Accounting Controller

Organization Overview

CASA is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable housing in the Raleigh/Durham area.  With an operating budget of approximately $10 million, we develop and manage a diverse portfolio of affordable and community-serving properties, leveraging public and private financing tools to create lasting impact for the residents and communities we serve.

The Accounting Controller occupies a critical financial leadership role within our organization, serving as the cornerstone of financial integrity, operational sustainability, and compliance. This position ensures that our finance function can effectively support organizational leadership, satisfy the requirements of public and private funders, and provide the Board of Directors with the accurate, timely information needed to advance our mission.

Position Summary

The Accounting Controller is responsible for all accounting operations of the organization, ensuring the integrity of financial data, compliance with nonprofit and real estate accounting standards, and production of accurate financial reporting for leadership, funders, and the Board of Directors. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both deep technical expertise in nonprofit accounting and the interpersonal ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.

The Controller will oversee general ledger management, financial reporting, budget development, real estate and property accounting, grant and fund accounting, audit coordination, and supervision of the accounting team. The ideal candidate brings a demonstrated commitment to the organization's mission, sound professional judgment, and a proactive approach to continuous financial process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & General Ledger

     Oversee and maintain the general ledger; ensure accuracy and completeness of all financial records across the organization

     Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

     Produce financial reports for the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors on a timely, consistent basis

     Manage and execute month-end and year-end close processes with precision and efficiency

Budget Management & Forecasting

     Lead the annual budgeting process in close collaboration with department heads and senior leadership

     Monitor budget-to-actual variances on an ongoing basis; provide detailed analysis and actionable recommendations to leadership

     Develop rolling cash flow projections and actively manage operating liquidity to support organizational stability

Real Estate & Property Accounting

     Oversee accounting for all real estate holdings, including property acquisitions, dispositions, depreciation schedules, and lease accounting in accordance with applicable standards

     Track and report on capital projects and construction-in-progress (CIP) with accurate cost accumulation and timely capitalization

     Ensure proper accounting treatment for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects, HUD-funded programs, and other real estate financing structures as applicable

     Coordinate with property managers on operating budgets, expense reconciliations, and financial reporting for individual properties or entities

Grant & Fund Accounting

     Manage accounting for all restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of fund balances and activity

     Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including tracking of allowable expenditures, preparation of financial reports for funders, and support of grant-specific audits

     Coordinate with development and program staff on grant budgets, draw requests, and financial narrative reporting

Audit & Compliance

     Lead the annual independent audit process; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and manage all audit support documentation and schedules

     Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements, including support for IRS Form 990 preparation

     Maintain and strengthen internal controls; recommend and implement improvements to financial policies, procedures, and safeguards

     Ensure compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) for federally funded programs as applicable

Accounts Payable & Receivable

     Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including vendor payment processing, invoice review and approval, and collections follow-up

     Manage bank reconciliations, corporate credit card accounts, and petty cash funds

     Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing in coordination with the Human Resources team

Team Leadership & Systems

     Supervise the accounting team, which may include a Senior Accountant, Staff Accountant, and AP/AR Clerk, providing mentorship, direction, and performance management

     Maintain, administer, and optimize accounting software platforms and financial systems for efficiency and data integrity

     Proactively identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of the finance function

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

     Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field

     Active CPA license a plus, or candidate actively pursuing a CPA license

     Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with demonstrated growth in scope and complexity

     Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a supervisory or management role overseeing accounting staff

     Demonstrated experience in nonprofit accounting and fund accounting, including management of restricted grants

     Solid knowledge of GAAP as applied to nonprofit organizations (ASC 958 and related standards)

     Experience with real estate accounting, including property depreciation, lease accounting (ASC 842), and capital project tracking

     Proficiency with accounting software such as NetSuite or comparable platforms

     Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling

Preferred Qualifications

     Experience with affordable housing and real estate finance structures

     Familiarity with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and federal grant compliance requirements

     Experience working within a real estate development environment

     Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Core Competencies

Compensation & Benefits

This organization offers a competitive and comprehensive total compensation package designed to attract and retain top financial talent committed to our mission.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl,in setting up equipment needed for this department. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment:
The work environment is hybrid, with hours determined by departmental needs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

CASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences.