Controller

Description

DEPARTMENT: Professional Services

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: [EXEMPT]

THE ORGANIZATION

Through clinical services, education, and research, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing children and adolescents, couples, families, and individuals. When you join The Family Institute, you are joining a team of over 230 collaborators comprised of clinicians, educators, researchers, therapists-in-training, partners, and administrators across four service sites. We are a strong, independent organization focused on advancing the world of behavioral health.

Learn more about our culture.

THE ROLE

The Controller is responsible for overseeing and accounting for all financial transactions, while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the organization's financial records. Within a non-profit education and healthcare setting, this position is essential to effective financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the advancement of the organization's mission through robust internal controls and prudent financial practices. The Controller collaborates closely with the CFO, auditors, and operational teams to guarantee timely reporting and adherence to accounting standards. The Controller consistently upholds TFI’s core values, mission, and vision to foster strong teams aligned with organizational objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Oversee all financial transactions associated with payroll, payables, receivables, and general journal entries, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of GAAP accounting and reporting
2. Develop and implement strong internal controls over transactions to guard against the risk of errors, omission, and fraud including collaboration with the billing department
3. Compose and maintain financial policies and procedures that protect the organization’s assets, ensure compliance, and establish consistent practices across the organization
4. Act as lead user of the accounting system, including upgrades, transitions, and integrations
5. Lead the annual external audit and other state and federal tax reporting requirements, including the 990 and 5500s, ensuring compliance and clean reporting
6. Serve as liaison to Northwestern University’s finance department
7. Contribute to the development of grant accounting and compliance policies/procedures
8. Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
9. Serve as thought partner to the CFO in leading the finance function of the organization
10. Demonstrate an ongoing investment in professional development and in keeping updated on technical knowledge and skills relating to finance and accounting
11. Apply AI and/or automation tools that streamline or improve processes, efficiency and quality
12. Perform other duties as assigned by the CFO for business necessity

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge and Skills

1. General knowledge of accounting and payroll systems, preference for experience with NetSuite and/or Paylocity
2. Proficient in MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
3. Responsible use of AI 
4. Strong attention to detail
5. Communication skills to include interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills
6. Problem-solving and analytical skills
7. Excellent interpersonal skills; customer service oriented
8. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced team environment with minimum supervision
9. Ability to work efficiently and accurately with details and fluctuating work volumes
10. Previous experience in a healthcare and/or Higher Education setting preferred

MINIMUM HIRING SPECIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field
2. 5-7 years of finance or accounting experience
3. Preferred previous management experience

Requirements

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

1. Must be able to compose written reports clearly and effectively  
2. Must be able to be in a stationary position due to attention to computer screen   
3. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations 
4. The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) to perform work-related duties  
5. Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner  
6. Must be able to determine solutions to problems  
7. Must be able to operate successfully while handling multiple projects   

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  

The Family Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please direct your inquiries to the HR Team at [email protected]. 

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate’s applicable work experience, key skills and qualifications, as well as internal and external market considerations. The pay range for this full-time, exempt position is $123,842.00 - $173,626.00/year. The Family Institute provides competitive benefits, including health, a 403(b) retirement savings plan, generous time off, and professional development. For a more inclusive list of benefits, please visit our Careers page at https://www.family-institute.org/about-us/careers.