If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please email your resume in Word format to sarah.ayala@lhh.com and include “Controller” in the subject line.
Emailed resumes will receive priority consideration over online applications.
Controller – Confidential Mission-Driven Organization
? Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid: 3 days onsite, 2 remote)
? Employment Type: Full-Time
? Compensation: $115,000–$125,000 base salary, with annual merit increases (~4%)
? Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours/week
About the Role
A long-standing, values-driven organization is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting operations and support executive financial functions. This is a high-impact role with visibility across leadership and the board, ideal for someone who thrives in a mission-oriented environment and is ready to take ownership of financial integrity, compliance, and team development.
The Controller will oversee general ledger management, financial reporting, audits, and restricted fund accounting, while supervising a small team of AP professionals. The role also serves as a strategic partner to the CFO and contributes to board communications and organizational planning.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare internal financial statements and audit schedules
• Oversee restricted fund accounting and cost allocation methodologies
• Supervise AP team and ensure timely disbursements and reconciliations
• Manage fixed assets, cash balances, and corporate account transfers
• Coordinate annual independent audit and 990 tax return preparation
• Ensure compliance with payroll, sales tax, and benefit filings
• Maintain internal controls and system integrity
• Support board presentations and strategic initiatives
• Promote trauma-informed leadership and professional development
Qualifications
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration
• CPA certification
• 5+ years of accounting experience
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, vlookups)
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to pass background and drug screening
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Experience in nonprofit or social services
Preferred:
• 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Familiarity with Great Plains Dynamics
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and clean driving record
Benefits
• Personal Time Off (PTO) includes:
• 15 days vacation time (increases to 18 days after 3 years of service)
• 5 days sick time
• 5 days paid leave
• Total: 25 days paid time off annually
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave where applicable by State law
• Benefit offerings for full-time employment include medical (3 BCBS plans: PPO, 2 HMO), dental (2 Delta Dental plans: PPO, HMO), vision (VSP), term life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, commuter benefits, wellness plans, and a 401k plan with up to 5% match
• FSA Medical and Dependent Care plans
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Recognition via Bonusly
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• Continued Education Units (CEUs) available for LCSW and LCPC
• Free lunch on-site weekly
Why Join?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior finance role at a values-based organization with deep community roots. You’ll have your own office, work in a culturally rich neighborhood, and be part of a team that values respect, empowerment, safety, and teamwork. The role offers room to grow into broader leadership responsibilities and make a lasting impact.
Search managed by: Sarah Ayala
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pay Details: $115,000.00 to $125,000.00 per year
Search managed by: Sarah Ayala
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
