Vice President, Controller

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) is seeking an experienced Vice President, Controller ("Controller") to lead and strengthen the organization’s accounting and financial operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and hands-on non-profit finance leader who is passionate about operational excellence, strong internal controls, and supporting impactful community-based work.

Organization Summary:

UWNYC works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world’s most recognized charitable brands, we believe that New Yorkers deserve to thrive where they live and envision a future where all New Yorkers have the resources they need to live long, healthy lives in flourishing and resilient neighborhoods. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

About the Role:

Reporting to the SVP, Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will transact in and manage financial functions including general accounting; treasury/cash; government contracts and private grants; monthly and annual financial close processes; internal controls; government and annual audits; statutory compliance reporting. The successful candidate must be an experienced professional capable of collaborating with colleagues at all levels, particularly within a complex nonprofit space. Candidates without recent experience inside the general ledger and related modules of Blackbaud’s Financial Edge NXT accounting platform will not receive consideration.

Primary Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight, Reporting, and Compliance

• Leads the day-to-day management of all accounting functions – disbursements, receipts, payroll processing, reconciliations.
• Oversees and participates in the monthly and annual fiscal closing process, including the preparation of all general ledger account analyses, journal entries and adjustments.
• Serves as master user and administrator of the Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT accounting system
• Actively manages cash flow; forecasts disbursements and directs follow-up on delinquent collections and outstanding donor pledges.
• Produces the monthly internal financial statements.
• Ensures timely payments to vendors.
• Ensures timely completion of reports required by government agencies, foundations, United Way Worldwide and other funding partners.
• Directs the workflow and communication with the external auditors, ensuring compliance with deadlines and the timely production of all required requests, information, forms and filings (OMB Uniform Guidance, Form 5500, Form 990, etc.).
• Prepares key schedules required for the annual Form 990.
• Coordinates (with process owners) the corrective action plans related to findings and recommendations (if any) resulting from the organization’s annual audit.
• Monitors and updates the company’s Finance Policies & Procedures Manual, as needed.

Program Support and Analysis

• Collaborates with the Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis to produce financial reports for the finance committee analysis, decision-making, and Board reporting.
• Liaises with program Vice Presidents to evaluate the financial impact of departmental services; identifies opportunities and risks.

Management and Special Projects

• Supervises a team of staff accountants and payables specialists.
• Together with the CFO, sets the strategic and tactical direction of financial processes, workflows, and communications with program staff.
• At the CFO’s direction, leads special departmental and organization-wide projects geared at process improvement and innovation.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA preferred.
• 12 years of progressive accounting experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and scope, including Controller-level leadership.
• Recent, hands-on transactional experience with Blackbaud’s Financial NXT accounting platform, including general ledger and business rules configurations
• Strong Proficiency in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for nonprofit organizations.
• Extensive experience with government contracting and revenue recognition principles.
• Demonstrated familiarity in grants management, including government funding, budgeting, multi-program allocations, indirect cost rate development, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with New York City fiscal systems and processes, particularly those of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), is a strong plus.
• Proven supervisory experience, managing teams of three (3) or more staff members.
• Experience leading and managing external audits and audit readiness processes.
• Strong strategic planning, financial management, and analytical skills.
• Experience preparing and presenting board-level financial packages is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences, including senior leadership, boards, program teams, and external stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of accounting and payroll systems (ADP); experience with Great Plains is a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Key Competencies:

• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Conflict Resolution
• Strategic Thinking
• Superior Communication
• Ethical Practices
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Embracing and Managing Change
• Planning and Execution
• Sound Judgment

Why Join Us?

We offer a collaborative, mission-focused work environment along with a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Hybrid work schedule
• Summer Fridays
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Wellness reimbursement programs

How to apply:

Please apply on our United Way of New York City career page. No phone calls or faxes accepted.

Additional Information

As part of the application process, candidates may be asked to submit a work sample demonstrating relevant experience and skills.

This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer