Controller, Finance & Banking, CFO

Through clinical services, education, and research, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing children and adolescents, couples, families, and individuals. When you join The Family Institute, you are joining a team of over 230 collaborators comprised of clinicians, educators, researchers, therapists-in-training, partners, and administrators across three service sites.

We are a strong, independent organization focused on advancing the world of behavioral health.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing and accounting for all financial transactions, while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the organization's financial records. Within a non-profit education and healthcare setting, this position is essential to effective financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the advancement of the organization's mission through robust internal controls and prudent financial practices. The Controller collaborates closely with the CFO, auditors, and operational teams to guarantee timely reporting and adherence to accounting standards.

The Controller consistently upholds TFI’s core values, mission, and vision to foster strong teams aligned with organizational objectives.

Location

Hybrid work arrangement from home office and our Chicago office

Department

Professional Services

Reports To

FLSA Status

Exempt

• Oversee all financial transactions associated with payroll, payables, receivables, and general journal entries, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of GAAP accounting and reporting
• Develop and implement strong internal controls over transactions to guard against the risk of errors, omission, and fraud including collaboration with the billing department
• Compose and maintain financial policies and procedures that protect the organization’s assets, ensure compliance, and establish consistent practices across the organization
• Act as lead user of the accounting system, including upgrades, transitions, and integrations
• Lead the annual external audit and other state and federal tax reporting requirements, including the 990 and 5500s, ensuring compliance and clean reporting
• Serve as liaison to Northwestern University’s finance department
• Contribute to the development of grant accounting and compliance policies/procedures
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Serve as thought partner to the CFO in leading the finance function of the organization
• Demonstrate an ongoing investment in professional development and in keeping updated on technical knowledge and skills relating to finance and accounting
• Apply AI and/or automation tools that streamline or improve processes, efficiency and quality
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CFO for business necessity

• General knowledge of accounting and payroll systems, preference for experience with Net Suite and/or Paylocity
• Proficient in MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Responsible use of AI
• Strong attention to detail
• Communication skills to include interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; customer service oriented
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced team environment with minimum supervision
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately with details and fluctuating work volumes
• Previous experience in a healthcare and/or Higher Education setting preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field
• 5-7 years of finance or accounting experience
• Preferred previous management experience

• Must be able to compose written reports clearly and effectively
• Must be able to be in a stationary position due to attention to computer screen
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• The ability to observe…