Controller

Help shape the future of the skilled trades.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll entries, and month-end close.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices.
• Maintain and reconcile all balance sheet accounts, including cash, investments, fixed assets, and prepaid/deferral accounts.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and monitoring to ensure adequate liquidity for ongoing program operations and capital needs.
• Develop and maintain the chart of accounts and financial coding structures that support programmatic and grant reporting.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process for a $22–$25 million operating budget, partnering with leadership and program managers to develop realistic revenue and expense projections.
• Prepare rolling forecasts and scenario analyses to support strategic decisions, including program expansion, capital investments, and staffing changes.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and provide regular variance analyses, explanations, and recommendations to leadership and the board/finance committee.
• Support grant and contract budgeting and reporting in alignment with funder and DOL requirements.

Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Department of Labor audit process, including planning, document preparation, coordination of responses, and follow-up on findings or recommendations.
• Coordinate annual independent financial audits (if applicable) and other compliance reviews, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Develop, document, and maintain strong internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with DOL, IRS, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adherence to nonprofit and fund accounting principles, including appropriate tracking and reporting of restricted funds, grants, and multi-jurisdictional training center activity.

Systems, Process Improvement, and Technology

• Serve as primary administrator and power user for QuickBooks, ensuring system configuration supports accurate and efficient nonprofit accounting.
• Leverage technology tools such as Microsoft 365 (Excel, Teams, SharePoint), Airtable, and bill pay platforms (e.g., Ramp or similar) to streamline workflows, approvals, and documentation.
• Continuously evaluate and improve accounting processes to increase accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
• Maintain organized digital and physical records to support audit readiness and operational continuity.

Strategic Partnering and Communication

• Provide clear, actionable financial information and guidance to the Executive Director, board/finance committee, and program leaders.
• Translate complex financial concepts into accessible information for non-financial stakeholders, including union leaders and training staff.
• Support long-term financial planning, including reserves, capital projects, and sustainability of training programs across the region.
• Model a collaborative, service-oriented approach aligned with the mission of training and developing skilled carpenters.

Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred but not required.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, with at least 3 years in a controller, assistant controller, or similar leadership role.
• Nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred; experience in an education, training, apprenticeship, or workforce development environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience managing a budget of comparable size and complexity (multi-million dollar, multi-program organization).
• Direct experience preparing for and supporting external audits; DOL audit experience is a significant plus.
• Previous work with union-affiliated organizations, training funds, or benefit funds is a plus but not required.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency with QuickBooks (required), including reporting, customizations, and integrations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, and financial modeling), Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Experience with Airtable or similar database/workflow tools preferred.
• Experience with Ramp or similar bill pay/expense management systems preferred.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, nonprofit/fund accounting, and internal control frameworks.

Competencies & Attributes

• High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical financial stewardship.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal.
• Comfortable working on-site and collaborating closely with operational and instructional staff.
• Mission-driven mindset and appreciation for the role of skilled trades and union training programs.

Work Environment

• This position is based on-site in Greenwood, Indiana.
• Standard work schedule is full-time, Monday–Friday, with occasional evening or weekend hours for meetings, audits, or special events as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary $115,000 - $125,000
• 100% employer-paid health insurance
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employer retirement contribution