Controller

Controller Position

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity's DEI Commitment affirms housing as a human right and homeownership as a foundation for generational wealth and social mobility. We also acknowledge that "bringing people together" is central to our mission. People with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are critical to our success. Join our team and help us further our mission of building homes, communities, and hope. Pay Range: $90,000.00 - $104,000.00.

Position Overview

The Controller serves as Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity's senior internal finance leader and is accountable for reliable financial systems, accurate reporting, disciplined accounting operations and development of the accounting team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Controller oversees accounting operations, internal controls, financial reporting, cash management, budgeting support, audit preparation, compliance and supervision of the Accounting Department. During the initial 6-12 months, the Controller and Chief Operating Officer will work alongside a Fractional Chief Financial Officer to strengthen internal financial capacity and prepare the organization for long-term financial leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the organization's accounting function, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, the general ledger, fixed assets, and mortgage-servicing accounting.
• Maintain accurate financial records, effective internal controls, and compliance with GAAP and organizational accounting policies.
• Manage accounting systems, procedures, and documentation that support efficient operations and business continuity.

Financial Reporting & Budget Administration

• Produce timely, accurate financial statements, forecasts, and reports that support sound decision-making by staff, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors.
• Lead the annual operating and capital budget process, including coordination with department leaders, budget reporting, and budget-to-actual analysis.
• Provide accurate financial information and analysis to support strategic planning, grant reporting, lender reporting, and other organizational needs.

Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with financial reporting, audit, regulatory, lender, grantor, insurance, and Habitat for Humanity International requirements.
• Maintain a strong system of internal controls that protects organizational assets and reduces financial risk.
• Identify financial risks and compliance issues and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

Accounting Department Leadership

• Lead, develop, and evaluate the Accounting Department to ensure accurate, timely, and responsive financial services.
• Build a high-performing team through coaching, cross-training, succession planning, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing, performance, and professional development within the Accounting Department.

Organizational & Program Support

• Provide financial leadership and accounting support for the organization's housing development, construction, mortgage lending, and repair programs, including programs with designated funding and funds held for other agencies.
• Provide financial information and documentation needed to support real estate transactions, development financing, funding requests and reports, and organizational planning.
• Partner with department leaders to strengthen financial understanding and support effective operational decision-making.

Reporting Relationships

The Controller reports to the Chief Operating Officer. The Fractional Chief Financial Officer provides technical guidance, strategic priorities and mentoring but does not formally supervise the Controller. The Chief Operating Officer retains responsibility for performance management and resolves competing operational priorities in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer. While the Accounting Specialist assists with day-to-day workflow coordination, review and coaching of the Accounting Coordinator and Associate, the Controller retains formal supervision and performance management of those positions.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field.
• Minimum seven years of progressive accounting experience.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Experience managing audits.
• Strong Excel and accounting-software proficiency.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting

Preferred

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in affordable housing, real estate development, mortgage lending, or construction accounting.
• Experience supporting boards, finance committees, or external auditors.
• Experience implementing or improving accounting systems and financial processes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS This job operates primarily in a professional office environment and routinely requires operating standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Occasionally works in outside conditions that can include inclement weather, heat and humidity, high noise levels and navigating rough terrain. Must be able to travel to meetings and events and communicate appropriately with stakeholders. Some evening and weekend hours required. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Living Wage Certified, Family Forward Certified, Breastfeeding Friendly Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We are committed to providing a safe workspace for all staff and volunteers. All candidates who have received an offer of employment will undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances, a sex offender screening, and criminal background check. Criminal background is reviewed on a case-by-case basis considering the severity, timeframe of the offense, and applicability to the responsibilities of the open position. If you require accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application, please email [email protected].