Title: Controller & Accounting Manager

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Direct Reports: Accountant; Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Remote

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controller & Accounting Manager to join our finance team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position serves as the organization’s senior accounting leader and is responsible for the integrity of the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, cash management, grant accounting, and financial compliance.

This role directly supervises the Accountant and the Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist and is accountable for the day-to-day leadership of the accounting function. The Controller & Accounting Manager must be able to move comfortably between operational execution and higher-level financial judgment—ensuring that the accounting function runs effectively while also identifying issues early, protecting compliance, and providing sound accounting guidance to leadership.

The ideal candidate will have strong nonprofit accounting experience, excellent technical skills, audit and grant experience, supervisory capability, and the judgment to manage complex financial operations in a multi-funding-source environment.

VOA Alaska is a youth-serving organization providing prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. Our core values are connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy, and we seek individuals who align with this mission.

Position Summary

Lead and manage the day-to-day accounting function and supervise the Accountant and Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist
Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and deliver timely, decision-useful financial reporting
Maintain a strong internal control environment over cash, receivables, payables, payroll accounting, grants, and restricted funds
Coordinate the annual financial statement audit and support any related single audit or grant compliance requirements
Serve as a strong technical accounting resource who can proactively identify accounting, reporting, and compliance risks and advise leadership on the financial implications of decisions

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Financial Management

Lead all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting oversight, general ledger, and financial reporting
Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial transactions
Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled monthly
Prepare or oversee financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and manage the audit process
Develop and maintain internal controls
Monitor cash flow and liquidity and provide recommendations
Oversee banking relationships and treasury activities
Ensure proper accounting of restricted and unrestricted funds
Develop accounting policies, procedures, and close checklists

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

Support annual budget development with leadership
Develop budget assumptions and templates
Prepare budget-to-actual variance analysis with recommendations
Support forecasting and financial modeling
Provide financial insight to support organizational decision-making

3. Grant Management & Fund Accounting

Oversee financial aspects of grants, including accounting, compliance, and reporting
Ensure compliance with funder requirements and applicable regulations
Maintain cost allocation methodologies
Monitor grant spending, receivables, and reimbursements
Review and approve grant financial reports
Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)

4. Compliance, Audit & Regulatory Reporting

Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
Coordinate Form 990 preparation and other filings
Maintain documentation supporting internal controls and audit requirements
Support implementation of audit findings and corrective actions
Stay current on nonprofit accounting, compliance requirements, and regulatory changes (including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 where applicable)

5. Leadership & Team Management

Supervise the Accountant and AP/Payroll Generalist
Manage workflow, performance, and staff development
Establish clear expectations and department standards
Cross-train staff to ensure continuity
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Serve as a key financial resource to leadership

6. Systems & Process Improvement

Serve as finance lead for accounting systems (Sage Intacct)
Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data
Improve integration between accounting, payroll, and grant systems
Identify and implement process improvements
Develop dashboards and reporting tools where appropriate

Qualifications & Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
CPA strongly preferred

Experience

7+ years of progressive accounting experience
3+ years of supervisory experience
Nonprofit accounting experience required
Audit experience required
Grant management experience preferred
Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or human services preferred

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting
Strong knowledge of grant compliance and Uniform Guidance
Experience with Sage Intacct or similar systems
Advanced Excel and financial reporting proficiency
Ability to handle sensitive financial and compliance-related information

Preferred Attributes

Strong professional judgment and problem-solving ability
Ability to identify issues early and recommend solutions
Strong communication skills across finance and non-finance stakeholders
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Passion for nonprofit work and mission alignment

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May work in office areas. Interacts with staff, consultants, and outside vendors. May be subjected to interruptions throughout the workday.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. The vision requirement includes close vision.

Acknowledgement

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you may be required to perform. The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or can be considered essential to this position.