Controller at AYS – Indianapolis, Indiana

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Controller is a key member of the Finance Leadership Team, responsible for leading and overseeing the organization’s accounting and financial operations. This role directs the development, implementation, and maintenance of financial and accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure accuracy, compliance, and organizational integrity.

The Controller is responsible for financial planning, budget forecasting, and the analysis and reporting of financial metrics to support organizational growth, scalability, and informed decision-making. This position oversees day-to-day accounting operations, conducts detailed financial analyses, and prepares and presents financial reports for leadership review.

The Controller provides direct supervision and leadership to the Finance Division, including the Senior Accounting Manager and Accounting Manager, and reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Operations

• Oversee all aspects of accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grant billing, and coordination of audit, IRS Form 990, and tax-related filings.
• Ensure an effective, compliant, and timely procurement process that aligns with organizational policies, grant requirements, and funding source regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and document accounting policies and procedures; establish and monitor internal controls to safeguard organizational assets, ensure fiscal accountability, and minimize financial and compliance risk.
• Oversee the preparation and distribution of periodic financial reports, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit reporting standards.
• Ensure the timely and accurate preparation, analysis, and reporting of financial data to assess operating performance, grant utilization, and program sustainability.
• Establish and maintain a reliable cash flow forecasting and reporting process, including defining minimum cash thresholds necessary to support ongoing operations and restricted funding obligations.
• Routinely review revenue cycle and funding metrics—including tuition, grants, and public funding sources—to proactively identify compliance risks, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Oversee organizational compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including nonprofit governance requirements, grant and contract compliance, and audit readiness.
• Serve in ratio as needed
• Flexibility to cover all AYS sites

Leadership

• Serve as a financial advisor to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), providing insight and analysis to support the organization’s revenue goals and long-term financial sustainability.
• Identify, monitor, and evaluate key financial performance indicators; assess organizational performance and recommend data-driven adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and leadership to direct reports, promoting accountability, professional growth, and high-quality financial practices.
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively with internal and external stakeholders to support collaboration, understanding, and transparency.
• Serve as a positive, guiding influence that reinforces and advances AYS’s mission, vision, and values.
• Uphold the AYS brand by exhibiting professionalism and empathy

Administrative

• Collaborates with all staff to identify and deliver the required administrative support to operations for the organization.
• Leads and coordinates the development and implementation of the organization’s annual budget in collaboration with the CFO and leadership team.
• Understands, communicates, and enforces the organization’s values, policies, guidelines, and practices.
• Contributes to continued growth of organization through team development, participation in Team discussions.
• Actively participate in scheduled individual, team, organizational, and project-based meetings and initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the Finance department and organizational operations.

Compliance and Training

• Ensure all financial reports to funders, government agencies, and staff are prepared accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Complete all required annual and role-specific training to maintain compliance with regulatory, funding, and organizational requirements.
• Identify professional development and training needs for Finance Division staff to support compliance, skill development, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Engagement/Communication – Provide prompt, attentive, and friendly customer service in-person and by phone; communicates clearly, accurately, and respectfully verbally and in writing; seeks and responds to feedback from internal and external stakeholders to improve service and communication
• Collaboration – Cooperates and works together with all stakeholders plans and complete job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgement. Supports cross-training and shares learning with others
• Adaptability – Willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities; open to change and variety within the workplace
• Technical – Proficiency in using computers and related software; experience with Microsoft Office and additional programs and systems
• Critical Thinking – Ability to think about and discuss complex issues, solution oriented
• Professionalism – Exhibits effective skills in priority management, professionalism, and empathy; completes work with accuracy and a high attention to detail
• Problem Solving & Decision Making – Makes sound, independent decisions with minimal supervision. Exercises good judgment in situations that may impact others, financial resources, or the organization’s reputation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior management role ideally with both external audit and in-house financial management experience gained in a high-growth organization

Experience either as an employee or board member of a nonprofit organization; must be familiar with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations

Business or Accounting degree mandatory

CPA preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods of time

Ability to move quickly to intervene in dangerous situations

May have to move supplies or equipment up to 20 pounds occasionally

Problem solving abilities

Able to make decisions without supervision

Able to make sound decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization

Requires reliable personal transportation