Controller & Accounting Manager

About NumFOCUS

NumFOCUS is a U.S. nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) focused on advancing open-source scientific computing so research can be more effective, reliable, and impactful. The organization backs a portfolio of well-known open-source projects that support researchers, data scientists, and engineers around the world. Its work centers on building durable communities around these tools so that scientific and analytical work can rely on accessible, dependable software. The culture is mission-driven, with open code treated as a key ingredient for more transparent and better science.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operations Officer, this position acts as the most senior accounting lead within the organization. The Controller & Accounting Manager owns the daily accounting function and is accountable for the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the company’s financial records. The role is responsible for strengthening controls, improving accounting processes, and maintaining discipline across a complex nonprofit environment funded through multiple sources.

What You Will Handle

• Direct the accounting function on a day-to-day basis and oversee staff handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, and related work.
• Lead the monthly and annual close cycles and ensure reporting is completed on time and is useful for decision-making.
• Maintain a strong control structure across cash, receivables, payables, payroll accounting, grants, and restricted funds.
• Partner with the CFOO on the annual financial statement audit and support any single audit or grant compliance process.
• Spot accounting or compliance issues early and escalate matters that require technical accounting judgment.
• Own the general ledger and supporting schedules, ensuring transactions are recorded correctly and reconciliations are completed promptly.
• Oversee core accounting activities including AP, AR, payroll accounting oversight, and financial reporting.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial transactions.
• Ensure every balance sheet account is reconciled each month.
• Prepare or supervise financial statements in line with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Support the annual audit by assembling schedules, reconciliations, and backup documentation.
• Improve accounting workflows, internal controls, and operating efficiency while lowering financial risk.
• Track cash position and liquidity and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Ensure restricted and unrestricted funds are accounted for properly.
• Create and maintain accounting policies, procedures, close checklists, and related documentation.
• Oversee the financial side of grants, including accounting, compliance, and reporting.
• Monitor grant expenditures, receivables, and reimbursement activity.
• Review grant agreements and award documents to identify accounting, reporting, and compliance obligations and reflect them correctly in records and reports.
• Review and coordinate approval of grant financial reports.
• Maintain compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
• Establish and maintain controls and review steps that protect the integrity of financial transactions and backup records.
• Ensure adherence to GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, internal policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and documentation for Form 990, financial audits, and other required filings.
• Keep records organized and complete enough to support audits, compliance reviews, and reporting needs.
• Carry out corrective actions resulting from audits, compliance reviews, and internal control assessments.
• Support annual budget planning with organizational leadership.
• Prepare quarterly budget-versus-actual analysis and provide recommendations.
• Supervise AP/AR staff and manage work priorities, performance, and development.
• Cross-train team members to maintain continuity of operations.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and ongoing improvement within the finance team.
• Act as a trusted financial partner to leadership.

Experience and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience is required.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience is required.
• Background in nonprofit accounting is required.
• Audit experience is required.
• Experience handling grants and restricted funding is required.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting is needed.
• Solid understanding of grant compliance and Uniform Guidance is expected.
• Experience using QuickBooks Online or a comparable accounting system is required.
• Experience with Ramp or a similar AP and expense management platform is preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong financial reporting capability are needed.
• Sound professional judgment and strong problem-solving ability are important.
• Ability to identify concerns early and recommend practical solutions is valued.
• Clear communication with both finance and non-finance stakeholders is important.
• Demonstrated success improving accounting processes, controls, and efficiency is preferred.
• Strong organization and close attention to detail are essential.
• Alignment with nonprofit work and the mission is highly desirable.

Additional Information

This role is based in the United States and is structured as a full-time onsite position. No salary or stipend amount was specified in the source.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required.

Eligibility

Professionals with deep accounting experience, nonprofit finance expertise, supervisory background, and hands-on audit and grant compliance experience are suitable for this role.