Financial Controller

Financial Controller

The Financial Controller oversees all financial operations of Wild Plum Center, ensuring strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and responsible fiscal stewardship. This position leads the organization's accounting, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting functions; manages federal, state, and grant fiscal requirements; and ensures full compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), the Head Start Act, Head Start Program Performance Standards, Notice of Award requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The Controller collaborates closely with the CEO, Executive Team, grantors (including the Office of Head Start), bookkeepers, and independent auditors. The role is responsible for implementing fiscal policies and procedures established by the CEO, Board of Directors, and Parent Policy Council, and for conducting short? and mid?range financial planning that supports organizational stability and program effectiveness.

This is a critical and highly professional role within Wild Plum Center. While the position does not supervise a large team, it requires exceptional judgment, accuracy, and collaboration. The Controller must work seamlessly with internal staff and external partners, representing Wild Plum Center with competence, integrity, and fiscal expertise.

Supervision Received:
General direction provided by the Chief Executive Officer

Supervision Exercised:
Provides oversight of the contract bookkeeper.

Leadership Level

• Works closely with the Executive Team, including management-level decision-making, developing and implementing short and mid-range goals, objectives, policies, procedures, budgets, and monitoring of overall program effectiveness
• Use financial and operational data to assess performance and recommend improvements to services and goal attainment
• Supervise finance operations and monitor program compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws governing agency operations
• Maintain a consistent reporting system for finance-related information
• Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff, colleagues, partners, and community stakeholders
• Participate as an effective member of the organization's shared leadership team
• Develop and implement fiscal plans and operations to ensure optimal use of resources
• Analyze program financial reports to ensure financial accountability within the program
• Partner with Human Resources, Program, and Operations teams to ensure alignment between financial planning, staffing, enrollment, and service delivery.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Finance Committee, providing reports, financial analysis, recommendations, and updates to support governance responsibilities
• Prepare and execute presentations regarding financial matters to the Policy Council, Board of Directors, and donors/funders as necessary
• Monitor and support compliance with non-federal share (in-kind) requirements, including tracking, reporting, documentation, and ongoing review of contributions to ensure compliance with Head Start regulations

Financial Management

Daily Fiscal Operations

• Actively manage day-to-day accounting and financial operations of the organization to ensure timeliness and compliance

Oversee the billing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, maintaining strong internal controls and efficient workflows

Perform full-cycle payroll processing, including voluntary and involuntary deductions such as garnishments, preparing payroll journal entries, and required documentation

Maintain financial records according to the organization's retention plan

Budget Development, Forecasting & Strategic Fiscal Planning

Lead the full annual budget development process, including forecasting, cost modeling, and alignment with program goals, staffing plans, and grant requirements

Develop multi?scenario budget projections to support strategic planning, risk mitigation, and long?term financial sustainability

Monitor agency-wide and program budgets in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic priorities

Control budgets through expenditure analysis, document review,…