What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Smith Arnold Partners?
Non profit Organization looking for an experienced Controller-level professional to join the senior finance team with a multi-hundred-million-dollar endowment and a complex, dynamic operation.
This is a highly visible, strategic role reporting directly to the Director of Finance, blending hands-on accounting leadership with organization wide partnership and process innovation.
Title: Controller
Location: Canaan, CT
Salary: $105,000 - $125,000
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing all accounting operations, general ledger, month/year-end close, and audit preparation
- Leading budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial literacy initiatives across departments
- Managing restricted/endowment funds, gift reconciliation, and due-to/from activity
- Supervising and developing a small accounting team (AP/AR, staff accountants)
- Driving system improvements and integrations (GL, billing, procurement, reporting tools)
- Preparing GAAP-compliant financial reporting and dashboards for leadership and Board
- Supporting treasury, compliance (including Form 990), and long-range financial planning
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (required – no exceptions)
- Minimum 5–7 years progressive accounting experience in a nonprofit environment
- Prior supervisory experience and proven team leadership
- Deep knowledge of nonprofit GAAP and fund accounting
- Experience with modern cloud-based accounting platforms and advanced Excel
- Exceptional accuracy, analytical skills, and ability to translate financial data for non-finance audiences
- Warm, collaborative style with a service mindset and commitment to the values of a residential academic community
Salary : $105,000 - $125,000