Controller

About Urban Arts

Urban Arts is a national nonprofit that teaches digital game design as a pathway to college and career. We operate across 16 states and we annually serve 4,000+ students from low-income communities who don’t always see themselves in tech. Game design is our hook to open doors into computer science, STEM careers, and college.

Our programs include:

• Game On - AP Computer Science Principles curriculum that utilizes Unity, paired with professional development for educators
• Game Academy - flagship out-of-school time game design program for high school students
• Creative Coders Middle school Minecraft-based computer science curriculum paired with professional development for educators
• Community Schools - K–12 schools across New York, where we help identify and coordinate wraparound services while also providing arts and technology based programming

Position Overview

Urban Arts is seeking a detail-oriented and systems driven Controller to lead financial operations, audit management, and grant compliance. This role will ensure financial accuracy, strong internal controls, and alignment between programmatic activity and financial reporting.

Reporting to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer, this position will play a critical role in strengthening financial systems and supporting organizational growth through disciplined financial management.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee monthly close process in partnership with Staff Accountant
• Prepare and review quarterly financial statements and internal reports
• Maintain general ledger integrity and ensure accurate financial data
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes

Audit & Compliance

• Lead the annual audit process, including preparation, coordination with auditors, and resolution of findings
• Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards
• In partnership with the Operations team, prepare annual compliance reports such as Workers Compensation Audit Reporting

Grants Financial Management

• Develop and manage grant budgets in partnership with development and programs teams
• Track grant spending and ensure alignment with funder restrictions
• Prepare financial reports for funders and government contracts
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements

Revenue & Invoicing Oversight

• Oversee and support invoicing processes and revenue tracking for city, state, federal, direct sales and philanthropic invoicing
• Monitor receivables and support timely collections for government and philanthropic funding
• Ensure proper revenue recognition

Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage and optimize financial systems (accounting, grants tracking)
• Improve processes for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
• Ensure data integrity across financial systems
• Partner with operations and program teams to improve financial workflows

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of nonprofit finance experience
• Expertise with QuickBooks Online
• Strong audit management experience
• Deep understanding of city, state, and federal grant compliance and reporting
• Experience with financial systems and process improvement
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• This role follows a hybrid work schedule, with employees expected to work in the office two or more days per week

Preferred

• Ability to responsibly leverage AI to automate financial outputs such as reconciliations, reporting and analysis
• Familiarity with complex finance tools like Intaact or Financial Edge
• Experience with city, state and federal government funding, compliance and reporting
• Experience supporting education based non-profit organizations with multiple funding sources

Compensation

• $105K-$125K, depending on experience
• Medical, dental, vision, transit, 401K and other ancillary benefits
• 18 days PTO and up to 23 days after 5 years, 5 sick days, 11 holidays + the week between Christmas and New Years

To apply please send a cover letter with salary requirements, as well as your resume to jobs@urbanarts.org with “Controller” in the subject line.

Women, minorities, and/or people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Urban Arts Partnership is an equal opportunity employer.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

• Medical, dental, vision, transit, 401K and other ancillary benefits
• 18 days PTO and up to 23 days after 5 years, 5 sick days, 11 holidays + the week between Christmas and New Years