Controller in Madison, Wisconsin at IRWIN A AND ROBERT D GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER

We are seeking an experienced Controller to provide strategic financial leadership and ensure the organization's long-term financial health. This is a fully on-site position based in Madison, Wisconsin. Because this role partners closely with leadership, supervises finance staff, and supports day-to-day organizational operations, regular in-person collaboration is an essential part of the position. This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative finance professional who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with hands-on management in a mission-driven environment.

Organization Overview

The Goodman Community Center (GCC) is here for our whole community. People from all walks of life and all ages come for programs and services that make their lives — and our community — stronger. We strengthen lives and secure futures within a community where everyone is valued and has the resources they need to be successful. Goodman Community Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

What You'll Do

As Controller, you will oversee accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, audit, compliance, and treasury functions for Goodman Community Center and its subsidiaries. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategy, you will partner with organizational leaders to provide timely financial information, strengthen internal controls, support sound decision-making, and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the dissemination of financial information to internal and external parties.
• Lead the month-end close process, overseeing and reviewing the work of finance team staff.
• Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management. Develop and manage budgets in all areas of administration, operations, development, and programming.
• Implement and monitor appropriate internal controls to ensure conformance and compliance with U.S. GAAP and other statutory requirements as well as ensure compliance with GCC’s Financial Accounting policy.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP
• Analyze information to assist management in the maximum impact of programming; make recommendations towards sound business decisions while ensuring compliance with GCC policies and procedures.
• Coordinate the annual independent audit and all governmental audits, including regulatory reporting requirements as necessary, and preparation of IRS form 990.
• Maintain a reliable cash flow projection and reporting mechanism that includes minimum cash thresholds to meet operating needs. Optimize banking relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash positions.
• Monitor investments, ensure compliance with investment policies, and coordinate the annual preparation and submission of 5500 reports in collaboration with HR.
• Assist with coordinating matters related to risk management.
• Coordinate the annual budget development process, including maintaining budget files, compiling departmental budgets, and preparing final budget documents.
• Proactively lead and demonstrate best practices in controls, processes and procedures.
• Oversee the accurate and timely administration of payroll while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assist with review of organizational commercial insurance.
• Maintain fixed assets records.
• Collaborate with Director of Grants Administration on budgets and reporting for potential and awarded grants.
• Ensure timely completion of regulatory filings, registrations, renewals, and corporate compliance requirements.
• Supervise direct reports and lead the Finance Team.

Qualified candidates will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Current Wisconsin CPA license.
• At least five years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, grant compliance, audits, and financial reporting.
• Experience preparing financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with ERP systems; QuickBooks experience is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Why Goodman?

Goodman Community Center is one of Madison's largest and most comprehensive community centers, serving thousands of individuals each year through early childhood education, youth development, food security, older adult programs, and community services.

We are committed to creating a workplace where employees are supported, respected, and empowered to make a meaningful impact every day. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to help strengthen the financial foundation of an organization making a lasting difference in our community.

Ready to make an impact? We encourage qualified candidates who share our commitment to community, equity, and excellence to apply.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Goodman Community Center (GCC) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.