Controller

Come join a dynamic and mission-driven team at the growing YMCA of Greenwich!
Job Description

The Financial Controller reports directly to the CEO, serves on the senior leadership team, and is responsible for overseeing and managing all financial matters, information systems, and a $10+ million budget while providing direction and leadership for YMCA business operations and initiatives. As a key architect in building the organization’s financial future, this role drives innovative financial solutions, ensures fiscal health, and aligns strategy with mission, values, and long-term sustainability. The Controller provides expert guidance on budgeting, forecasting, revenue and expense management, capital development, procurement, risk management, audits, and compliance, while also providing staff leadership to the Finance and Audit Committees. This leader plays a pivotal role in strengthening financial infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing strategic initiatives in partnership with the CEO, Board, and leadership team, including expansion and repositioning efforts. The ideal candidate is a seasoned data-driven, and relationship-oriented leader who will shape financial strategy, ensure organizational stability, and make a meaningful impact across programs and services that benefit the entire community.

Qualifications
  • Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in mission-driven or nonprofit organizations, with exposure to multiple business models, facilities-oriented operations, and diverse revenue streams including programs, grants, and philanthropy.
  • Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred.
  • Financial Expertise: Deep understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, operating reserves, overhead efficiency, asset allocation, and organizational financial health.
  • Process Improvement & Analytics: Forward-thinking, data-driven professional with experience in business analytics, systems proficiencies, internal control management, financial reporting, and budget development.
  • Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to the mission, values, and ethics of the YMCA, with a passion for strengthening community impact.
  • Leadership & Management: Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, managing complex and multi-site organizational structures, fostering collaboration, and balancing diverse perspectives while maintaining strong accountability.
  • Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of financial systems within complex organizations, including budgeting, reporting, cash management, audits, grant management, debt financing, and internal controls; experience with SGA (Stock, Garber & Associates) a plus.
  • Organizational Oversight: Experience overseeing or partnering in Risk Management, Information Systems/IT, legal, and insurance programs, with the ability to negotiate effectively with lenders, carriers, and key vendors.
  • Real Estate & Facilities Acumen: Experience in capital planning, real estate development, evaluating real estate opportunities, and financing for facilities-based organizations.
  • Relationship Building: Proven ability to build strong partnerships with senior leaders, board members, and stakeholders in a matrixed environment.
  • Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate complex financial insights clearly to diverse audiences, using both financial and non-financial data to inform decision-making.
Essential Functions

Financial Leadership and Strategy

  • Support the development and execution of the organization’s financial strategy in alignment with mission, growth, and long-term sustainability goals.
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and pro forma development across all programs and branches.
    Monitor financial performance, including budget-to-actual results, and provide analysis, forecasts, and recommendations to executive leadership.
  • Translate financial data into actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and organizational priorities.
  • Develop performance metrics and reporting systems to track progress against strategic plan objectives.
  • Evaluate and refine business models to support financial performance, efficiency, and impact.

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, payroll, cash flow, liquidity management, and financial reporting.
  • Lead the finance, and accounting functions, ensuring systems are effective, secure, and aligned with organizational needs.
  • Develop and maintain accurate, timely financial records, reports, and required filings for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Optimize organizational process and financial systems to improve efficiency, scalability, and service delivery.
  • Establish performance standards and continuously improve budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools and practices.
  • Ensure alignment of financial operations with organizational policies, procedures, and YMCA standards.

Financal Controls

  • Design, implement, and continuously improve robust internal control systems to ensure financial accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
  • Oversee internal audits and compliance reviews, providing recommendations for improvement and risk mitigation.
  • Ensure proper documentation, controls, and processes are in place for all financial transactions and reporting.
  • Implement cost control measures and operational efficiencies to support financial sustainability.

Compliance and Integrity

  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as YMCA and industry standards.
    Direct the preparation and submission of all required financial reports, including tax filings (e.g., IRS Form 990) and regulatory reports.
  • Lead and certify the annual audit process, maintaining strong relationships with external auditors and ensuring adherence to accounting standards.
  • Provide financial oversight to ensure funding compliance of grants.
  • Promote a culture of financial integrity, transparency, and accountability across the organization.

Risk Management

  • Oversee enterprise risk management practices, including insurance programs, legal considerations, and internal risk controls.
  • Manage banking, financing, and lending relationships to support organizational liquidity and capital needs.
  • Lead financial due diligence and risk analysis for capital projects, programs, and strategic initiatives.
  • Negotiate and oversee vendor contracts, ensuring optimal service, pricing, and risk mitigation.
     

Partnership and Collaboration (Team Development, Fundraising, Board Engagement, External Relations)

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, senior leadership and board of directors, providing data-driven insights and planning. Provide staff leadership to Finance and Audit Committees, supporting governance, policy development, and fiduciary oversight.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with auditors, banks, legal counsel, advisors, and external stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with development team to support the financial reporting, recognition and oversight of philanthropic dollars. Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Strengthen financial literacy across the organization through training and partnership with non-financial leaders.