Controller

Description

Make a Difference for Climate and Equity — Join Slipstream as Controller. 

Are you a skilled financial leader who thrives on precision, compliance, and operational excellence? At Slipstream, you can help shape a cleaner, more equitable energy future.

We’re seeking a Controller to oversee all aspects of accounting, financial management, and compliance. This role ensures the integrity of our financial operations—from general ledger oversight and audit coordination to strategic cash management and team leadership. You’ll guide a high-performing accounting team, streamline processes, and provide insights that support strategic decision-making.  Your leadership will directly support our mission to build an equitable clean energy society where everyone benefits from energy innovation.

About Slipstream

Slipstream is a national, mission-driven nonprofit that accelerates climate solutions. For everyone.

We inspire bold ideas to tackle big energy challenges. Our work spans energy efficiency, energy planning with municipalities and Native Nations, equitable building decarbonization, emerging technologies, and green financing. We collaborate with governments, utilities, and community-based organizations to discover, test, and scale solutions that work for real people in real communities.

We are optimistic, inclusive, and ambitious about our impact—and we’re looking for someone who shares our drive.

What You'll Do

• Financial Management
  • Oversee general ledger, cash flow, and bank reconciliation processes.
  • Working with the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, monitor budget performance, providing variance analysis and recommending adjustments.
  • Manage revenue cycle, including accounts receivable and billing.
  • Oversee investment strategies and tracking investment performance.
  • Oversee cash management and manage banking relationships
• Accounting
  • Maintain accurate and organized financial records.
  • Reconcile accounts and allocating expenses.
  • Oversee payroll processing.
  • Ensure compliance with accounting principles and regulations (GAAP, IRS, etc.).
  • Prepare financial statements and reports for management and stakeholders.
• Audit and Compliance
  • Coordinate internal and external audit processes.
  • Oversee 990 Preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with financial laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
  • Oversee grant management and compliance with grantor requirements.
  • Develop and implement internal controls and financial policies.
• Leadership and Management
  • Supervise and mentor accounting staff.
  • Actively participate in recruiting, hiring, performance remediation, training and issue resolution.
  • Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiency.
  • Streamline systems and leverage new technologies.
  • Analyze financial data and provide insights to support strategic planning.
• Other Duties
  • Liaison with auditors, funders, and other stakeholders.
  • Assist with grant applications and reporting.
• These responsibilities are not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned from time-to-time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or equivalent related.
• CPA required.
• Minimum 7 years accounting management experience.
• Prior experience must include a minimum of 2 years supporting an accounting team and collaborating closely with an executive team.
• Deep knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Familiarity with compliance and internal controls.
• Nonprofit and/or federal grant compliance experience preferred. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite. 

Competencies

• Ability to interpret strategic direction & formulate initiatives
• Demonstrated leadership, supervision, mentoring & team building experience with the ability to build cross functional teams
• Ability to exhibit analytical skills, track progress & interpret data & prepare recommendations
• Expertise in business & management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, problem solving, and coordination of people and resources.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently; able to organize and prioritize
• Demonstrated experience in effective resource management of multiple processes and projects, including management of budgets, and schedules to reach program or project goals
• Demonstrated skill in oral and written communication; ability to be persuasive and public speaking
• Budget management and forecasting
• Effective delegation and follow-up skills
• Skilled at quickly developing positive, communicative and collaborative relationships with clients, sub-contractors and Slipstream personnel at all levels of the organization

Physical Requirements

• Primarily a sedentary role, with tasks typically performed while sitting or occasionally standing.
• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment.
• Tasks demand visual focus for reading and working on screens.
• This position frequently communicates via phone and video conferencing, with in-person interactions as applicable.

Working Environment

• Fully remote position with the ability to work from home or another suitable location with reliable internet access.
• Must have the ability to work independently while staying engaged with the team through virtual communication tools such as email, chat, and video conferencing.
• Requires a quiet and professional workspace for virtual meetings and collaboration.
• Hybrid work available if located in Madison, WI or Chicago, IL. If in-office, expect a moderate noise level.
• Typical schedule of 9–5 in Central Time zone.