Nonprofit Controller
Lead priorities, coordinate stakeholders and translate organizational goals into responsible action.
Protect financial integrity and insight
Nonprofit Controller Jobs
Find nonprofit Controller jobs focused on close, reporting, controls, audit, grants accounting, compliance and the financial systems leaders rely on.
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Career possibilities
Roles found across mission-driven organizations
Assistant Controller
Build reliable programs, communication and systems that help people and missions succeed.
Director of Accounting
Lead priorities, coordinate stakeholders and translate organizational goals into responsible action.
Accounting Manager
Build reliable programs, communication and systems that help people and missions succeed.
Finance Controller
Lead priorities, coordinate stakeholders and translate organizational goals into responsible action.
Controller and Operations Director
Build reliable programs, communication and systems that help people and missions succeed.
Understand the work
What to evaluate before applying
Titles vary across nonprofits, foundations, schools, healthcare organizations and associations. Read the responsibilities carefully and compare reporting relationships, decision authority, team size, resources and the outcomes expected during the first year.
- Experience with month-end close and reporting
- Experience with internal controls and audit readiness
- Experience with restricted-fund and grant accounting
- Experience with accounting systems and team leadership
1. Scope
Understand ownership and priorities.
2. Evidence
Prepare relevant accomplishments.
3. Mission
Connect experience to the work.
4. Questions
Assess support and expectations.
For employers
Reach professionals who understand this work
Describe the mission, actual responsibilities, reporting structure, compensation, location expectations and measures of success. Specific postings help qualified professionals recognize where they can contribute.
Post this type of roleView posting optionsRelated strengths
- Month-end close and reporting
- Internal controls and audit readiness
- Restricted-fund and grant accounting
- Accounting systems and team leadership
Build a connected search
Explore related career paths
Current opportunities
Nonprofit Controller Jobs on Foundation List
Chief Financial Officer
A Full-time Job
Beyond Housing
Sep, 11
Operations and Finance Administration Manager
A Full-time Job
Israel Policy Forum
Sep, 03
Nonprofit Controller
A Full-time Job
Confidential Nonprofit Organization
Sep, 01
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
What types of organizations hire for nonprofit controller jobs?
Opportunities may be available with nonprofits, foundations, schools, healthcare organizations and associations. The exact title and scope vary by organization.
How should candidates evaluate nonprofit controller jobs?
Compare the responsibilities, reporting relationship, authority, resources, location requirements and measures of success rather than relying on the title alone.
How can employers attract qualified candidates?
Use a clear title, explain the mission and priorities, publish compensation and location expectations, and describe what successful work will look like.
Own the integrity of the accounting function
Nonprofit Controllers often sit at the center of close, audit and financial controls
Controller responsibilities may include the general ledger, month-end close, financial statements, audit preparation, internal controls, cash processes, payroll oversight and accounting-system administration. In grant-funded organizations, the role may also oversee restricted-fund accounting and coordinate reporting requirements with program and development teams.
The boundary between Controller, Finance Director and CFO varies. Some Controllers lead teams and advise executives, while others focus more deeply on technical accounting. Candidates should compare reporting relationships, strategic expectations and whether the role owns budgeting, forecasting or board presentations in addition to accounting operations.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board is a primary resource for U.S. accounting standards. Explore related Foundation List pages including Finance and Accounting Jobs, Nonprofit Accountant Jobs, Finance Director Jobs and Finance Director Salary Guide.
More questions about nonprofit Controller jobs
What does a nonprofit Controller typically own?
Common responsibilities include close, general ledger, financial reporting, audit support, internal controls, accounting systems and supervision of accounting staff.
How is a Controller different from a CFO?
A Controller usually focuses more heavily on accounting integrity and financial operations, while a CFO may have broader responsibility for strategy, forecasting, capital, risk and executive decision support.
Is grant accounting experience important for nonprofit Controllers?
It can be very important in organizations with significant restricted grants, contracts or foundation funding, but the degree of responsibility varies by employer.
What should employers include in a Controller posting?
Clarify close and audit ownership, team structure, systems, restricted-fund complexity, reporting relationships, strategic expectations, compensation and work model.