Job Description

Job Location: Goodwill Headquarters - Chattanooga, TN 37416
Position Type: Full-timeEducation
Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 Salary
Travel Percentage: None
Job Category: AccountingPOSITION PURPOSE
The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in supporting the financial integrity and mission of Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area (GIGCA). This position assists the Controller and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in overseeing accounting operations, ensuring compliance with financial policies, and maintaining accurate and timely reporting. The Assistant Controller is directly responsible for payroll processing, benefits reconciliation, and serving as backup for accounts payable, bank reconciliations, and other general ledger functions.
Through precise financial management, collaboration, and adherence to internal controls, the Assistant Controller helps ensure GIGCA’s financial health and transparency. This role requires a strong commitment to ethical stewardship, confidentiality, and continuous improvement—reflecting Goodwill’s core values and guiding principles in all work.
JOB FUNCTIONS
- Mission, Vision, and Values Alignment
- Through words and actions, support Goodwill’s Mission, Vision, and Values; ensure all decisions align with the organization’s guiding principles.
- Maintain agency, employee, and participant confidentiality. Violation of confidentiality may be cause for termination.
- Demonstrate Goodwill’s core values of People, Integrity, Commitment, and Continuous Improvement in all interactions.
- Financial Operations & Accounting Support
- Assist the Controller with preparation of journal entries, general ledger maintenance, and month-end close activities.
- Support the Controller in producing accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Maintain detailed and organized financial records in compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- Prepare supporting documentation for audits, compliance reviews, and grant reporting requirements.
- Payroll & Benefits Reconciliation
- Oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate pay for all employees.
- Reconcile employee benefit accounts monthly, verifying insurance, retirement, and other deductions.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and work closely with Human Resources to resolve discrepancies.
- Ensure compliance with applicable wage, tax, and benefit regulations.
- Accounts Payable & Bank Reconciliation Backup
- Serve as backup for the Accounts Payable function, including invoice processing, coding, and payment disbursement.
- Support bank reconciliations and ensure timely resolution of discrepancies.
- Review transactions for accuracy, proper authorization, and alignment with budgetary controls.
-  Compliance, Reporting, and Audit
- Assist the Controller in preparing financial schedules, reconciliations, and documentation for internal and external audits.
- Maintain compliance with all accounting standards, organizational policies, and funding requirements.
- Support the preparation of reports for the CFO, Controller, and executive leadership team.
- Assist with grant reporting and other regulatory filings, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
-  Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Identify opportunities to enhance accounting efficiency and accuracy through process improvements and technology.
- Collaborate with departments across the organization to ensure proper financial documentation and compliance with internal controls.
- Participate in the continuous review and enhancement of accounting systems and procedures.
- Assist the CFO and Controller with special projects, analyses, and strategic financial initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsKEY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Accounting & Financial Expertise
- Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Experience with payroll systems, benefits reconciliation, and general ledger functions.
- Familiarity with financial reporting, journal entries, and audit preparation.
- Proficiency in financial software (e.g., Sage Intacct, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel.
- Compliance & Documentation
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, benefit regulations, and nonprofit financial compliance standards.
- Experience in maintaining accurate documentation for audits and external reporting.
- Communication & Collaboration
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance staff.
- Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with HR, Operations, and other departments.
- Problem Solving & Initiative
- Demonstrated ability to identify discrepancies and implement timely resolutions.
- Proactive and detail-oriented with a strong sense of accountability.
- Mission-Driven Alignment
- Commitment to GIGCA’s Mission, Vision, and Values with an emphasis on stewardship, transparency, and service excellence.
- Experience working in a mission-based or nonprofit environment preferred.
- QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of accounting experience; nonprofit experience preferred.
- Knowledge of payroll processing, benefits reconciliation, and financial reporting.
- CPA certification or progress toward certification a plus.
- PERFORMANCE MEASURMENT – MVV Alignment and Expected Behaviors
- Mission, Vision, and Values Alignment
- Demonstrates understanding of Goodwill’s mission to help people transform potential into opportunity.
- Ensures financial operations support organizational transparency and sustainability.
- Embodies values daily:
- People: Treats all team members with respect and professionalism.
- Integrity: Upholds confidentiality and ethical standards in all financial transactions.
- Commitment: Delivers accurate work on time; supports team and organizational goals.
- Continuous Improvement: Seeks to improve financial processes and efficiencies.
- Expected Behaviors
- People: Collaborates effectively across departments; communicates clearly.
- Integrity: Maintains accuracy and transparency in reporting.
- Commitment: Meets deadlines and owns responsibilities fully.
- Continuous Improvement: Adapts to change and contributes to system enhancements.