Controller

Wipfli - LaGrange, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

LaGrange, GA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Controller position at Community Action for Improvement Inc. (CAFI) is a strategic and hands-on role that requires a strong leader to oversee the financial operations of the organization. Located in LaGrange, Georgia, this position offers some flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement. The Controller will be responsible for supervising and training assigned staff, including the Fiscal Director, IT personnel, Accountants, Accounts Payable staff, and the Head Start Fiscal Manager. This role is crucial in providing financial leadership to guide the agency in alignment with its mission and vision. The Controller will apply critical management and leadership skills to develop financial projections, conduct scenario planning, perform varied analyses, and carry out risk assessments. A focus on continuous improvement and the development of organizational systems, policies, and practices is essential. The Controller will support the Chief Executive Officer and oversee the finance and accounting team, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Knowledge of Community Action and its foundational principles is necessary to help the agency remain true to its origins. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing financial strategies, managing the annual budget, overseeing accounting and financial reporting systems, and supervising the finance, accounting, and IT teams. The Controller will also manage CAFI's financial assets and investments, collaborate with the fundraising team for grant writing and reporting, and provide financial analysis to support strategic decision-making by the CEO and Board of Directors. This position is also responsible for achieving goals set forth in the Agency's Strategic Plan and ensuring the financial health and stability of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies, plans, and policies to support CAFI's mission and goals.
• Build CAFI's financial stability and strengthen financial operations.
• Provide financial leadership and guidance to the CEO, Board of Directors, and program directors to ensure sound financial decision-making.
• Oversee the preparation and management of CAFI's annual budget, including revenue projections, expense tracking, and cash flow forecasting.
• Manage CAFI's accounting and financial reporting systems, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP, IRS, and other regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and mentor the finance, accounting, and IT team, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations as needed.
• Oversee the management of CAFI's financial assets and investments, ensuring that they are managed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with CAFI's fundraising and development team to support grant writing and reporting and assist with financial reporting to donors and funders.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making by the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Manage relationships with external financial partners, including banks, auditors, and legal counsel.
• Oversee the development of new programs and grant budgets to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization needs.
• Responsible for achieving goals set forth in Agency Strategic Plan, including creating successful investment strategies; assist CEO in diversifying funding streams and identifying new sources of non-governmental funding.
• Responsible for overseeing all financial operations and reporting directly to the Board of Directors on matters of financial fidelity.

Requirements

• B.S. in Business Administration or Accounting required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Broad and extensive professional work experience in financial analysis work, including experience with non-profit agency financial management.
• At least five (5) years in a management capacity.
• 10 years of accounting experience.
• 5 years of experience working with government grants.
• Ability to lead and communicate with diverse staff.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Korean) a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience collaborating with Board of Directors.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program
• Vacation
• 13 Paid Holidays per year
• Health, vision, & dental insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance