POSITION PROFILE: CONTROLLER

kpCompanies is leading the search for the next Controller to support Greater Twin Cities United Way (GTCUW) in advancing its mission. This pivotal role involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering strong internal and external relationships. GTCUW seeks a leader with deep nonprofit finance expertise, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to navigate complex financial structures.

THE ORGANIZATION: GREATER TWIN CITIES UNITED WAY

Our Vision: A community where all people thrive regardless of income, race, or place.

Our Mission: We unite changemakers, advocate for social good and develop solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone.

Our Values: Everyone connected with the Greater Twin Cities United Way share our core values, which guide who we are individually and collectively.

United as changemakers, we are a community of social innovators who are:

• Driven by equity

• Committed to building relationships rooted in trust

• Passionately providing a sense of belonging by leading inclusively

• Collaborating to achieve sustainable impact

• Listening, engaging and holding ourselves accountable

At Greater Twin Cities United Way, we are dedicated to creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We work with courageous leaders, responsive services, and collaborative partnerships to unlock human potential, and create lasting change.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controller plays a critical leadership role within GTCUW’s Finance Department, ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and strategic financial management. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this role directs financial operations, including financial reporting, audits, budgeting, and grant compliance. The Controller will ensure all accounting is in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for non-profit organizations, as well as meeting United Way Worldwide standards and GTCUW’s internal policies and procedures. The Controller also serves as a key partner to internal teams such as Data Strategies, Information Technology, Community Impact, Advancement, the gift accounting staff and the Accounts Payable team.

This position requires a nonprofit financial expert who is highly relational, strategic, and skilled in presenting financial insights to senior leadership and committees. The Controller must be capable of managing complex financial structures unique to GTCUW’s operations, which include significant philanthropic partnerships, grantmaking, and fund administration.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management and Compliance (65%)

Prepare and deliver accurate financial reports, including statements, forecasts, budgets, and key metrics, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational needs.

Review financial statements for accuracy, classification, and GAAP compliance, providing insights for leadership, committees, and the Board.

Develop and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance, protect assets, and uphold financial integrity.

Establish policies and procedures to support an unqualified audit and oversee external audits, ensuring participation, evaluation of findings, and implementation of corrective actions.

Oversee tax filings, including IRS Form 990 and state reports, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.

Ensure compliance with United Way Worldwide accounting and reporting standards.

Manage cash flow, receivables, payables, and investments to optimize financial stability.

Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely reconciliations.

Direct the annual budget process and support departments in fiscal management.

Provide critical financial insights and data-driven recommendations to support organizational strategic planning and informed decision-making.

Collaborate with IT and Data Strategy teams to enhance financial systems and efficiency.

Lead special projects and process improvements to drive operational effectiveness.

Maintain the Finance Department’s policy and procedure manual, ensuring thorough documentation of processes and controls.

Manage the audit process, ensuring full department participation and timely completion.

Oversees the management of endowment funds and investment portfolios.

Committee Support (10%)

Serve as a key financial resource for the Finance and Human Capital Committee, Audit Committee, and 401K Advisory Committee.

Prepare and present financial reports to board committees, ensuring clarity and alignment with strategic goals.

Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership, supporting data-driven decision-making.

People Leadership (20%)

Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team, including an Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, Senior Government Grants Accountant, and Accounts Payable Associates.

Foster a collaborative finance culture, ensuring alignment with internal teams such as Advancement, Community Impact, IT, and Data Strategy.

Act as an internal financial consultant, supporting teams with budgeting, forecasting, and grant management.

Identify, attract, recruit, and retain top financial talent to strengthen team capacity and effectiveness.

Promote continuous learning and financial literacy across the organization.

Other Job Duties (5%)

Partner with the CFO as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team to drive strategic financial leadership and organizational change initiatives.

Lead continuous improvements in financial processes, internal controls, and systems by partnering with IT and Data Strategy teams—this includes conducting internal controls assessments and streamlining financial systems, policies, and procedures.

Enhance budget processes and collaborate with Community Impact and Advancement teams to align financial operations with organizational priorities, optimizing United Way’s role as both a grant maker and funder.

Support special projects and other initiatives as directed by the CFO and executive leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

We believe diverse experiences enrich the talent pool. If your skill set does not match every qualification but aligns with GTCUW’s mission, we encourage you to apply.

Education & Experience:

5-7 years of progressive accounting team leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit finance leadership roles (e.g., Controller, Assistant Controller, Director of Finance).

Experience managing financial operations in a grantmaking or philanthropic organization is highly desirable.

CPA or CMA preferred but not required; strong nonprofit financial expertise is the priority.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.

Skills & Competencies:

Proven track record in budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and compliance within a nonprofit setting.

Extensive knowledge of GAAP and FASB as related to non-profit organizations.

Strong relationship-building skills with both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

Experience managing and mentoring finance teams, fostering professional growth and high performance.

Ability to present financial information effectively to executive leadership, board members, and committees.

Hands-on approach with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and ability to navigate organizational complexity.

Proficiency in accounting software (i.e. Great Plains, NetSuite, Sage Intacct) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

EQUITY + SALARY DISCLOSURE

Salary Range: $130,000-$140,000

At kpCompanies, equity, and pay parity are foundational principles. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, even if their desired salary falls outside the range. During the first interview, we’ll discuss compensation to ensure we align with your expectations and market standards. Comprehensive total compensation may exceed base salary through additional benefits, flexibility, and bonuses.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

GTCUW and kpCompanies are equal-opportunity employers. All applicants are afforded equal opportunity in hiring without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, disability, mental illness, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, genetics, military/veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

We look forward to learning more about your unique background. Thank you for considering joining GTCUW in advancing our mission for community impact.