Controller

SUMMARY: The Controller leads Connect United’s accounting and financial operations across all campuses and affiliated ministries, including the Connect Caribbean Mission (CCM) in the Dominican Republic. This role owns the monthly close, general ledger, financial reporting, budget support, internal controls, payroll accounting, and the annual audit, ensuring that Connect’s financial stewardship is accurate, timely, and above reproach. The Controller partners with ministry and operations leaders to turn financial data into clear insight that supports faithful decision-making. This position may require occasional weekend/evening availability during close, audit, and board reporting cycles.

WHO YOU ARE: A detail-driven accounting leader who sees financial stewardship as ministry, bringing order to complex books, clarity to the numbers, and integrity to every transaction.

FLSA: Full-time salaried exempt.

CHRISTIAN LIFE: As an employee of Connect United in this job position, you are an important member of the church leadership team. You must possess the following attributes:

• A devoted follower of Jesus Christ and willing to sign the ministry’s Statement of Faith.
• A committed member of the church community (or willing to become one within two months).
• Able to fully support the ministries' core values, mission, and operational beliefs.
• Able to maintain a lifestyle and testimony consistent with Scripture and Christian leadership standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Accounting Operations & Monthly Close
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process, delivering accurate financial statements according to an established close calendar.
• Maintain the general ledger and Chart of Accounts, ensuring consistent coding across campuses, ministries, departments, and funds.
• Prepare and review reconciliations for bank, credit card/PEX, payroll liability, and all balance sheet accounts.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense reimbursements, and the recording of contributions.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Produce monthly financial statements and budget-vs-actual reports by campus, department, and fund.
• Prepare clear financial reports for the Lead Pastor & President, Lead Team, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Analyze trends in giving, expenses, and cash flow, and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Track restricted, designated, and grant funds to ensure proper use and accurate donor reporting.
• Budgeting & Cash Management
• Lead the annual budget process in partnership with campus, ministry, and department leaders.
• Monitor cash flow, forecast liquidity needs, and manage operating and capital reserves.
• Support long-range financial planning, capital projects, and campus growth initiatives.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance
• Serve as the primary liaison for the annual audit or financial review, preparing all schedules and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit GAAP, IRS requirements for churches (contribution statements, clergy housing allowances, 1099s), and Massachusetts reporting requirements.
• Oversee financial transactions, transfers, and reporting with CCM in the Dominican Republic.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, payroll providers, and legal counsel as needed.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Internal Controls & Systems
• Design, document, and enforce internal controls, segregation of duties, and approval workflows.
• Maintain and update financial policies and procedures, including purchasing, expense, and contribution-handling procedures.
• Administer and improve the accounting, payroll, giving, and expense management platforms.
• Payroll & Benefits Accounting
• Oversee payroll accuracy, including clergy tax considerations, benefit deductions, and 403(b) remittances.
• Reconcile payroll and benefits accounts and partner with HR on compensation and benefits data.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Supervise, train, and develop finance staff.
• Equip ministry leaders to manage their budgets and follow purchasing and expense policies.
• Model a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellent service.

REPORTS TO: Lead Pastor & President

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5-7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or controller-level role.
• Demonstrated experience leading the month-end close and managing an external audit.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit financial reporting, and church-specific tax rules.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to explain financial information to non-financial leaders.
• High integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting software; proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
• Fluency in English.
• Must pass all clearances and background checks required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Preferred

• CPA or CMA
• Church or nonprofit accounting experience, including fund accounting, restricted gifts, and church-specific tax rules (clergy compensation, housing allowances, contribution statements).
• Payroll and benefits accounting experience, including 403(b) plans.
• Experience with [accounting, giving, payroll, and expense platforms] or implementing financial systems.
• Experience overseeing international or affiliated-entity finances.
• Fluency in Spanish.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, which include regularly required to stand, walk, or sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person