Application Guide

How to Apply for Controller

at Alliance for a Healthier Generation

🏢 About Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a national nonprofit that uniquely focuses on equitable whole child health by transforming school environments through evidence-based policy and practice change. Working here means contributing to meaningful, systemic impact on children's health across the US, with a mission-driven team committed to equity and collaboration.

About This Role

As Controller, you will be the financial backbone of the organization, overseeing all accounting operations, grant financial management, budgeting, and audits in a fully remote setting. This role is impactful because your work ensures that resources are effectively stewarded to support programs that directly improve the health of millions of children.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the finance team to review cash flow and outstanding tasks, followed by analyzing grant financial reports for program managers. After lunch, you could lead a budget meeting with department heads, then spend the afternoon preparing monthly financial statements and reviewing internal controls, all while collaborating via Slack and Zoom.

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🎯 Who Alliance for a Healthier Generation Is Looking For

  • A CPA with a Master's degree who has 5+ years of nonprofit accounting experience, specifically in grant-funded organizations with fund accounting and activity-based accounting.
  • Proficient in Sage, BILL, and Concur, with advanced Excel skills for financial modeling and data analysis.
  • Experienced in leading audits and ensuring GAAP compliance for nonprofit entities, with a track record of implementing strong internal controls.
  • A strategic thinker who can translate financial data into actionable insights for leadership and the Board, and who thrives in a remote, collaborative environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Alliance for a Healthier Generation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific nonprofit grant accounting experience, especially with activity-based accounting and federal grants.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your proficiency with Sage, BILL, and Concur, and provide examples of how you've used them to improve processes.

3

Demonstrate your remote work readiness by mentioning your home office setup, communication tools you use, and experience with virtual collaboration.

4

Quantify your achievements in previous roles, such as reducing audit findings, improving budget accuracy, or streamlining grant reporting.

5

Research the Alliance's current programs and initiatives (e.g., Healthy Schools Program) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for the mission of advancing equitable whole child health and how your skills can support that mission.', 'Specific experience with grant financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance for multiple grants simultaneously.', 'Your leadership in annual audits and ensuring GAAP compliance, with concrete examples of successful outcomes.', 'Your ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders, such as the Board and program directors.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Alliance's latest annual report and financial statements to understand their revenue sources and program spending.
  • → Explore their website to learn about current programs like the Healthy Schools Program and how they measure impact.
  • → Read recent news or press releases about the Alliance's partnerships or initiatives to show awareness of their work.
  • → Understand the nonprofit's funding model, including major funders (e.g., foundations, government grants) and any recent funding trends.
Visit Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with fund accounting and activity-based accounting in a nonprofit setting.
2 How do you ensure compliance with grant requirements while managing multiple funding sources?
3 Walk us through how you would lead the annual budgeting process in a remote team environment.
4 Can you give an example of a time you identified and mitigated a financial risk or internal control weakness?
5 How do you prioritize and manage month-end close and reporting deadlines while also supporting program teams?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to mention specific nonprofit accounting experience, especially with grants and fund accounting, which is a must-have.
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the Alliance's mission or specific programs.
  • Not demonstrating remote work readiness or experience with virtual collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, or project management software.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Alliance for a Healthier Generation!

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