Accountant

Position Title: Controller
Reports to: VP of Strategy & Impact
Direct Reports: Accountant, Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controller to join our finance team. The Controller will manage and oversee the organization's financial operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with regulatory requirements, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and 42 CFR Part 2 standards related to privacy and confidentiality of patient records. This role will also provide critical oversight for grant management, ensuring compliance with grant regulations and maximizing financial resources. The Controller will directly supervise an Accountant and an Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist.

The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting background, experience in non-profit finance, and a keen understanding of grant management and compliance with healthcare regulations, making them a key partner in maintaining the financial health and legal integrity of the organization.

VOA Alaska is a youth-serving organization providing prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. We are honored to walk with families during these times and provide support and hope through recovery. Our core values are connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy. We are looking for individuals who espouse these core values and align with this mission of services to the community.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Financial Management:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the accounting department, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
• Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Manage the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and ensuring all audit requirements are met.
• Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard the organization's assets and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting.
• Ensure all financial systems and processes are in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements, maintaining the confidentiality of patient information in financial transactions.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Support the VP in the development of the annual organizational budget and long-term financial forecasting.
• Monitor and analyze budget variances, providing detailed financial analysis and recommendations for cost controls or reallocation of resources.
• Assist department leaders with the development and management of program-specific budgets.

Grant Management:

• Oversee financial aspects of grants, including pre-award budgeting, post-award compliance, and reporting.
• Ensure that all grant financial activities are in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as well as funder requirements.
• Work closely with program leadership to monitor grant spending, ensuring alignment with grant budgets and timelines.
• Prepare and submit grant-related financial reports to funders, ensuring all reporting deadlines are met.

Compliance and Regulatory Reporting:

• Maintain compliance with federal and state tax regulations, including preparation and submission of Form 990 and other required filings.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, accounting standards, and VOA Alaska policies.
• Ensure that all financial activities adhere to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations, maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive health and substance use treatment information.
• Stay current on changes in nonprofit accounting practices, grant management regulations, and healthcare privacy laws.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Directly supervise an Accountant and an Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist, providing guidance, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Act as a key financial resource for senior management, providing strategic financial guidance and support.

Systems Management:

• Oversee and maintain accounting software systems, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and integration with other organizational systems.
• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes through technology and process improvements, with particular attention to ensuring compliance with healthcare-related data protection standards.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. CPA preferred.
• Experience:
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, preferably in a nonprofit or healthcare setting.
  • Experience with grant management and compliance is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 compliance as it pertains to financial operations is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing accounting teams.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in accounting software (experience with QuickBooks or similar systems preferred).
  • Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with financial reporting tools.
• Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion, particularly in the context of healthcare data.
• All members of the workforce will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to VOA's vision and mission and will consistently demonstrate its values in all areas of their work. Moreover, everyone is expected to demonstrate collaboration and teamwork, accept direction, feedback and coaching, and prove themselves to be a reliable and consistent resource to clients and colleagues.

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

• Experience in managing multiple grants and complex funding streams.
• Familiarity with federal grant guidelines, including OMB Circulars and Uniform Guidance.
• Proven track record in implementing process improvements and enhancing internal controls.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Passion for nonprofit work and alignment with VOA Alaska's mission of empowering Alaskans to improve their quality of life.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May work in office areas. Interacts with staff, consultants, and outside vendors. May be subjected to interruptions throughout the workday.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. The vision requirement includes close vision.

Acknowledgement

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you may be required to perform. The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or can be considered essential to this position.