Description
Position: Controller
Reports to: CFO
Location: Austin-based, hybrid (3 days in office/2 day remote)
Salary: $110k - $125k
Position Summary
The Controller is a key finance leadership role responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting operations of a digital-first, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization where collaboration, transparency, adaptability, and clear communication are essential to supporting a fast-paced mission-driven environment. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller ensures accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and efficient financial processes that support The Texas Tribune’s operations.
This role oversees core accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, monthly close, audit, budgeting support, and cash management. The Controller directly supervises the Staff Accountant and Accounts Receivable Specialist, fostering a collaborative, high-performing finance team.
The successful Controller will strengthen the organization's accounting operations by establishing disciplined processes, ensuring technical accounting excellence, and building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. They are equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to solve complex accounting issues, coaching others to produce high-quality work, and partnering across the organization with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. They thrive in a fast-paced, evolving newsroom environment where priorities shift quickly and effective communication is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Design, document, and continuously improve accounting processes to create a scalable, well-controlled finance function.
- Establish and maintain a disciplined month-end and year-end close process, including clear ownership, timelines, reconciliations, and review procedures that consistently produce accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure completeness, accuracy, and adherence to GAAP.
- Develop standardized accounting policies and documentation to improve consistency, transparency, and knowledge sharing across the finance team.
- Manage all accounting operations including general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and fixed assets.
- Lead an accurate, timely, and highly disciplined monthly and annual close process, ensuring all reconciliations, supporting schedules, and financial reports meet high standards of quality and accuracy.
- Prepare internal financial reports, variance analyses, and dashboards for the CFO and leadership team.
- Maintain accounting systems, chart of accounts, and financial workflows to support operational efficiency and growth.
- Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and banking activity; assist CFO with forecasting and treasury management.
- Track and report restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with nonprofit accounting standards.
- Support accounting for multiple revenue streams such as contributions, memberships, subscriptions, digital, and events.
- Ensure proper allocation of shared costs across business lines.
Compliance & Controls
- Maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
- Serve as the organization's technical accounting expert, ensuring consistent application of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and internal accounting policies across all financial activities.
- Research and resolve complex accounting issues, documenting accounting positions and recommending appropriate treatment.
- Coordinate annual financial audit and preparation of schedules, workpapers, and auditor requests.
- Support preparation of IRS Form 990 and other required filings in partnership with external tax advisors.
- Manage out-of-state employee payroll tax/benefit requirements, sales tax, or other indirect tax compliance where applicable.
Budgeting & Strategic Support
- Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
- Provide department leaders with budget-to-actual reporting and financial guidance.
- Analyze trends in revenue, expenses, staffing, and program investments to inform decision-making.
- Recommend process improvements and scalable systems as the organization grows.
- Partner proactively with leaders across editorial, revenue, product, operations, and development to improve financial understanding, resolve coding questions, and support informed decision-making.
Team Leadership
- Supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff through regular feedback, mentoring, and professional development.
- Create a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence while fostering trust, respect, and collaboration.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships by communicating financial concepts clearly, listening actively, and partnering with colleagues to solve problems.
- Provide timely, candid, and respectful feedback while addressing performance issues and conflicts with professionalism and empathy.
Success in this Role
The successful candidate will:
- Build a disciplined, predictable month-end close process.
- Strengthen accounting policies, documentation, and internal controls.
- Deliver consistently accurate, timely financial reporting.
- Develop an engaged, accountable accounting team.
- Build trusted relationships across departments by communicating with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
- Balance technical accounting rigor with practical problem-solving in a fast-moving nonprofit newsroom.
Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
- Deep technical knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting, restricted contributions, grant accounting, and revenue recognition.
- Demonstrated success improving accounting operations, implementing scalable processes, and strengthening internal controls.
- Experience leading accurate, timely period-end close processes.
- Experience managing annual audits and financial reporting.
- Proficiency with accounting systems and advanced Excel skills.
- Exceptional analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and commitment to producing consistently accurate financial work products.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, influence without authority, and communicate effectively with colleagues across all levels of the organization.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve quickly and collaboration is essential.
Preferred
- CPA or CPA candidate.
- Experience managing the finances of a growing and changing organization.
- Experience with ERP/accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar.
