Application Guide
How to Apply for Nonprofit Controller
at Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science
🏢 About Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science
CUAHSI is a unique nonprofit that advances hydrologic science through a consortium of over 130 universities, with a small team of 15 managing a $4.5M budget. If you're passionate about supporting scientific research and education in water science, this remote role offers a chance to directly impact the hydrology community while working with a close-knit, mission-driven team.
About This Role
As the sole Controller, you'll be responsible for maintaining audit-ready financial records, ensuring compliance with federal Uniform Guidance and Single Audit requirements, and leading budget development. Your work will directly support the CEO and Board in strategic decision-making, and you'll have the opportunity to champion financial automation to improve efficiency in a small but impactful organization.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start by reviewing grant drawdowns and reconciling federal awards, then meeting with the CEO to discuss budget projections. After lunch, you'd dive into month-end close, using Sage Intacct to automate reconciliations, and end the day by preparing financial reports for the Board. Throughout, you'd collaborate remotely with the small team to ensure compliance and support strategic initiatives.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science Is Looking For
- A CPA with 5+ years of progressive nonprofit financial management, ideally in a federally grant-funded environment with experience in Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and Single Audit.
- Proficient in Sage Intacct or similar nonprofit accounting software, with a demonstrated interest in automating financial processes to streamline workflows.
- Comfortable working independently in a remote setting with a small team, and able to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders like the CEO and Board.
- Detail-oriented and proactive, with a track record of maintaining audit-ready records and leading annual budget cycles in a grant-funded organization.
📝 Tips for Applying to Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science
In your resume, explicitly highlight your experience with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and Single Audit compliance, using specific examples of audits you've led or supported.
Mention any experience with Sage Intacct, and if you've automated financial processes (e.g., using RPA or software integrations), describe the impact on efficiency.
Tailor your cover letter to show understanding of CUAHSI's mission in hydrologic science—mention why water research matters to you, even if briefly.
Since the company is remote-first, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate asynchronously; provide examples of managing financial operations remotely.
Include any experience with federal grant budgeting, cost allocation, or indirect cost rate proposals, as these are critical for a grant-funded nonprofit.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with Uniform Guidance and Single Audit, including any successful audit outcomes or compliance improvements.', "Your interest in financial automation and process improvement, with concrete examples of how you've streamlined workflows in past roles.", "Your ability to provide strategic financial guidance to leadership, especially in a small nonprofit setting where you'll work directly with the CEO and Board.", "Your alignment with CUAHSI's mission—connect your skills to supporting hydrologic science research and education."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review CUAHSI's website to understand their programs, such as the Hydrologic Measurement Facility and water data services, to see how your role supports their work.
- → Read their most recent annual report or Form 990 to understand their revenue sources (federal grants, member dues) and financial structure.
- → Look into the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) updates and common Single Audit findings for small nonprofits to show you're current.
- → Check if CUAHSI uses any specific grant management software (e.g., grants.gov) and be prepared to discuss integration with accounting systems.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking the remote nature—failing to demonstrate self-discipline or experience working remotely can be a red flag for a fully remote team.
- Not emphasizing federal grant compliance experience—generic nonprofit accounting experience without Uniform Guidance knowledge may not suffice.
- Being vague about software skills—if you lack Sage Intacct experience, be specific about comparable systems and your ability to learn quickly.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science!