MPN Research Foundation is dedicated to funding and advancing original research in pursuit of new treatments—and eventually a cure—for essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF), blood cancers that are known collectively as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Founded in 1999, MPNRF was the first organization in the MPN space and is the only one focused on advancing research. From its unique position at the intersection among three key stakeholders—patients, researchers/clinicians, and the biopharma/biotech industry—MPNRF facilitates a collaborative approach to research that elevates the patient voice in research and drug development, brings disease experts together, and accelerates the industry’s understanding of an extremely complex group of diseases.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and proactive finance professional to operate as the MPN Research Foundation Controller, leading financial operations, reporting, compliance, and system improvements. This role offers an opportunity to shape and strengthen the financial infrastructure of a growing nonprofit committed to patient impact.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and thrives in a remote small “roll-up-your-sleeves” environment. They will own the day-to-day finance function while identifying opportunities to improve systems and workflows. They will be personally responsible for driving any financial operational improvements. This position will report to the Director of Operations with a direct line to the CEO.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Controller Responsibilities

Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and dashboards

Maintain and manage the general ledger in QuickBooks

Lead audit preparation and review

Ensure compliance with state charitable registrations and reporting

Support leadership with budgeting and financial planning

Comply with all state and federal requirements

Bookkeeping & Daily Operations

Triage and manage finance-related inbox communications with service level agreements (SLAs)

Process invoices and vendor payments timely

Lead daily bookkeeping and routine transaction recording in QuickBooks

Lead all payroll, benefit contributions, and reporting coordination in compliance with state and federal laws

Match and reconcile revenue (donations, contributions, grants, sponsorships, and program income) in Salesforce with QuickBooks

Develop & execute process improvements as needed

Operational Improvements & Tech Integration

Troubleshoot and reduce manual effort in lockbox operations (e.g., 1:1 folder match issue)

Recommend and implement automation/integration improvements with platforms such as Fidelity Charitable, JustGiving, etc.

Improve donation and reporting workflows within Salesforce

Collaborate with staff using Monday.com and Microsoft 365 tools

Benefit plan management

State registration & unemployment tax compliance

Education and Experience Requirements

5+ years of finance/accounting experience,

Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit or fund accounting practices

Experience preparing for and managing audits and compliance reporting

Proficiency with QuickBooks, Excel, Microsoft 365

Familiarity with Salesforce, donor platforms, and project management tools like Monday.com

Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively

Worked on a small team or start-up with experience truly owning the entire financial function

Compensation & Benefits

Hybrid remote/in-person Chicago office with standard business hours (i.e. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST)

Chicagoland based
Unlimited time off plus holidays

Opportunity to contribute to meaningful work in a mission-driven organization

Eligible for medical, dental benefits, and 401k match program