Vice President & Controller

Since 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life across Arizona by fostering and advancing effective philanthropy. ACF serves as a trusted partner, supporting charitable organizations, donors, and community initiatives. With a deep commitment to addressing critical needs, the foundation works to create lasting, positive impacts through innovative programs and collaborative efforts.

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $145,350 to $171,000 based on the academic, professional, and community experiences and credentials of a candidate.

The Vice President of Finance / Controller (VP) is a key member of Arizona Community Foundation’s senior leadership team, responsible for the stewardship of ACF’s financial integrity. This role ensures the accuracy and transparency of the ACF’s financial systems, leads strategic financial planning and reporting, oversees fund accounting for over 2,000 funds, and manages compliance with federal and state nonprofit regulations.

The VP will also supervise the accounting team and coordinate closely with investment and fund operations and the technology team to ensure seamless financial processes.

• Partner with the CFO and executive leadership to align financial systems and reports with strategic goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on financial implications of key initiatives and growth opportunities.
• Develop financial models and forecasts to support long‑range planning, fundholder services, and strategic investments.
• Research, share and implement best practices that will position ACF as a leader in innovative financial processes among community foundation peers.

• Oversee the monthly and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Manage all fund accounting operations, including revenue recognition, donor‑restricted funds, endowments, grants payable, and investment allocations.
• Supervise all general ledger functions and ensure that all financial transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices.
• Oversee the preparation of internal financial reports for the executive team, Board, donors, fund holders, and external partners.

• Lead the annual independent audit process, including the ACF consolidated audit and audits of supporting organizations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
• Maintain robust internal controls, policies, and procedures to mitigate financial and operational risk.
• Monitor the implementation of FASB pronouncements and IRS guidance relevant to philanthropic institutions.
• Serve as a collaborative and effective member of the senior leadership team, working across departments to communicate and coordinate work that impacts the organization and our donors and other stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor a high‑performing finance and accounting team.
• Establish clear performance metrics, provide professional development opportunities, and build a culture of inclusion, engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with IT to enhance financial technology systems, including fund accounting software (e.g., Sage Intacct, integrations with Salesforce, etc.).
• Drive efficiency and automation in financial processes to support ACF’s growth and innovation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA desired, but will consider significant experience in lieu of a CPA.
• Minimum of 10 years progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or foundation environment.
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting (FASB standards), and fund accounting principles.
• Experience working with complex endowment funds and donor‑advised funds.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to translate complex financial data for non‑financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in presenting financial information to executive teams, boards of…