Controller

Status: Full-Time, Exempt Work Structure: Hybrid – three days per week onsite At Food Lifeline, strong financial operations are about more than accurate numbers. They help the organization make informed decisions, maintain accountability, meet its commitments, and strengthen the systems that support our mission. As Controller, you'll lead and strengthen Food Lifeline's accounting operations and ensure the integrity, accuracy, and effectiveness of our financial systems.

Reporting to the CFO, this is an opportunity to play a critical role in how financial information is managed, communicated, and used across the organization. You'll lead the monthly and annual close, annual financial audit and Single Audit, while overseeing payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and grants accounting and reporting.

This is a highly collaborative leadership role for someone who enjoys both technical accounting and organizational problem-solving. One day you might be leading audit preparation, reviewing financial statements, or ensuring federal grant requirements are met. The next, you might be improving internal controls, strengthening close processes, supporting a department with a complex accounting question, or helping the accounting team make systems and processes more effective.

Success in this role isn't measured simply by whether the books close on time. It's measured by whether Food Lifeline has reliable financial information, strong internal controls, audit-ready records, compliant grant accounting, and accounting processes that help teams across the organization do their work effectively.

You might be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy bringing structure, accuracy, and clarity to complex financial operations.
• See accounting as a tool for strengthening organizational effectiveness, accountability, and decision-making.
• Naturally notice when financial processes, systems, or controls could be stronger — and enjoy improving them.
• Are equally comfortable diving into the details of a reconciliation or audit schedule and stepping back to improve the systems and processes behind the work.
• Build trusted relationships across departments and can explain complex accounting matters clearly to people with different levels of financial expertise.
• Enjoy leading, coaching, and developing a team while establishing clear priorities, expectations, and accountability.
• Bring strong nonprofit accounting experience, including federal grants, Uniform Guidance, Single Audit requirements, internal controls, fund accounting, donor restrictions, and U.S. GAAP.
• Thrive in an environment where the work is complex, priorities shift, and sound judgment and attention to detail matter. This is an opportunity to play a critical role in strengthening Food Lifeline's financial infrastructure while working closely with the CFO and leaders across the organization. You'll have the opportunity to improve accounting systems and processes, support compliance and audit readiness, develop the accounting team, and ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and useful to the organization. This could be a great next step for an experienced nonprofit accounting leader who is ready to take on broad responsibility and help strengthen the financial foundation that supports Food Lifeline's mission and impact.

Compensation

Full-Time, Exempt Work Structure: Hybrid – three days per week onsite The full salary range for this position is $110,000 to $140,000 annually . Starting salary will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. Most new hires should expect to start in the middle portion of the range , with opportunities for compensation growth as they gain experience and proficiency in the role.

Why Food Lifeline? When you join Food Lifeline, you’re joining a team committed to collaboration, compassion, and our shared mission of ending hunger in Western Washington. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and growth, including: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance Employer-paid life and disability insurance 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Generous paid time off, holidays, and personal days Organization-wide time off from December 24 through January 1 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Professional development and learning opportunities A collaborative, mission-driven workplace where your work directly helps nourish communities across Western Washington Ready to Join Food Lifeline?

Please review the full job description and apply electronically. Complete applications should include a resume and cover letter . This position will remain open until filled. Food Lifeline is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable workplace where people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and thrive.

We strongly encourage candidates with lived experience related to food insecurity, poverty, or the communities we serve to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, we encourage you to let us know. Join us in working toward a future where everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.