Controller at Wellspring Living – Atlanta, Georgia

Position Summary: At Wellspring Living, we need more than just a numbers expert—we need a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in both big-picture financial strategy and day-to-day execution. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves role, where you’ll not only oversee financial operations but also dive into the details—whether it’s reconciling accounts, optimizing processes, or supporting the team in meeting tight deadlines. As a mission-driven organization, we seek a Controller who leads by doing, not just directing. If you're someone who enjoys tackling challenges head-on, refining systems for efficiency, and ensuring financial integrity while working alongside a passionate team, this role is for you.

This role serves as a strategic financial leader for Wellspring Living, overseeing financial operations, compliance, and strategic fiscal planning to support the organization's mission and long-term sustainability. This role provides high-level financial insight, drives operational efficiencies, and ensures financial integrity across all departments. With a trajectory towards the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position, the Controller plays a key role in guiding the organization’s financial strategy and fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility and stewardship.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

Strategic Financial Leadership & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit financial regulations, and all relevant state and federal requirements.
• Collaborate with external auditors and legal teams to facilitate compliance, audits, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide expert financial counsel to executive leadership, ensuring alignment between financial strategy and organizational objectives.

Financial Operations & Performance Management

• Develop and oversee financial policies, internal controls, and risk management frameworks to maintain fiscal integrity.
• Record and maintain accurate numerical and financial data in accounting software to produce detailed financial records.
• Enter and reconcile journal entries, including grant-specific transactions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Management of reconciliation process for both credit card spending/expenses and revenue deposits.
• Create and develop finance team structure to manage organizational needs and future growth.

Grant Accounting & Compliance

• Prepare detailed reports on grant-related income, expenses, and budget performance for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all financial reporting requirements for grants are met on time, including documentation for audits and funder requests.
• Stay knowledgeable about changes in the financial landscape, including best practices in accounting, grant management, and compliance requirements, to ensure the organization remains proactive and well-informed.
• Reconcile bank statements and resolve discrepancies between accounts, highlighting and addressing any irregularities.

Audit Preparation and Support

• Assist in preparing financial documentation and schedules for audits, particularly for grant-funded programs.
• Ensure accurate and complete audit trails for all financial transactions and grant activities.
• Lead the Audit team and be the liaison between our auditor, external CFO, grant specific external accountants and internal finance team.

General Administrative Support

• Respond to financial queries from program staff and leadership regarding budgets, reports, and expenses.
• Assist with the development and implementation of accounting processes and procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the organization’s financial operations.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required; Master’s degree preferred.
• CPA designation highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Strong executive presence with a strategic mindset and ability to influence high-level decision-making.
• Advanced expertise in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and risk mitigation.
• Proficiency in financial systems, accounting software. SAGE Intacct, Salesforce and Bill.com experience preferred.
• Audit experience including the government required single audit process.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills with computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word and Excel) and Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs).

Position Requirements:

• Employment is contingent upon successfully completing pre-employment background checks, including criminal history, fingerprinting, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to ongoing compliance with these checks.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required and must be maintained throughout employment. Clear Motor Vehicle Record.
• Documentation of references (at least two professional and one personal) that attest to the person’s capability of performing the duties of the position and to the person’s suitability of working with or around children and vulnerable populations.
• Moderate travel among Wellspring Living locations and others in the Metro Atlanta area
• Must be able to lift objects up to 25 pounds and have the ability to work for long periods at a computer
• Satisfactory criminal history background check

Skills:

• Analysis, evaluation, and objective critical thinking.
• Initiative for effective administration and organization.
• Efficiency and time management across multiple priorities.
• Communication and Collaboration.
• Discretion and confidentiality for sensitive or restricted information.
• Relationship management across Wellspring Living staff, volunteers, residents, vendors, and partners.

Core Values:

Creating SPACE At Wellspring Living, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Our core values, encapsulated in the acronym SPACE, guide our actions and interactions:

• Servant Leadership: We lead with authenticity, humility, and a focus on serving others.
• Power of Community: We believe in the strength of collaboration and recognize that we cannot succeed alone.
• Appreciation for the Individual: We honor diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths, nurturing an inclusive atmosphere.
• Compelled By Faith: Our Christian faith inspires us to offer compassion and respect, creating a restorative environment.
• Excellence in Care: We are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support that fosters growth and improvement for all involved.