Demo

Assistant Controller

Renaissance Social Services
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 1/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/8/2026

Position Summary

  • The Assistant Controller manages the organization’s day-to-day accounting operations and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting. Reporting to the CFO, this role leads the monthly close process, maintains strong internal controls, and supports leadership with reliable financial data to inform decision-making. The Assistant Controller partners closely with the CFO to improve accounting processes, implement system enhancements and automation, and ensure compliance with nonprofit GAAP and funder requirements. This position also collaborates with Grants Compliance, Programs, and Philanthropy to ensure financial activity aligns with approved budgets, contracts, and organizational policies. This role is critical to safeguarding organizational assets, supporting audits and monitoring visits, and strengthening the overall financial infrastructure of the organization.

Core Competencies

  • The basic skills needed for the position include, but are not limited to the following:
    • Financial Acumen: Demonstrates strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and budgeting practices, particularly within nonprofit and housing sectors.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of HUD regulations, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs, and other affordable housing compliance requirements.
    • Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to support program and organizational goals.
    • Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy and thoroughness in financial documentation, reconciliations, and reporting.
    • Technical Proficiency: Skilled in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel.
    • Communication Skills: Effectively communicates financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders; collaborates with program and administrative teams.
    • Problem Solving: Proactively identifies issues and develops practical solutions to improve financial processes and ensure compliance.
    • Ethical Conduct: Upholds integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial information and organizational resources.
    • Time Management: Manages multiple priorities and deadlines efficiently in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
    • Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with colleagues across departments to support shared goals and ensure financial transparency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Accounting & Daily Financial Operations
    • Manage day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and revenue recognition.
    • Lead the monthly close process, ensuring timely and accurate journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements.
    • Oversee weekly accounts payable processing, vendor setup, ramp expenses, and annual 1099 reporting.
    • Monitor cash flow, deferred revenue, grant receivables, and reimbursement schedules.
    • Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
    • Provide timely and accurate financial reports to the CFO, CEO, and program leadership.
  • Grants Management, Funder Compliance & Communication
    • Partner with Grants Manager and program staff to support accurate grant financial reporting.
    • Review grant-related accounting entries for alignment with approved budgets and contracts.
    • Support preparation of budget-to-actual and grant financial reports.
    • Monitor grant receivables and coordinate reimbursement tracking.
    • Serve as a primary accounting contact for funder audits, HUD monitoring visits, and financial reviews.
    • Ensure grant-related financial documentation meets audit and funder retention requirements.
  • Budgeting & Program Support
    • Support the annual budgeting process, partnering with program directors to build accurate, mission-aligned budgets.
    • Deliver monthly budget-to-actual reports and provide analysis, trend insights, and recommendations to program leadership.
    • Serve as a key financial partner to CFO and program teams by translating financial data into clear operational insights.
  • Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls
    • Lead support on the annual financial audit and single audit through preparation of schedules, reconciliations, and documentation.
    • Ensure all financial processes comply with GAAP, Uniform Guidance (if applicable), and Renaissance internal policies.
    • Regularly review and update financial policies and procedures to support accountability, transparency, and best practices.
  • Team Leadership & Collaboration
    • Supervise and develop accounting staff, promoting growth, cross-training, and shared accountability.
    • Foster collaboration between Finance, Programs, Development, and Operations through clear communication and a service-oriented approach.
    • Promote a mission-driven culture that values accuracy, timeliness, partnership, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required; CPA/MBA a plus.
  • Proficiency in MS Word and Excel
  • Strong organizational, record-keeping, and independent decision-making skills
  • Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, managerial experience preferred.
  • Strong understanding of GAAP, fund accounting, reimbursement-based expense.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating with funders and responding to compliance inquiries.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to support non-financial staff.

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000

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