Controller: Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance

The Organization

Rooted in South Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) is the result of a strategic merger between Diversified Community Services (DCS) and United Communities Southeast Philadelphia (UCSEP). Both organizations share a long history in the settlement house movement of the late 1800s.

Over the last several years, DCS and UCSEP have experienced a resurgence and extraordinary growth. Capturing the regard of colleagues and funders, locally and nationally, we have earned a reputation as an entrepreneurial trailblazer. GPCA’s mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by ensuring equitable distribution of resources for vulnerable children, families, and communities. We aim to be Philadelphia’s catalyst for community empowerment and partnership and the upward mobility of families and communities. We are committed to a nonprofit model that promotes social enterprise, an inspiring and safe environment, and a team-oriented culture.

GPCA’s current operating budget is approximately $24 million, with 200+ employees across more than nine programs and eight locations. We are looking to grow our staff to at least 300 within the following year.

GPCA’s programming areas include:

• Children & Youth Development
• Family Development
• Housing & Economic Empowerment
• Community Development

Building on this strong platform, DCS and UCSEP’s strategic merger to become GPCA will strengthen our mission impact, fill our need to expand community impact across South Philadelphia and beyond, and increase our organizational stability.

Position Understanding

Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) has been growing steadily and seeks to accelerate growth and impact dramatically. The Controller is responsible for overseeing the accounting department to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions and supervising GPCA’s fiscal team.

This position may be hybrid/remote after an initial onboarding period.

The salary range is $90,000 – $100,000 depending on qualifications.

Job Description

The Controller will report to and work closely with the Chief Financial Officer. The Controller must adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous and deadline-oriented workplace while managing, directing, and developing a team of three.

• EXCELLENCE requires leadership and uncompromising expectations of ourselves and others. It reflects a strong desire to rise to the highest level of positive impact.
• CONNECTEDNESS represents the interdependence of individuals, families, organizations, and businesses. It calls for all to be engaged in making a healthy community.
• PASSION prioritizes caring investment in communities and people as well as authenticity – truth in how we represent ourselves. It serves as a driving force toward excellence.
• INNOVATION builds on creativity and anticipates the need not only to adapt to change but also to initiate transformations to stay relevant.
• ACCOUNTABILITY brings out integrity and is growth from reflection. It demands taking ownership of our actions and results and fulfilling our promise to communities.

Responsibilities

Finance:

• Prepare monthly financial statements, audit schedules, and other accounting records needed for the preparation of the financial statements and other required financial data, post month-end journal entries
• Oversee cash flow planning and projections, ensuring the availability of funds.
• Responsible for the day-to-day accounting of the organization’s financial transactions
• Maintaining and continuously improving the system of financial controls, including general accounting, budgeting, banking, payroll, and benefits.

Accounting and Administration:

• Oversee the accounting department to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions; supervise GPCA’s fiscal team
• Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
• Work with the CFO to prepare annual program and operating budgets; assist in the calculation of cash flow projections.

Qualifications

• The Controller will be a seasoned leader with at least 8-10 years of broad accounting experience, ideally beginning in audit, followed by experience gathering and evaluating financial information and making actionable recommendations to the CFO.
• The Controller must have experience managing financial tasks (accounting, budgeting, internal controls, and reporting) for a complex nonprofit with multiple funding sources, including government (federal, state, and city) contracts and an affiliate structure with diverse program areas delivered nationally.

Specific requirements include:

• A minimum of a BA/BS in accounting, finance, or a relevant field is required. A CPA and/or MBA would be a plus, while a CNAP is preferred.
• At least five years of experience as a Controller or equivalent in a nonprofit organization, preferably with a budget of at least $20 million. Recent nonprofit accounting training is strongly preferred
• Significant experience in or knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including sophisticated allocations for grants, compliance, and reporting purposes.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the Uniform Guidance and nonprofit revenue recognition guidelines.
• In-depth knowledge of risk management practices in nonprofits.
• Broad knowledge of technology with experience implementing financial and payroll software packages
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills, plus excellent organization skills.
• An action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management
• Must have experience developing personnel, ensuring a deep talent bench for projected successions and advancements
• Advanced-level Microsoft Office Skills, especially Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
• Passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed with the highest standards of personal, ethical, and professional integrity.
• Experience using Fund EZ and Kronos is a plus.

Work Location

Mamie Nichols Center

1529 S. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146