Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Department: Finance
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Greater Cleveland (Hybrid – 3 days in office)

Jump Start is a nonprofit venture development organization driving economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. We envision Ohio as a premier destination for entrepreneurs—where businesses thrive, supported by an inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem.

Our success is fueled by a mission-driven team that brings creativity, expertise, and accountability to transforming entrepreneurial ideas into measurable outcomes.

The Controller partners closely with the Chief Financial Officer and senior leaders across the organization to support Jump Start's mission through strong financial stewardship. This role blends hands-on operational execution with strategic advisory support, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, and transparency across all programs and business lines.

Finance Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team.

• Ensure accurate, timely financial reporting in compliance with GAAP/GAAS and applicable regulations.

• Design and implement financial analysis and reporting tools that provide visibility to business leaders.

• Partner with the Senior Director of Revenue and Compliance to support grant reporting and compliance.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, dashboards, and board materials.

• Lead Monthly Operating Reviews with senior leadership to ensure budget alignment and financial transparency.

• Collaborate with the CFO on annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and financial planning initiatives.

• Partner with HR to ensure accurate payroll and benefits reporting and compliance.

• Oversee treasury management, including cash flow, investments, and banking relationships.

• Manage fund accounting, intercompany transactions, reconciliations, and consolidated reporting.

• Evaluate and optimize financial systems and tools, including leveraging automation and AI where appropriate.

• Design and oversee financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance.

External Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the annual audit process and preparation of Form 990 and other required filings.

• Support timely invoicing, billing, collections, and external financial reporting.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

• Maintain and enhance general ledger structures and reporting frameworks.

• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Willingness to live and work in Greater Cleveland.

• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment (3 days in office).

• Bachelor's degree required; CPA or MBA preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience; nonprofit experience strongly preferred.

• Prior people management and supervisory experience.

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with Sage Intacct is a plus.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

• High integrity with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.

• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights.

• Strong operational execution combined with strategic perspective.

• Collaborative leadership style with empathy and sound judgment.

• Advanced Excel and spreadsheet skills; proficiency with accounting systems and databases required.

• Senior Accountant

• Staff Accountant

• Finance Associate

Jump Start Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Jump Start encourages individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities to apply.

Compensation details:

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