Finance Controller

Title: Finance Controller

Department: Admin

Reports to: COO

Supervises: Grants Accountant, Staff Accountant, Finance Assistant

Hours of Work: 35 hours/week ; Exempt

Pay Range: Starting at $63,000/yr

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the Finance Controller oversees all the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the organization. The Finance Controller also provides supervision of all functions of the finance office and works closely with the Executive team to finalize annual budgets and manage organizational cash flow.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain all accounts in accordance with GAAP standards and Rural Action Fiscal Policies and Procedures and recommend updates to strengthen internal controls;
• Oversee, maintain, and improve accounting systems and financial software to ensure accuracy and efficiency;
• Lead the monthly and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting;
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements;
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to leadership to support decision-making;
• Lead the preparation of financial statements and audit schedules and collaborate with the COO to facilitate a smooth and timely annual audit process;
• Maintain audit-ready records throughout the year;
• Support the annual budgeting process and monitor budget-to-actual performance;
• Produce and submit financial reporting as required by funders, the Board, other organization stakeholders, and the annual audit;
• Maintain a calendar of all finance office activities.

Account Management

• Perform and oversee transaction entry (including transaction posting, journal entries, accruals, adjustments, etc) and ensure the timely completion of all bank reconciliations;
• Monitor Rural Action accounts, including cash accounts, foundation held assets, and restricted accounts;
• Monitor and forecast cash flow and recommend bank transfers as needed to manage cash flow;
• Maintain a chart of accounts and ensure proper accounting for each account.

Personnel Supervision

• Manage staff required to effectively implement Rural Action financial systems;
• Undertake routine check-ins with staff and respond to daily requests/needs where possible;
• Ensure that each staff person has a detailed work plan that they are capable of implementing;
• Provide assistance on project implementation where time allows;
• Communicate with the COO on emerging issues or opportunities that involve staff, or refer staff to the Executive team, HR Manager, or other management team member where needed;
• Provide oversight and final review of grant and contract billings, ensuring staff accurately invoice funding sources and track spend-down in accordance with grant requirements;
• Oversee accounts payable processes, ensuring staff complete timely and accurate payments to vendors and partners in accordance with organizational policies;
• Provide oversight and final review of payroll processing, ensuring staff maintain accurate payroll records and comply with payroll-related regulations.

Other

• Collaborate with program staff to ensure financial clarity, grant compliance, and accurate allocation of expenses;
• Participate in mandatory staff meetings;
• Other duties as assigned.

• At least five years of professional experience in finance and administration with demonstrated experience in financial management, accounting, and non-profit grants management;
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience/education;
• Familiarity with the Code of Federal Regulations preferred, specifically 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E;
• Experience with payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, maintaining auditable records, and audit processes;
• Experience with financial management software, preferred QuickBooks Online;
• Proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, data entry, and other computer skills related to financial management and communication with colleagues;
• A valid driver’s license;
• Available for occasional evening and weekend activities;
• Meticulous attention to detail and an ability to manage up and laterally;
• Ability to work effectively in teams, create teams, and lead teams; 
• People and project management, organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability and interest in working with a wide range of individuals: executives, board members, volunteers, members, donors and communities of interest and place;
• Driven by and focused on Rural Action’s mission;
• Deeply appreciative and respectful of rural people and places;
• A self-reliant and results-oriented problem solver;
• Knowledge and/or experience in partnership development and in developing, working with and leading collaborative efforts, both internally and externally;
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and references outlining your experience as it relates to this job description to HR@ruralaction.org, with subject heading: Finance Controller. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired. For priority consideration, please apply by Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at noon.