Full Time Remote Financial Controller Jobs in Tennessee

NonProfit Finance Manager

Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer

Location: Remote | Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

About Persevere

Persevere is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering justice-impacted individuals through innovative workforce development and career preparation that provides real access to quality employment in the technology industry.

Founded by and for people with lived experience in criminal justice, corrections, and poverty, Persevere brings deep understanding to the systemic barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals. Our work centers on reducing racial disparities, advancing equity, and creating meaningful, sustainable pathways to opportunity.

Real Hope. Valuable Skills. Meaningful Opportunity.

Role Overview

Persevere is seeking a Finance Manager & Grants Management professional who brings both strong technical execution and proactive problem-solving. This role is ideal for a finance leader who anticipates issues before they arise, asks thoughtful questions, and enjoys improving systems and processes in a growing, mission-driven organization.

The Finance Manager will be responsible for day-to-day accounting and grant management while partnering closely with leadership to support sound financial decision-making. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented yet strategic, able to move between tactical execution and forward-looking analysis, and comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment.

What You’ll Do

Financial Management & Analysis

• Manage core accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness

• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and financial reports that support organizational planning and decision-making

• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, proactively flagging issues and recommending solutions

• Support leadership with financial insights that connect daily operations to broader organizational goals

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Execute key accounting functions, including:

  • Month-end close, journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations

  • Payroll entry and payroll allocation across funding sources

  • Fixed asset tracking and schedules

  • Preparation of financial information for audits, tax filings, and Form 990

• Maintain QuickBooks Online records, bank accounts, credit cards, and supporting documentation

• Ensure adherence to GAAP and internal financial controls

Grants Management & Compliance

• Support financial planning and budget development for grant-funded programs

• Monitor grant budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with funder and regulatory requirements

• Allocate payroll and expenses across grants, contracts, and cost centers in accordance with budgets and the Cost Allocation Plan

• Maintain accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds

• Identify potential compliance or budget issues early and collaborate with staff to resolve them

• Assist with grant reporting, documentation, and audits

Process Improvement & Collaboration

• Identify opportunities to improve financial and grant management processes, documentation, and workflows

• Help develop and maintain clear procedures that support compliance, efficiency, and continuity

• Collaborate cross-functionally with program, operations, and leadership teams to support grant and financial success

• Contribute to a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement

How We’ll Evaluate Success

We value skills, judgment, and potential, not just titles. Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• The ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Comfort navigating ambiguity and learning new systems or funding requirements

• Clear communication of financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders

• Alignment with Persevere’s mission and values

Key Traits We’re Looking For

• Proactive & Curious: Seeks to understand the “why” and improve how things work

• Analytical Thinker: Uses data to inform decisions and spot risks early

• Adaptable & Resilient: Thrives in a dynamic organization with evolving needs

• Detail-Oriented with Perspective: Maintains accuracy while understanding the bigger picture

• Collaborative: Works effectively across teams to solve problems

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

• 3–5 years of accounting or financial management experience

• At least 1–2 years of nonprofit and grant accounting experience

• Working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial practices

• Familiarity with grant administration, compliance, and cost allocation

• Experience with QuickBooks Online and advanced spreadsheet skills

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred (Not Required):

• CPA or progress toward certification

• Grant management certification

• Experience improving or scaling finance processes in a growing organization

We Highly Value

• Commitment to Persevere’s mission and the communities we serve

• Integrity, accountability, and ethical judgment

• Self-direction, curiosity, and continuous learning

• Thoughtful problem-solving and process improvement

• Willingness to grow into increased responsibility