Institute for Therapy through the Arts

Create. Grow. Heal.

Controller

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Controller will serve as a key member of ITA’s leadership team, responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of all financial reporting and compliance. This role oversees all day-to-day accounting functions, including general ledger maintenance, budgeting, financial analysis, internal controls, audits, and regulatory compliance. In addition, the Controller will work closely with the CEO in weekly financial management and strategy development. The Controller will supervise the finance team and seek to strategically expand the team when in the best interest of ITA.

Role & Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

  • Develops and maintains necessary accounting policies and systems, including general ledger and financial reporting. Ensure that records are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Prepares and presents accurate, appropriate reports and materials for the CEO and Board of Directors, as requested.
  • Coordinates, prepares, and reviews monthly and annual reports as needed; analyzes ITA’s financial data in electronic health record system and accounting system.
  • Issues regular status and ad hoc reports to management. Works with other team members to understand revenue, cost drivers, and define appropriate reports for tracking.
  • Oversee the annual financial audit and the development and implementation of accounting procedures carried out by ITA’s bookkeeper and the Office Manager.

Budgeting & Forecasting

  • Partners with the CEO on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, and accounting.
  • Monitor organizational performance against budget and provide forecasting and variance analysis.

Compliance & Controls

  • Leads the Finance operations and directs all aspects of accounting operations, overseeing transactions related to general ledger, receivables, payables, payroll, and financial reporting; manages cashflow.
  • Coordinates annual audits, tax schedules, IRS 990 returns and information.
  • Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accountability.
  • Responsible for reconciliation, fiscal compliance and fiscal reporting.
  • Maintain FDIC insurance coverage and liaise with external advisors, as needed.

Grants & Fund Management

  • Tracks grant spending and prepares budgets as requested for program grant applications.
  • Oversees responsible allocation of grant fund for designated programs and services, and prepares reports as requested.

Team & Systems Leadership

  • Promotes regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on finance operations.
  • Supervise finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing positive culture.
  • Evaluate and enhance accounting software and systems to improve efficiency and reporting capabilities.

Qualifications & Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master’s degree and CPA strongly preferred.
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a nonprofit setting.
  • In-depth knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards (FASB) and fund accounting.
  • Strong experience with financial reporting, budgeting, audit preparation, and compliance.
  • Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage) and Excel.
  • Preferred:
    • Experience in internal auditing and maintaining healthcare electronic health record general ledger.
    • Experience with federal grant compliance.
    • Familiarity with donor database integration and nonprofit fundraising cycles.
  • Authorized to work in the US.

Competencies & Preferred Skills

  • High level of integrity, ethics, and commitment to transparency.
  • Ability to prioritize and communicate to team members key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals and convey financial concepts to non-finance staff. Excellent communication skills: persuasive writing and oral communication.
  • Strategic thinker.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
  • Passion for the mission of the organization and a desire to contribute meaningfully to its impact.

Expected Pay: $33 – $43 per hour

Working Conditions (Travel, weekend, or evening hours, off-site work): Prolonged sitting and regular and consistent use of computer keyboard and mouse will be necessary in order to complete work.’

Job Type: Part-time, 20 hours per week; with the possibility of becoming full-time.

Benefits:

  • 401K
  • Paid leave
  • Flexible work schedule

Application Process: Please email your resume and cover letter to careers@itachicago.org with the subject line “Controller”