Controller

About SeriousFun

Founded by Paul Newman, SeriousFun Children’s Network is a global community of 30 independently run camps and programs across five continents. Together, these camps provide transformative experiences — always free of charge — for children with serious illnesses and their families, reaching more than 150,000 individuals annually.

Each camp and program is locally led and tailored to its community, while connected through the global Network for shared learning, support, and standards of excellence.

The SeriousFun Support Center, based in East Norwalk, CT, is a team of 33 staff who provide services that ensure program and operational excellence, create awareness, and support the continued growth of the Network worldwide.

We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion by valuing the experiences and voices of all who carry out our mission.

To continue this mission, we are seeking a talented finance professional to join our Support Center team.

About the Role:

The Controller is a key leader within the Finance team, responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role ensures accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information, while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and organizational policies. The Controller partners closely with senior leadership to support strategic decision-making, budgeting, and financial planning.

Position Summary: Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller has day-to-day management and oversight responsibilities for the organization’s finance functions. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong accounting and analytical skills, a logical and proactive approach to problem-solving, effective communication and collaboration across teams, and the ability to identify issues and implement process improvements that strengthen efficiency and compliance.

The Controller collaborates closely with senior leadership and Support Center colleagues, as well as Finance Directors and CFOs at SeriousFun member camps. The role also supports the CFO for Board Finance Committee presentations and contributes to initiatives that enhance SeriousFun’s strategic financial capacity.

Areas of Ownership

Please keep in mind that percentages reflect relative priority, not exact time allocation.

• Financial Operations & Compliance (40%)
• Reporting, Audit, & Regulatory Oversight (30%)
• Leadership & Strategic Financial Partnership (30%)

Key Responsibilities

This role is responsible for the following core areas of ownership and impact; additional duties may evolve based on organizational needs.

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily financial operations (accounts payable, accounts receivable, vendor management, and inteFinarnal controls).
• Lead nonprofit accounting operations, including fund accounting, revenue recognition, and grant tracking, in accordance with GAAP.
• Partner with Development to ensure proper recording and reconciliation of fundraising transactions.
• Maintain working knowledge of CRM and ERP systems (e.g., DonorPerfect, Sage Intacct) and support cross-system integration and data integrity.

Reporting & Audit

• Serve as lead contact for external auditors, ensuring timely deliverables and smooth annual audit execution.
• Manage financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, year-end) and tax filings for SeriousFun and related entities.
• Deliver timely, accurate financial reports to support forecasting, budget planning, and decision-making.

Leadership & Strategic Support

• Support CFO in preparation and presentation to the Board Finance Committee, Network Finance Peer Group, and other stakeholders.
• Manage, mentor, and coach finance staff to ensure professional growth and team capacity.
• Identify and implement process improvements and updated financial policies.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and camp CFOs/Finance Directors to strengthen practices across the Network.
• Stay current on nonprofit financial best practices and compliance requirements, sharing relevant updates with leadership.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed to support the finance team and organization.

What Success Looks Like

The Controller is seen and respected by the organization as a financial expert that supports the integrity and mission of the organization.

Key Competencies

• Job-Specific Skills: Demonstrates strong technical accounting knowledge and nonprofit finance expertise.
• Authority & Accountability: Provides direction for processes, projects, and staff; accountable for results.
• Critical Thinking & Decision-Making: Solves problems with sound judgment in complex situations.
• Planning & Organizing: Defines tasks and milestones; manages resources effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds productive relationships, collaborates respectfully, and communicates inclusively.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to changing circumstances and new information with resilience.
• Leadership: Models integrity, humility, and teamwork while supporting others’ success.

Qualifications:

Minimum

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (e.g., BA, BS) or equivalent
• CPA
• Years of Relevant Work Experience: 5-7 years
• Proven skills in:
  • Microsoft Office suite
  • Nonprofit fund accounting
  • Industry-Standard CRM/finance systems

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in finance, business and/or related field(s)
• Experience in working in NGO’s or other non-profit organizations, particularly those with federated/networked structures.
• Experience with Sage Intaact

Culture, Benefits and Pay

• At SeriousFun, we pride ourselves on being a fun, respectful, and collaborative workplace where staff are supported both professionally and personally.
• Work–life balance: Respect for your non-working time (EST), with limited evening/weekend contact.
• Time off: 30+ days annually, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer opportunities at SeriousFun camps.
• Professional development: Ongoing opportunities for growth and learning.
• Leave benefits: Paid time off for family, medical, and civic service needs.
• Retirement: Company-sponsored 403(b) plan after one year of service.
• Workspace: New office in East Norwalk with free onsite amenities; steps from the train station.

Salary Range: $80,000–$95,000, based on qualifications, experience and schedule.

As part of our commitment to equity and fair pay practices, offers are not negotiated. Our transparent pay bands ensure consistency and fairness for employees of all identities and backgrounds.

Please read more Support Center here to get a sense of what’s important to us.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume, and cover letter

• At SeriousFun, we pride ourselves on being a fun, respectful, and collaborative workplace where staff are supported both professionally and personally.
• Work–life balance: Respect for your non-working time (EST), with limited evening/weekend contact.
• Time off: 30+ days annually, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer opportunities at SeriousFun camps.
• Professional development: Ongoing opportunities for growth and learning.
• Leave benefits: Paid time off for family, medical, and civic service needs.
• Retirement: Company-sponsored 403(b) plan after one year of service.
• Workspace: New office in East Norwalk with free onsite amenities; steps from the train station.