Nonprofit Controller

Interim Controller - Nonprofit

Location: Waukegan, IL (Hybrid - local candidates required)

Our client, a nonprofit organization in Waukegan, IL, is seeking an experienced Controller for a project-based engagement to stabilize and strengthen its finance function during a transitional period. This role requires a hands‑on, senior‑level accounting professional with deep nonprofit expertise and strong audit leadership.

• Establish and maintain a consistent 10‑business‑day month‑end close process.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts, including bank, payroll liabilities, AR (DCFS/Medicaid), AP, and restricted funds.
• Complete and validate Illinois DCFS CFR submissions.
• Lead audit readiness efforts and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Reconcile Medicaid and behavioral health billing revenue streams.
• Align operating budgets, grant budgets, and CFR allocations.
• Implement structured reconciliation trackers and documentation standards.
• Assess, enhance, and document internal controls.
• Prepare board‑ready financial reporting and improve cash flow visibility.
• Provide hands‑on stabilization support and/or oversee internal accounting staff as needed.

• 7-10+ years of nonprofit accounting experience
• Direct experience with Illinois DCFS CFR strongly preferred.
• Experience with in child welfare, behavioral health, or Medicaid billing environments.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and audit leadership experience
• Proven ability to stabilize transitioning finance functions.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on, project‑based environment

If you are qualified for the Controller role within the non‑profit sector and would like to learn more, please - APPLY NOW!

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about your accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent…