Controller

Why Choose a Career with Independence First?

At Independence First, you'll be part of a passionate, mission-driven
team dedicated to making a real difference in people's lives. As one
of the Milwaukee Business Journal's Best Places to Work for
four consecutive years (2022-2025), we offer more than just a job we
offer a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment where your
work truly matters.

We're looking for awesome individuals who are:

• Passionate about helping others
• Excited about meaningful work and strong team culture
• Searching for an excellent benefits package and work-life balance

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Generous Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 12
  paid holidays annually
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid dental, life (2x
  annual salary), AD&D, short & long-term disability
• Affordable Health & Vision Plans
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 100% employer match up to 4%
• On-site Fitness Center & Wellness Programs
• Annual Health Risk Assessments & Flu Shots
• Tuition Reimbursement to Support Your Growth

POSITION DESCRIPTION

I.
Position:Controller

II.
Status: Full time, Salaried

III.
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

IV.
Position Expected Hours of Work:

This is a Full-Time, Salaried position. At minimum, days and hours of
work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. However, there may
be some variability in the weekly schedule due to agency need.
Occasional evenings and weekends. Staff is expected to be able to work
in the office, remotely, or a hybrid of both, during regular business hours.

V.
Essential Functions of the Position:

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of monthly, quarterly, and
  annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit
  standards. Lead the month-end close, strategic plan reporting,
  annual audit and preparation of the IRS Form 990.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations,
  including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Administer internal
  controls, antifraud policies, and risk mitigation strategies across
  the organization. Promptly escalates issues directly to the
  President & CEO and COO when necessary.
• Manage the external audit process, coordinate supporting
  documentation, and oversee the preparation of government filings and
  registrations, including the financial section of the annual report.
• Collaborate with the CFO and program leaders to prepare and
  monitor the annual budget, multi-year forecasts, and grant-specific
  budgets. Provide tools and analysis to support department-level
  budget management.
• Oversee the allocation of payroll and shared costs to
  grants/contracts. Ensure expenditures align with funder requirements
  and maintain accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Serve as administrator for financial systems, including accounting
  software, payroll, banking, and investment platforms. Maintain
  system integrity, user access, documentation, and vendor contact records
• Oversee reporting, reconciliation and day to day duties for IF and
  IFF LOC, investments, operational accounts, and related financial
  reporting. Monitor investment activity, monthly statements and
  coordinate with advisors, the IFF Board and IF Finance Committee to
  ensure alignment with organizational policies.
• Oversee all accounts and subsidiary ledgers, ensuring accuracy,
  proper coding, reconciliation, and compliance with GAAP and
  organizational requirements. Maintain oversight of the chart of accounts.
• Supervise the payroll process to ensure accuracy, compliance, and
  timely execution. Reconcile payroll accounts and coordinate with HR
  as needed
• Ensure proper authorization, documentation, coding, and timely
  payment of accounts payable and credit card transactions. Oversee
  all accounts payable tasks. Maintain related internal forms such as
  expense, spending, and check requests. Assist CFO with all tasks
  related to agency credit cards.
• Provide leadership and oversight of all agency accounts receivable
  processes, including the creation and issuance of invoices, billing
  across all funding sources and payors, reconciliation of
  receivables, and coordination of timely collection activities.
  Collaborate with program and operations staff to ensure accurate and
  consistent revenue tracking
• Record and track all fixed asset acquisitions and disposals.
  Determine depreciation schedules and reconcile subsidiary ledgers
  with accounting records. Oversee all tasks related to tenant
  activity and building ownership including, reporting, tenant
  billing, NNN lease reconciliation, tenant relations and tracking of
  lease-related expenses.
• Supervise and support the department accounting staff, fostering a
  collaborative, accountable, and mission-aligned department culture.
  Plays an active role in the leadership and overall morale of the
  accounting department, and is responsible for a variety of tasks
  associated with the operation of the accounting department and
  Independence First as a whole. Performs managerial responsibilities
  including but not limited to: training, mentoring, coaching and
  developing colleagues; interviewing, hiring, planning, assigning and
  directing work.
• Partner with leadership, operations, development, and program
  teams to provide financial insights and support strategic
  decision-making. Review and reconcile fund raising software to
  accounting software and ensure all events comply with dual control
  processes for all income received. Support the CFO in
  organizational planning and execution.
• Serve as liaison to the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee and the
  Board of Directors. Prepare reports and meeting materials, attend
  meetings, take notes, and ensure follow-up on financial matters.
• Proactively advocates for the rights and involvement of
  individuals with disabilities; provide advocacy and support for the
  Independent Living Philosophy. As a member of the agency's
  management team, will attend fundraising and other special events as
  requested and will interact with members of the Board of Directors.

VI.
Work Environment

• Work environment is generally performed in an office setting with
  minimal to moderate noise level.
• The work environment characteristics described here are
  representative of those an employee encounters while performing the
  essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
  made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
  essential functions.

Disclaimer:

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to
describe the principle functions of the occupation described and
shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work
requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

VII.
Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  required; CPA or Master's degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including
  3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Nonprofit accounting experience required, including knowledge of
  GAAP, fund accounting, cost allocation, and Uniform Guidance.
  Experience with tenant lease management, investment reporting, and
  data analytics a plus.
• Familiarity with federal and state grant compliance requirements
  (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance) as well as the ability to stay
  up-to-date of regulatory changes
• Demonstrated experience managing audits, financial reporting, and
  990 preparation.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business
  periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or
  government regulations. Ability to write reports, business
  correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively
  present information and respond to questions from managers, clients,
  the Board, or other sources.
• Experience using accounting and reporting software (e.g., MIP,
  QuickBooks, or similar); comfort with technology and data systems is essential.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and
  communication skills.
• Proven strong leadership skills, time management skills, and
  ability to problem solve and use critical thinking skills required
• Excellent communication skills including speaking, writing,
  listening, mentoring and relationship building.
• Passion for promoting ethical behavior and a culture of integrity
  within an organization; including the ability to keep high-level
  information confidential.
• Must have a firm belief in consumer control, the independent
  living philosophy, and our agency's Vision Statement