Controller

Job Description: Controller 

Organization: Trailhead Community Health Foundation

Location: Akron, Ohio

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Classification: Exempt, Full-time 

Position Summary 

The Controller is a key operational finance partner to the CFO at Trailhead Community Health Foundation, supporting day-to-day accounting operations and helping build the infrastructure of a newly established foundation. This role requires sound judgment, adaptability, and a hands-on approach as the organization continues to develop its systems, workflows, and controls. The Controller is responsible for accurate financial records, reconciliations, internal controls, audit readiness, reporting, and compliance, while helping establish scalable processes that support growth and sound financial management. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Accounting & Financial Operations 

• Partner with the CFO to help build and refine the Foundation’s accounting system, chart of accounts, and related workflows and procedures. 

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger activity, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, journal entries, and supporting schedules. 

• Direct monthly bank, investment, and balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring discrepancies are identified, resolved, and documented promptly. 

• Maintain accurate accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, donor activity, and other fund-based transactions. 

• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, including accruals, reconciliations, and preparation of supporting workpapers. 

• Establish, document, and strengthen accounting processes and internal controls appropriate for a startup and growth-stage foundation environment. 

Financial Reporting & Compliance 

• Prepare monthly financial reports, reconciliations, and supporting schedules in compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable regulatory requirements. 

• Partner with the CFO on audit preparation and coordination with external auditors, ensuring timely, accurate, and well-organized support. 

• Coordinate preparation of IRS Form 990 and other required federal and state filings in partnership with the CFO and external advisors. 

Budgeting, Cash Management & Analysis 

• Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting, forecast updates, and budget-to-actual analysis. 

• Monitor operating cash activity and support cash-flow planning, transfers, and liquidity management. 

• Identify trends and variances and prepare supporting analysis for management review. 

• Support development and implementation of financial policies, documentation standards, and process improvements across the finance function. 

Systems, Policies & Special Projects 

• Partner with the CFO to evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting and related financial systems to support current operations and future growth. 

• Help design practical workflows across accounting, reporting, grants, and finance operations in collaboration with the CFO and other stakeholders. 

• Support special projects, process improvements, and other finance and operational initiatives as assigned. 

• Assist with HR administrative tasks as needed in support of organizational operations. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CPA-track strongly preferred. 

• 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant responsibility for close, reconciliations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance; nonprofit or foundation experience strongly preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience building, implementing, or improving accounting systems, processes, and controls in a growing organization. 

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and familiarity with nonprofit, fund, or grant accounting principles. 

• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel, with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a startup or growth-stage environment. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF to accounting@trailheadhealthfoundation.org with subject line Controller Application. 

Salary Range 

Salary range: $115,000–$125,000, commensurate with experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Work Schedule & Location 

This position follows a hybrid schedule: in-office in Akron, Ohio, Monday through Thursday, and remote on Fridays. Standard hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Trailhead Community Health Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected by state or local law for an individual who falls within the jurisdiction of such law.