The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

About the Role

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations and financial reporting functions of AIHA and its related entities. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Controller provides leadership and direction for the finance team, ensures the integrity of financial records, maintains strong internal controls, and serves as a key financial partner to senior leadership, the Finance Committee, and external audit and tax firms. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution and is critical to ensuring financial transparency, compliance, and operational excellence across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversees all day-to-day accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, fixed assets, and monthly and year-end close.
• Ensures timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintains and strengthens internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures to support organizational growth and compliance.
• Serves as system owner for Sage Intacct, ensuring proper configuration, reporting accuracy, and ongoing optimization.

Audit and Tax

• Serves as the primary liaison with external audit and tax firms.
• Coordinates and manages the annual financial audit, including preparation of schedules, responses to auditor inquiries, and implementation of recommendations.
• Oversees preparation and review of all required tax filings, including Form 990 and related compliance filings, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Partners with the COO to manage the annual budget and forecasting process.
• Provides financial analysis, variance reporting, and insights to support decision-making across the enterprise.
• Supports budget managers throughout the year by providing guidance on financial performance, projections, and cost management.

Banking and Cash Management

• Manages all banking relationships, including operating accounts, investment accounts, and credit facilities.
• Oversees cash flow management, liquidity planning, and banking transactions.
• Ensures appropriate controls are in place for distributions, wire transfers, and other financial activities.

Payroll and HR Collaboration

• Works closely with Human Resources to oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and proper allocation of labor costs.
• Supports payroll-related audits, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Ensures compliance with payroll tax and reporting requirements.

Governance and Committee Support

• Prepares financial materials and reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors and supports meetings, as needed.
• Serves as a trusted financial resource to volunteer leaders, providing clear, accurate, and timely financial information.
• Assists in responding to Board-level financial inquiries in partnership with the COO.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations applicable to nonprofit associations.
• In coordination with the COO, coordinates annual workers’ compensation and other related audits
• In coordination with the COO, works with insurance advisors to ensure the association has adequate insurance coverage at the best possible price

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises the finance department
• Maintains a first-class staff team in coordination with the supervisor, which may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and all applicable laws
• Effectively and thoroughly communicates short and long-term goals as well as a shared vision with direct reports
• Develops direct reports through personal development plans and cross-functional assignments, delegates projects and responsibilities for achieving goals to staff

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree required in relevant area
• Required:
  • At least 10 years’ experience in Accounting/Finance
  • At least 5 years’ supervisory experience
  • CPA required
• Preferred:
  • Working knowledge of accounting software, Sage Intacct, PN3, Solver
  • At least 7 years’ work experience in professional membership organization or association