Controller – Community Health Center ($60 Million Budget)

We have been engaged to conduct an executive search for a Controller for our client a Hospital-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with offices in Boston, MA.

The Health Center is affiliated with a major Boston Teaching Hospital and is a Hospital licensed outpatient facility. The Controller will work at the south Boston location. There is on-site parking available and their office is located near the T.

The starting salary is up to $175,000, depending on background and experience.

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of a federally qualified health center (FQHC)/Hospital Based Community Health Center with annual revenues of approximately $60 million. This position ensures financial integrity, regulatory compliance, grant management excellence, and the effective use of advanced financial technologies to support organizational growth and strategic objectives.

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and provides leadership in accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, grants administration, internal controls, and financial systems modernization.

Our client in the process of implementing a new ERP system, Sage Intaact and a new payroll system, Pay.com Payroll. The new Controller will complete these implementations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and fixed assets.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Ensure timely month-end and year-end close processes.
• Manage annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and financial policies.

Grant Management

• Oversee the financial administration of federal, state, local, private foundation, and other grant-funded programs, including Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awards.
• Ensure compliance with HRSA regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Federal Financial Reports (FFRs), Notice of Award (NOA) requirements, and all grantor guidelines.
• Monitor grant budgets, expenditures, drawdowns, and reporting deadlines to ensure funds are utilized appropriately and efficiently.
• Prepare, review, and submit accurate financial reports, reimbursement requests, and grant-related documentation required by HRSA and other funding agencies.
• Collaborate with program directors and department leaders to develop grant budgets, track spending, and maintain compliance with approved funding allocations.
• Establish and maintain internal controls for grant accounting, cost allocation, time and effort reporting, and allowable cost determinations.
• Coordinate grant-related audits, site visits, and compliance reviews, including HRSA operational and financial assessments.
• Support grant application and renewal processes by providing financial data, budget narratives, forecasts, and sustainability analyses.
• Monitor Accounts Receivable related to grant funding, including grant drawdowns, reimbursement requests, and timely collection of awarded funds.
• Maintain accurate grant accounting records and ensure proper reconciliation between the general ledger, grant management systems, and HRSA reporting requirements.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership regarding grant performance, funding opportunities, and compliance risks.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process.
• Monitor organizational performance against budget and forecasts.
• Develop financial models to support strategic decision-making.
• Provide variance analysis and recommendations to executive leadership.

Technology & Financial Systems Leadership

• Lead implementation and optimization of advanced financial technologies, including ERP, budgeting, business intelligence, and grant management systems.
• Utilize data analytics and dashboard reporting tools to improve financial visibility and decision-making.
• Promote automation of accounting processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner with IT and operational leadership on system integrations and digital transformation initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-driven financial reporting, predictive analytics, and workflow automation solutions.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, grant requirements, and financial reporting standards.
• Maintain effective internal control frameworks and risk management practices.
• Support compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, HRSA, and other healthcare funding requirements.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans as needed.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Develop staff competencies in grant accounting, financial analysis, and technology utilization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Master's degree (MBA, MHA, or related field) preferred.

Experience

• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years in healthcare, community health center, hospital, or nonprofit healthcare finance.
• Significant experience managing federal and state grants.
• Experience overseeing organizations with annual revenues exceeding $40 million.
• Proven experience with ERP systems, financial reporting software, and business intelligence platforms.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, and healthcare reimbursement.
• Expertise in grant compliance and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Advanced financial analysis and forecasting skills.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, Workday, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with data analytics, dashboard reporting, and financial automation tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management abilities.

Preferred Competencies

• FQHC and HRSA grant experience.
• Advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics tools.
• Sage Intacct preferred
• Experience leading digital transformation and finance modernization initiatives.
• Knowledge of AI-assisted financial reporting and process automation technologies.

This description is appropriate for a senior Controller overseeing a healthcare organization with approximately $60 million in annual revenue, substantial grant funding, and a focus on technology-driven financial management.

All inquiries will be treated confidentially.

For more information about this opportunity please contact:

Matthew O’Brien

The Confidential Search Company

860-742-1555

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have with AI-assisted financial reporting and process automation technologies?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• progressive financial management: 7 years (Required)
• health center/hospital/clinic / nonprofit healthcare finance: 5 years (Required)
• financial management in a $40m+ nonprofit healthcare company: 5 years (Required)
• Excel, PowerPoint, Word: 5 years (Required)
• excellent oral and written communications: 7 years (Required)
• managing healthcare accounting, finance and reporting: 3 years (Required)
• monthly and quarterly closings and all reporting: 5 years (Required)
• FQHC and HRSA grant : 3 years (Required)
• Sage Intaact or similar ERP systems: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person