Nonprofit Controller

Overview

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 nonprofit 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. Additional disclaimer:
Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied.

Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

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…