Controller - Per Scholas Inc Newark

Position Title: Controller
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Location: Hybrid

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations and for developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) requirements for compliance with nonprofit accounting standards. This includes maintaining and continuously improving our system of financial controls, including general accounting, investment accounting, and tax compliance. This work will require maintaining strong relationships with Auditors, Financial Institutions, and other key stakeholders while proactively collaborating with internal operational teams to ensure the collection of government contracts, philanthropy contributions, and social venture revenue streams to drive Per Scholas’ ability to scale and increase equitable pathways into tech careers. Your leadership ensures our resources are optimized to make a lasting impact, advancing a tech workforce as diverse as the community we serve. 

The Ideal candidate enjoys overseeing the day-to-day operations and likes to continuously improve systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices for scale.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Nonprofit Accounting and Reporting:

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP and FASB standards and regulatory requirements


• Responsible for General Ledger – maintain chart of accounts, review accounts and journal entries, and troubleshoot and resolve system integrity issues.


• Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue, costs, budgets, and actual expenditures


• Responsible for monthly, quarterly, and annual closings


• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs


• Track cash flow and purchasing and advise on forecasting for accounting activities related to projects, departments, and business lines.


• Prepare for and lead annual audit activities, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards


• Support financial reporting for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in Per Scholas’ accounting operations

Fixed Asset & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure the proper recording and tracking of real estate and fixed assets


• Maintain appropriate documentation for all transactions recorded in the General Ledger


• Prepare fiscal year-end closing entries and 990s in preparation for audits; manage external audits


• Prepare survey to outside granting agencies and auditors

Team Development, Leadership, and Organizational Collaboration:

• Manage, mentor, and guide team members' professional development, promoting a culture of excellence and ethical practice and helping to attract and nurture talent that aligns with our mission and values.


• Manage workload issues effectively to create a workplace that increases staff retention and strengthens communication within and outside the department


• Foster inter-departmental collaboration, ensuring accounting practices support broader organizational goals.


• Partner closely with internal stakeholders in management and oversight of organizational finances


• Help the CFO establish and improve existing financial policies and procedures


• Assist in budgeting, both organization-wide budget and individual grant budgets.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in non-profit accounting & finance with at least 3-5 years of experience in a supervisory role; experience in managing a budget of at least $15 million with multiple funding streams


• Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration required with the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations preferred


• Experience with Sage Intacct is required; experience with Paylocity, Airbase, and Salesforce is a plus


• Proficient in identifying the need for, writing, analyzing, and improving financial policies and procedures


• Direct and concise communication skills. Active listener. Ability to translate complex accounting and financial concepts to individuals at all levels, including financial and non-finance managers


• Technology savvy with the ability to manage data for financial reporting with accuracy, quickly, and effectively


• Collaborative and adaptable, committed to lifelong learning and teamwork.


• Integrity-driven leadership style suited to a dynamic, mission-focused environment.


• A commitment to team development and a passion for social impact work.

For this role specifically, we are targeting a salary range between $120,000/year and $140,000/year, plus a comprehensive benefits plan; the difference in salary is typically determined by several factors, including geography in which the selected candidate resides, and alignment with qualifications and experience.

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