Controller

Join a national organization committed to advancing a movement to race equity and health justice.

Community Catalyst is a leading non-profit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing a movement for health equity and justice. We partner with local, state and national advocates to leverage and build power so all people can influence decisions that affect their health. Health systems will not be accountable to people without a fully engaged and organized community voice. That’s why we work every day to ensure people’s interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and health care are made: in communities, state houses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit https://www.communitycatalyst.org. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controller serves as the lead accounting officer for Community Catalyst, responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the organization’s financial systems, records, and reporting. This role oversees all accounting operations, financial compliance, internal controls, and monthly financial reporting while providing strategic leadership to strengthen financial management across the organization.

Reporting to the Chief Finance and Strategy Officer (CFSO), the Controller leads the accounting team, manages the month-end close process, and ensures timely, accurate financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and federal grant requirements. The Controller partners closely with the FP&A, Revenue, and Programs teams to ensure coordinated budgeting, reporting, and compliance across all funding streams. This position plays a central role in advancing the organization’s financial stewardship, operational excellence, and alignment with mission-driven goals.

Supervision: This position reports to the Chief Finance and Strategy Officer (CFSO).

Classification: Full-time, Exempt.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash management.
• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring all reconciliations, journal entries, and accruals are completed accurately and on time.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly financial statements for internal management and board reporting.
• Oversee quarterly and annual financial reporting in compliance with GAAP.
• Manage the annual external audit and coordinate the preparation of Form 990.
• Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Manage the chart of accounts and ensure all transactions are accurately coded by fund, grant, and department.

Compliance and Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, and all federal, state, and donor reporting requirements.
• Maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, system access, and approval workflows.
• Oversee grant-related compliance, including indirect cost recovery, time allocation, and expense tracking.
• Partner with the CFSO to identify and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Revenue and Programs departments to align grant, contract, and donor reporting with organizational accounting and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with FP&A to ensure budget-to-actuals, forecasting, and variance analyses are accurate and timely.
• Coordinate with HR, IT, and Operations to strengthen data integration, system workflows, and financial transparency.
• Serve as a key liaison across departments to promote financial accountability and understanding of fiscal processes.

Systems and Process Optimization

• Serve as the lead administrator for NetSuite financial systems.
• Drive automation, standardization, and process efficiency to improve accuracy and timeliness of financial operations.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes with a focus on accuracy and transparency.
• Strengthen integration between NetSuite, ADP, Salesforce, and other systems to support real-time data and reporting.
• Continuously evaluate and improve accounting workflows to enhance speed, quality, and reliability of financial data.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Proven success managing audits and preparing financial statements for organizations with budgets exceeding $20 million.
• Proficiency with NetSuite or comparable ERP systems; experience with ADP and Salesforce preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with a commitment to accuracy and accountability.
• Collaborative and proactive leadership style, aligned with Community Catalyst’s mission to advance health justice and equity.

Core Competencies

• Financial and Technical Expertise
• Strategic Leadership and Team Development
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Accountability and Integrity
• Systems and Process Orientation
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

BENEFITS & SALARY

• Salary Range: $124,000 - $140,000 annually
• Generous paid time-off policy
• Robust benefits package
• Location: Flexible, can be based anywhere with the USA. If the employee is not based on the East Coast, flexibility in supporting different time zones may be required.