Controller

Job Title: ControllerTeam: Finance Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Reports To: Executive Director Direct Reports: Finance Assistant Effective Date: February 2026 Position Summary The Controller serves as the organization's highest financial authority and is responsible for safeguarding the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of all financial systems, reporting, and internal controls. This role provides financial governance, and compliance oversight while partnering closely with organizational leadership to support sound financial decision-making. The Controller ensures appropriate financial architecture, donor-restricted fund compliance, segregation of duties, and financial transparency across departments. The Controller reports to and has direct access to the Executive Director to escalate financial risk, compliance concerns, and control issues as needed. While not a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Controller provides support and accountability for the team, ensuring financial practices align with organizational strategy, regulatory requirements, and donor intent. In addition, the Controller has independent access to the Board Finance Committee and treasurer within governance protocol. The Controller is expected to lead with Christ-centered integrity, stewardship, and respect for the dignity of every person served and employed by the organization. Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Governance & Reporting Responsible for financial integrity, compliance posture, and audit readiness. Oversee the design, maintenance, and integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, and financial reporting architecture in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices. Prepare and present accurate, timely internal financial statements, cash flow analyses, and financial performance reports to the Executive Director and department Directors. Prepare financial reporting, audit materials, and financial risk assessments for the Board and Finance Committee. Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk Management Design, implement, and continuously improve internal financial controls across accounting, gift processing, cash management, and financial systems. Ensure appropriate segregation of duties across all financial workflows, including deposits, reconciliations, posting, approvals, and system access. Maintain audit-ready documentation, workpapers, policies, and procedures. Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and oversee the completion of annual audits and regulatory reporting and reviews. Oversee financial compliance related to donor restrictions, grants, contracts, and applicable regulatory requirements. Own and maintain organizational financial policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices. Gift Accounting, Donor-Restricted Funds & Systems Oversight Oversee financial governance related to gift processing, donor-restricted funds, and reconciliation processes in partnership with Development and Operations. Ensure accurate classification of gifts, restrictions, and releases in alignment with donor intent, CRM records, and accounting standards. Oversee clearing account processes, thresholds, escalation protocols, and resolution timelines. Provide financial oversight of banking relationships, payment platforms, ACH/wire processes, and donor portals, ensuring appropriate access controls, audit trails, and reconciliation integrity. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning Support Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with the Executive Director and department leaders. Monitor budget performance, cash flow, and financial trends; surface risks and opportunities to leadership in a timely, solution-oriented manner. Provide financial analysis and modeling to inform organizational planning and sustainability decisions. Accounting Operations Oversight & Systems Management Oversee accounts payable, reconciliations, and accounting workflows to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal controls. Provide strategic oversight of financial systems and platforms, partnering with HR/Admin and IT as applicable to strengthen financial infrastructure. Support finance-related vendor and contract oversight to ensure systems and services meet organizational needs and control standards. Serve as the primary gatekeeper for organizational commitments by reviewing all contracts for financial impact and risk before execution. Cross-Departmental Partnership & Financial Enablement Partner with Development to align donor intent with financial classifications, resolve discrepancies, and ensure financial transparency. Provide department leaders with financial guidance, training, and support related to budget management, fiscal stewardship, and financial procedures. Hold department leaders accountable to budget constraints and financial policies, providing corrective guidance when necessary. Serve as a trusted financial thought partner to the Executive Director and department Directors, offering clarity on financial risk, compliance implications, and sustainability considerations. Supervision & Leadership Supervise assigned finance staff, providing clear expectations, coaching, professional development, and accountability. Model Christ-centered leadership marked by integrity, humility, service, and professionalism. Foster a finance culture characterized by stewardship, excellence, collaboration, and respect for all colleagues and guests. Success Indicators Annual audit completed efficiently with no material weaknesses and minimal findings. Internal financial controls and key finance policies documented, implemented, and consistently followed across the organization. Monthly financial reporting cadence established, understood, and used by Directors for decision-making. Months and quarters closed by the 15th of the subsequent month, and years by the end of the first month. Budget variance management processes implemented and adopted across departments. Donor-restricted fund tracking and reconciliation processes functioning smoothly and transparently. ECFA certification is maintained. Nonprofit evaluator scores (Charity Navigator, Guide Star, Charity Watch, etc) are maintained and improved. QualificationsFor Employment with Oliver Gospel A born-again believer in Jesus Christ Affirm without reservation Oliver Gospel's Statement of Faith Fully support Oliver Gospel's Statements of Mission, Vision, and Values Ability and desire to work in harmony with other Oliver Gospel employees Be on time and ready to work at the assigned work location on every scheduled day of work Due to sensitivity for potential impact upon Oliver Gospel's Program Participants, the use of tobacco and/or vaping products is not permitted during scheduled work hours or at any Oliver Gospel event Valid South Carolina driver's license For the Controller position: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and nonprofit finance experience both required; CPA or CMA designation is a plus. Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal control frameworks. Experience preparing for and supporting external audits and regulatory reviews. Systems experience: QuickBooks Online - required. Donor platforms - required (Donor Perfect strongly recommended). Human Capital management - required, ADP strongly recommended. Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel - required. Proven ability to analyze financial data, identify risk and trends, and communicate insights clearly to non-financial leaders. High integrity, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to operate with discretion and confidentiality. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complexity in a dynamic, multi-program environment. Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work cross-functionally while holding appropriate financial boundaries. Alignment with the organization's Christ-centered mission and values. Core Competencies Financial governance and integrity Internal controls and risk management Strategic financial thinking Cross-functional partnership Professional judgment and discretion Process design and systems thinking Leadership, accountability, and staff development Christ-centered stewardship and service Mental & Physical Demands This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions include: Ability to work in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment with changing priorities. Ability to concentrate for extended periods while performing detailed financial analysis and review. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with staff, leadership, auditors, donors, and external partners. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers and communication tools. Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and to move within office facilities as needed for meetings and collaboration. Occasional lifting or moving of materials up to 25 pounds. Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, training, or audit-related engagements as required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Created: 2026-03-04