Controller

Knoxville Jewish Alliance (KJA)

The Knoxville Jewish Alliance (KJA) is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Controller to join our team. KJA is an integrated Jewish agency that operates the Arnstein Jewish Community Center, a 25,000-square-foot facility situated on 13 acres, our local Jewish Federations of North America affiliate, Hillel at the University of Tennessee, and Jewish Family Services.

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who is passionate about supporting a vibrant community nonprofit organization. The Controller will oversee all financial operations, manage day-to-day accounting functions, provide strategic financial insight to organizational leadership, and support key human resources functions. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted thought partner in financial decision-making, helping ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of the organization.

 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations of the organization.
• Oversee accounts receivable activity, including reviewing, coding, recording, and reconciling revenue from various revenue streams (including tuition, fundraising, grant revenue, rentals) to ensure accurate financial reporting and proper classification of income.
• Perform day-to-day accounting functions and maintain accurate financial records.
• Process accounts payable, including reviewing and coding invoices, obtaining approvals, posting payments, and issuing checks.
• Review and code organizational expenses, including credit card transactions, and prepare reconciliations.
• Manage petty cash accounts, perform quarterly reconciliations, and record transactions.
• Monitor cash flow and assist leadership in financial planning and forecasting.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, Board Treasurer, and organizational leadership on financial matters and operational decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls, efficiencies, and reporting.

Budgeting & Financial Reporting

• Guide and assist in the development of annual departmental budgets.
• Compile departmental budgets into the organization-wide budget.
• Prepare and maintain regular financial reports for the Board of Directors and department leaders.
• Monitor organizational performance against budget and provide recommendations as needed.
• Track and report on restricted and designated nonprofit funds.
• Prepare supporting documentation and coordinate the annual audit process.
• Work closely with the Board Treasurer to maintain banking relationships and financial oversight.

Human Resources & Payroll Administration

• Oversee payroll administration through the organization's payroll provider, handling inquiries and ensuring payroll accuracy.
• Maintain employee leave balances and related records.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee questions regarding leave benefits and payroll-related matters.
• Administer and track requests for extended leave.
• Assist with employee onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Support administration of employee benefits and personnel records.
• Ensure HR-related records and practices remain organized, accurate, and compliant with applicable regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employee and organizational matters.

Preschool Support

• Manage Preschool scholarship information and provide support to the Financial Aid Committee.

Organizational Support

• Maintain vendor files, including collection of W-9 forms, COI’s for insurance audits, and updating vendor information.
• Work collaboratively with paid staff, volunteer leadership, Board members, and community stakeholders.
• Support organizational initiatives and special projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of accounting, finance, or bookkeeping experience.
• Experience with QuickBooks or similar financial management systems.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial reporting.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Commitment to building positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience preparing for and supporting external audits.
• Familiarity with payroll and human resources administration.
• CPA designation is a plus but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and implement new technologies and systems.

Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience.

 

To Apply

Please email a brief cover letter and resume to Jesse Feld at [email protected] with the subject line:

Controller Application