Controller

The Opportunity

One Project seeks a Controller to fully own our accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting and compliance. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller will manage day-to-day bookkeeping, lead our annual audit and tax processes, oversee payroll and benefits administration, and establish financial infrastructure to support our expanding revenue streams and foundation grant reporting. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, trustworthy finance professional—ideally with CPA credentials—who thrives in mission-driven environments and values both accuracy and integrity in their work.

What You’ll Do

Day-to-Day Accounting Operations

• Manage full-cycle accounting operations including AP, AR, general ledger, and monthly reconciliations
• Oversee payroll processing and benefits administration through JustWorks, coordinating with HR on employee lifecycle
• Manage vendor relationships, cash flow across multiple funding streams, and serve as primary contact for our external bookkeeping firm
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Lead monthly close process and prepare timely, accurate financial statements for Director of Finance review
• Create financial reports for leadership, board, and donors, including budget-to-actual variance analysis
• Develop and maintain reporting templates and dashboards to support decision-making

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Lead annual audit process as primary contact with external auditors, preparing documentation and schedules to ensure clean audit performance
• Support preparation of IRS Form 990 and other tax filings
• Maintain corporate records and ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations

Grants Management & Foundation Reporting

• Track and manage restricted funding, ensuring compliance with grant terms
• Prepare financial reports for foundation funders and execute grant disbursements with strong attention to detail
• Partner with our development team to establish grant reporting procedures and adapt QuickBooks for grant reporting functionality

Systems, Process Improvement & Policy Development

• Manage QuickBooks platform and lead chart of accounts refresh
• Partner with Director of Finance on financial policy updates (signature authority, internal controls, contract thresholds)
• Document SOPs, strengthen internal controls, and support integration of financial systems (QuickBooks, JustWorks, Expensify, Bill.com)
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation

You may be the candidate we’re looking for if you bring…

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a nonprofit environment
• Deep knowledge of GAAP for nonprofit organizations and fund accounting
• Track record of leading clean nonprofit audits as primary auditor contact
• Strong proficiency with QuickBooks and experience with payroll/benefits platforms
• Experience tracking and reporting on restricted funding and preparing financial reports for foundation funders
• Proven ability to deliver accurate, timely monthly financial statements and manage full-cycle accounting operations
• Experience with payroll processing, benefits administration, and managing external service providers
• Understanding of internal controls, process improvement, and financial policy development
• Integrity and trustworthiness in handling confidential financial matters, with meticulous attention to detail
• Clear communication skills to translate financial information for non-finance colleagues
• Collaborative, service-oriented approach with adaptability in a growing organization

Preferred but not required:

• CPA certification
• Experience customizing QuickBooks for grant reporting and managing chart of accounts redesign
• Experience in mission-driven organizations aligned with economic democracy or social justice values

Insurance: Health, Dental & Vision. 100% coverage for you, 75% coverage for your dependents.

Unlimited Personal Time Off

Stipends for home office technology + equipment, internet, wellness, and professional development.

Retirement Savings. 403(b) with employer contribution. One Project will contribute 5% of eligible compensation quarterly. Employer contributions are 100% vested with immediate effect.