Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

The Controller is a strategic leader responsible for directing Children’s Place Association’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal control environment, and grant/contract compliance functions. This role is central to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data for an organization funded primarily through government grants, state contracts, and philanthropic fundraising
, including restricted contributions.

The Controller oversees the month-end closing process, supervises key accounting staff, and partners closely with the Grants & Contract Manager to ensure timely billing, receivable management, revenue recognition, and compliance with funder requirements. This position plays a vital role in supporting program leadership, Development, and the executive team with timely financial insights.

• Lead and manage the full accounting cycle, including month-end closing, journal entries, reconciliations, and preparation of timely financial statements.
• Ensure accuracy of the general ledger and maintain a well-structured chart of accounts for grants, contracts, and restricted gifts.
• Prepare monthly financial reporting packages for the CFO, Executive Leadership, Program Directors, and the Board of Directors.
• Assist the CFO with the annual audit preparation, including schedules, supporting documentation, and footnotes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and internal financial policies.
• Partner with the Grants & Contract Manager to ensure accurate billing, revenue recognition, invoicing, and collection of receivables for all government and foundation grants, performance-based contracts, and fee‑for‑service agreements.
• Monitor grant and contract spending to ensure compliance with allowable costs, funder guidelines, and donor‑imposed restrictions.
• Oversee the monthly reconciliation of grant revenue, deferred revenue, receivables, and restricted contributions.
• Support Development by documenting fundraising revenue, restricted donations, pledge receivables, and donor reporting requirements.
• Ensure proper treatment of grant and contract revenue under ASU 2018‑08 and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
• Prepare or review budget‑to‑actual analyses for programs funded through government and philanthropic sources.

• Oversee the AR process to ensure timely submission of invoices and claims to funders such as DCFS, DHS, City of Chicago, and private foundations.
• Track outstanding receivables and follow up on past‑due payments.
• Work with funders to resolve billing discrepancies, payment delays, or rejected claims.
• Maintain a receivable aging schedule and forecast expected cash inflows.

• Supervise the part‑time Accounts Payable Specialist to ensure timely and accurate processing of payables.
• Review AP transactions for coding accuracy, grant allowability, supporting documentation, and compliance with procurement standards.
• Monitor cash disbursements, approve payment batches, and maintain strong internal controls for vendor payments.

• Assist the CFO in developing the annual agency budget and grant‑specific budgets.
• Provide financial analysis and projections to support program planning, fundraising strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Lead monthly budget reviews with program managers to monitor performance and spending trends.
• Support cash flow forecasting by tracking expected AR collections and grant drawdowns.

• Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring segregation of duties, documentation standards, and audit‑ready documentation.
• Update financial policies and procedures to align with Uniform Guidance, federal/state requirements, and GAAP standards.
• Oversee financial components of procurement, time & effort reporting, cost allocation, and indirect cost methodologies.
• Serve as primary contact for grantor audits, financial monitoring visits, and programmatic financial reviews.
• Supervise, train, and mentor the Grants & Contract Manager and AP Specialist.
• Provide professional development, support workload planning, and create…