Application Guide

How to Apply for Controller

at The Texas Tribune

🏢 About The Texas Tribune

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom that has become a model for digital journalism, dedicated to covering public policy and politics in Texas. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values transparency and civic engagement, with a collaborative, fast-paced environment that prioritizes impact over profit.

About This Role

As the Controller, you'll be the financial steward of the organization, overseeing all accounting operations and ensuring the integrity of financial reporting. Your work directly supports the Tribune's mission by ensuring resources are managed effectively, enabling the newsroom to focus on investigative journalism that informs Texans.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing cash positions and approving transactions, then checking in with the accounting team on close tasks. You'll spend time analyzing financial data, preparing reports for the CFO, and working with auditors or grant managers to ensure compliance. Afternoons could involve strategic planning for process improvements and one-on-one mentoring sessions, all while collaborating virtually with colleagues across Texas.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Texas Tribune Is Looking For

  • A CPA with 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years supervising a team, ideally in a nonprofit or media organization.
  • Deep expertise in GAAP and nonprofit accounting, particularly fund accounting and restricted contributions, with a track record of implementing internal controls.
  • Proficient in accounting software like QuickBooks or Sage Intacct, and advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
  • A proactive problem-solver who can streamline month-end close and mentor staff, with excellent communication skills to explain financials to non-finance stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Texas Tribune

1

Tailor your resume to highlight nonprofit accounting experience, specifically fund accounting and grant/revenue recognition, as these are core to the role.

2

In your cover letter, mention your experience with audits and tax filings for nonprofits, and how you've improved close processes in previous roles.

3

Research the Tribune's financial transparency initiatives (e.g., their annual reports) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

4

If you have experience with remote team management, emphasize it, as the role is remote and requires effective virtual collaboration.

5

Be prepared to discuss how you've handled restricted contributions and grant compliance, as this is a common pain point for nonprofits.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your passion for the Tribune's mission and how your financial expertise can support their journalism.", 'Highlight your experience with nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting and restricted grants, with specific examples.', "Showcase your leadership style and how you've developed accounting teams, especially in a remote or hybrid setting.", "Mention your ability to ensure compliance and accuracy, and how you've managed audits successfully."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the Tribune's annual report and financial statements to understand their revenue streams (e.g., donations, grants, events) and financial health.
  • → Explore their website to see their mission, values, and recent news coverage to connect your role to their impact.
  • → Look into their organizational structure and any recent leadership changes to understand the finance team's dynamics.
  • → Check if they have public information on their accounting systems or tools (e.g., job postings, tech stack) to tailor your technical skills.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you ensure accuracy and timeliness in month-end close, and what processes have you implemented to improve it?
2 Describe your experience with fund accounting and how you track restricted contributions to ensure compliance with donor restrictions.
3 How would you handle a situation where there is a discrepancy in financial reports, and how do you communicate it to non-finance leadership?
4 What accounting software have you used, and how do you leverage technology to streamline operations?
5 Given the Tribune's nonprofit status, how would you approach preparing for the annual audit and Form 990?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic cover letters—make sure to specifically address nonprofit accounting and the Tribune's mission.
  • Don't overlook the supervisory aspect; be ready to discuss how you've managed and mentored staff, not just your technical skills.
  • Avoid being vague about remote work experience; the role is remote, so show you can be productive and collaborative in a distributed team.

📅 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 The Texas Tribune!

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