Manage cash flow on a weekly and monthly basis throughout the year
  • Oversee the annual financial audit and, in partnership with the People Team, the 403(b)-plan audit—coordinating required documentation, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring a smooth audit process. Additionally, in collaboration with the Managing Director of Finance, support audits conducted by government funders.
  • Reconcile investment accounts and make proper entries as needed.
  • Prepare, track, and maintain fixed assets schedules.
  • Prepare, track, and maintain depreciation schedules.

Staff Supervision and Coaching

  • Supervise the Accounting Manager and Payroll Manager
  • Coach direct reports and members of the department to boost performance and development.  Oversee accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency in job assignments and procedures to meet organizational needs.
  • Maintain and keep staff updated on current sector knowledge (i.e., accounting and nonprofit updates, government rules and regulations, accounting software, etc.).
  • Train accounting staff in internal accounting processes and procedures in accordance with GAAP standards.

Financial Processes and Systems Management

  • Serve as system administrator for the general ledger software and maximize the accounting system, evaluate and manage upgrades, and serve as an internal power user for finance staff and liaison with external consultants as needed.
  • Maintain archival financial records in both digital and paper format uniformly across the Finance division.
  • Maintain compliance with Federal circulars, GAAP, and private and public donor requirements.
  • Oversee updates to fiscal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with best practices and maintenance of internal controls to minimize financial risk.
  • Lead or participate in special projects and strategic initiatives across the organization as assigned by the CFO.

Financial Reporting

  • In partnership with the Managing Director, Finance, create presentations for the Board Finance & Audit Committees.
  • Prepare financial reports for external sources and management as needed.

Other tasks as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

  • Must have a minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including a minimum of 3 years of staff supervision.  Nonprofit fund accounting experience is strongly preferred.
  • Proven leadership, management, and supervisory skills needed.
  • Self-driven motivator who takes initiative on projects with a strong ability to understand and creatively solve challenges.
  • Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills; able to multitask, strong follow-through skills, and detail oriented.
  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree in a related field is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Excel and accounting software programs (Intacct preferred).
  • Strong technical financial accounting knowledge (GAAP).
  • Extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, grant accounting, and reporting.
  • Must be flexible and willing to adjust work schedule as necessary for deadlines.
  • As permitted under New York State law, employment is contingent upon the successful hire’s written consent to a criminal and financial background check following the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week, Hybrid Schedule

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal opportunity employee for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

How To Apply