Aspire - Controller

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Aspire’s mission is to connect people with disabilities to ever-greater possibilities for learning, jobs, and safe places to call home. Since 1960, Aspire, a non‑profit organization, has been providing services and support for people with disabilities, serving 300 adults across 23 community homes in Lake and Cook Counties and two academies in Illinois. Aspire’s mission‑driven services include learning, living, and workforce programs, and its employment training program achieves 91% placement and 94% retention.

Aspire seeks a detail‑oriented financial leader to oversee the organization’s core accounting operations and drive process improvement. The role manages day‑to‑day accounting functions, month‑end closing, and financial reporting across a $25M+ budget, ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent outputs that support informed decision‑making.

During the planned leadership transition, the incoming Controller will overlap for approximately six months with the outgoing Controller, providing a smooth handover and gradual assumption of responsibility. The role reports directly to the CFO and initially supervises 1–2 team members, with potential to expand leadership duties.

• Lead daily accounting functions (general ledger, AP/AR, payroll) and ensure accurate reconciliation of all transactions.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP.
• Manage the month‑end close process and coordinate annual audit preparation and execution with external auditors.
• Drive implementation of additional Net Suite modules and guide transition to fully integrated ERP workflows.

• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget.
• Partner with department leaders to provide financial performance insights and variance analysis.
• Assist with multi‑year financial planning and scenario modeling to inform long‑term decisions.

• Maintain and strengthen internal control systems, ensuring compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and relevant regulations.
• Support preparation of compliance filings, including Form 990 and state registrations.
• Oversee grant compliance, reporting, and revenue recognition across multiple funding sources.
• Lead audit preparation activities and coordinate with external auditors.
• Supervise and develop finance team members, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a liaison to external partners such as auditors, banks, and insurance brokers.

• Partner with the CFO to advance financial strategy and lead process and system improvements.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to senior leadership and contribute to preparation of materials for Finance Committee meetings.

The ideal candidate will be outcomes oriented, deeply committed to Aspire’s mission, and demonstrates a genuine care for the people served. Strong candidates will bring the following skills, characteristics, and experiences:

• Financial Accuracy and Technical Expertise
• Operational Improvement and Internal Controls
• Collaborative Partnership and Communication
• Adaptive and Solutions‑Oriented Leadership
• Values‑Driven and Team Focused

Aspire has three locations in the Chicagoland area and southern Wisconsin. The Central Administrative Office is at 1815 South Wolf Road in Hillside, Illinois. This hybrid role requires office presence three days a week. Salary range: $110,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a retirement plan with employer contributions, paid time off and holidays, and other employee support programs.

Maneva Group is a leading woman and minority‑owned executive search firm dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with mission‑driven organizations. Our consultative approach builds transformative leadership teams. The name Maneva derives from Sanskrit words meaning mankind and service, reflecting our commitment to humanity.

• Senior (not applicable)

• Full‑time

• Accounting, Auditing, and Finance
• Industries:
  Executive Search Services