Fractional Controller

Tradeoffs Fractional Controller (part-time, remote)

About Tradeoffs

Tradeoffs is an award-winning nonprofit news organization that helps people have smarter, more honest conversations about U.S. health care and health policy. We produce a weekly podcast, newsletter, and articles that tell intellectually engaging, emotionally resonant stories. We participate in live events and work with partners to elevate reporting and dialogue on the nuance and complexity of modern health care. We follow three principles in our work: rely on research and evidence; employ storytelling techniques; and focus on the intersection of policy, money, and people. Our journalistic impact spans from raising awareness to directly affecting the actions of health policy makers.

About the Opportunity

We are a small, dedicated team working on exceptional journalism, meaningful audience engagement, and effective nonprofit operations. Now in our sixth year, we are poised to grow Tradeoffs’ reach and impact across both the media and health care landscapes. We seek an experienced controller to provide comprehensive oversight of our nonprofit financial operations in alignment with our scope and growth path. A successful fractional partner in this role will ensure best practices and compliance for all our financial processes and the efficiencies needed for operating nimbly on a ~$1.5M annual operating budget. This role will work consistently with Tradeoffs’ Executive Director, Fractional COO, and Operations Coordinator.

The Fractional Controller is a contract position of 30-40 hours per month. Compensation is commensurate with experience, ranging between $80 - $90 per hour. The preferred start date is March 17, 2025 to provide overlap with our retiring contract financial service provider. Tradeoffs uses QuickBooks and seeks a controller with QuickBooks expertise. We are funded by several philanthropic grants and experience with financial management of grants and restricted funding is essential to this role.

Application deadline: February 28, 2025

Role Responsibilities:

Accounting Oversight

• Oversee all bookkeeping and accounting operations, including bookkeeper, to ensure accuracy, compliance, timeliness, and best practice.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes and generate cash flow reports.
• Reconcile bank accounts and generate financial statements monthly.
• Manage the chart of accounts and review/update them as needed.
• Review accounting controls and develop/update policies and procedures as needed.
• Manage full process and timely completion of annual audit and tax filings, including preparing statements and documentation, serving as the primary point of contact with CPA, coordinating the audit process, and communicating audit outcomes.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Work with the Executive Director and Fractional COO to develop budgets and rolling cash flow, revenue, and expense projections.
• Prepare financial reports and statements and review/revise formats as needed, including quarterly reports for the Board of Directors.
• Support grant budgeting, tracking, and financial reporting, including maintaining trackable accounting records for restricted grants.
• Ensure compliance with grant reporting and funder requirements.

Planning

• Provide financial forecasting, budget analysis, and cash flow management in alignment with Tradeoffs’ strategic direction.
• Represent the nonprofit finance perspective in planning discussions as needed.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial regulations and policies.
• Maintain and enforce strong internal controls and financial safeguards.
• Review all contracts to ensure that accounting practices comply with the contract terms.
• Advise leadership on financial risks and opportunities.

Experience and Competencies:

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in financial management with a strong background in nonprofit finance.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting and financial reporting and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP), tax compliance (Form 990), and audit process.
• Experience managing grants and restricted funding streams is required.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks accounting software.
• CPA designation is preferred but not required.
• Experience managing bookkeepers and directing operations staff in financial processes and compliance.
• Clear communicator who collaborates effectively with people in a range of roles.
• Ability to operate with authority in your role while collaborating with Tradeoffs staff and supporting the development of colleagues.
• Desire and willingness to continually assess and evolve financial processes and systems.
• Thrives in flexible, fast-paced, growing, and remote work environments.
• Supports shaping a small and ambitious nonprofit news organization.

Tradeoffs is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. We value lived experience, including with the systems that shape our health and health care, in addition to work experience. Everyone, especially those from historically marginalized groups, is encouraged to apply. Tradeoffs does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability.