Controller

HomeStart Inc.

Controller

Job Description

HomeStart Overview:

Founded on the principle that every person deserves a safe and healthy place to live, HomeStart has been ending and preventing homelessness in Boston for over 25 years. HomeStart serves hundreds of people each year in the Greater Boston Area and has permanently housed more than 17,000 individuals living on the street and in shelters as well as prevented more than 7,000 families from experiencing homelessness by way of eviction. HomeStart is uniquely positioned to dramatically reduce homelessness. Our clients include single parents and their children, victims of domestic violence, veterans, and persons with disabilities. All of them are living at or below the poverty line.

We are a team of dedicated professionals representing a rich diversity of professional skills and lived experience. At HomeStart, we don’t just accept differences - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our team and the communities we serve. With a strongly‐held belief that having a home restores a person’s dignity and offers the stability necessary for making other life changes, HomeStart is a powerful advocate for both ending and preventing homelessness in the City of Boston and is expanding its work across Massachusetts and is preparing to expand its work in markets across the nation.

To learn more, please visit www.homestart.org.

Position Overview:

The Controller is a senior-level, hands-on financial leader responsible for overseeing and executing the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions. This role is most heavily focused on active involvement in day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial records, strong internal controls, and compliance with nonprofit GAAP and government funding requirements.

The Controller leads the month-end and year-end close processes, oversees government grants and cost-reimbursement billing, and supports annual budgeting and forecasting efforts. This position prepares and presents financial reports and analyses for senior leadership and serves as a key financial partner to the Deputy Director.

In addition, the Controller supervises and mentors accounting staff, strengthens financial systems and processes, and serves as the primary point of contact for our accounting consultant who is supporting external auditors and being the primary point of contact for government funders. The role plays a critical

part in maintaining financial integrity, supporting organizational growth, and ensuring transparency and accountability across all financial operations.

Responsibilities:

Core Accounting & Close

Perform and manage month-end and year-end close processes

• Prepare, review, and post journal entries, accruals, cost allocations, and adjusting entries

Complete monthly bank, balance sheet, and general ledger reconciliations

Maintain accurate and complete financial records in accordance with nonprofit GAAP Government Contracts & Cost Reimbursement

Prepare, review, and submit government reimbursement requests in compliance with contract requirements

Track allowable and non-allowable costs and monitor contract budgets and funding utilization, including execution of approved allocation methodologies

• Monitor reimbursement timelines and escalate delays or compliance concerns

Maintain organized, audit-ready documentation for all accounting, billing, and reimbursement activities

Reporting & Support

Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules for Finance Consultant and leadership review

Provide detailed financial analyses, reconciliations, and schedules as requested Staff Supervision & Daily Operations

Supervise, mentor, and review the work of accounting staff

• Provide training and guidance on accounting processes, compliance, and internal controls

Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of staff work

• Own accounting, billing, and reporting deadlines and proactively communicate risks to timelines

Provide hands-on support during close, billing, and audit cycles

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

Implement, maintain, and document internal controls, policies, and procedures on a prioritized, risk-based basis

• Monitor compliance with internal controls and escalate identified control gaps or risks

Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements, with implementation phased based on capacity and organizational priorities

Ensure daily accounting practices align with established policies and procedures

Audit Support

Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation

Assist in addressing audit inquiries and implementing corrective actions under Finance Consultant direction

Experience/Skills/Qualifications:

• 8 to 10 years of increasing responsibility with CFO/Controllership experience

CPA preferred

• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible work experience managing the accounting functions and accounting staff in a non-profit agency, or equivalent experience

Previous experience with accounting software such as Abila MIP, Sage, Great Plains, or similarly accounting software

• Advanced knowledge and utilization of Excel, strong computer literacy to include use of MS

Office 365 & Google suite of software, and proficient in database and accounting computer application systems

Thorough knowledge of budgeting and accounting practices, processes, and procedures of non profit organizations

Demonstrated ability to organize, direct and coordinate operations in personnel supervision, the recruitment and retention of key personnel and budget management

• Critical to success in this role, the Controller will have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others and have excellent written and verbal communication skills

Excellent organization, analytical skills, and consistent attention to detail

Ability to interact professionally with staff, Board members, volunteers, and other related agencies

Physical Demands:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Must be able to access various departments of a given location.

Compensation: $140-150K annually, competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, voluntary supplemental benefits, 401(k), vacation, sick time, and paid holidays. Desired Start Date: Negotiable

How to Join Our Team:

Please email a resume and a cover letter including salary requirements. Materials should be addressed to HR at hr@homestart.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. HomeStart is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage all to apply because we believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.

Compensation: $140-150K annually, competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, voluntary supplemental benefits, 401(k), vacation, sick time, and paid holidays. Desired Start Date: Negotiable