Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Non Profit Controller Roles – 2025

Preparing for an interview for a non profit controller role? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your financial expertise, organization, and experience working in the non profit sector. Whether you’re applying for a role at a small or large non profit organization, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience working in the non profit sector.
  A: I have been working as a non profit controller for the past 5 years, both at small and large organizations. I have a thorough understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by non profit organizations and have successfully managed their financial operations.
• 2. How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations in the non profit sector?
  A: I stay updated on all relevant regulations and ensure that our financial processes and records are in line with them. I also conduct regular audits to identify any areas of improvement in our compliance procedures.
• 3. How do you handle budgeting and forecasting for a non profit organization?
  A: I work closely with department heads to understand their needs and create a realistic budget based on available funds and potential income. I also regularly track and report on actual spending compared to budgeted amounts.
• 4. How do you ensure financial transparency and accountability in a non profit organization?
  A: I believe in open and transparent communication with stakeholders and regularly provide detailed financial reports. I also encourage collaboration and input from team members to ensure everyone is aware of our financial decisions and processes.
• 5. How do you handle donor and grant funding in a non profit organization?
  A: I have experience managing donor and grant funds and ensuring their appropriate allocation and use according to donor requirements. I also maintain accurate records and provide timely reports to donors and grantors.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you give an example of a time when you had to work with limited resources in a non profit organization?
  A: While working at a small non profit, we faced significant budget cuts and had to reduce our expenses by 15%. I worked with department heads to identify areas of cost savings and reallocated funds to critical areas to minimize the impact on our operations.
• 7. How do you prioritize and manage tasks in a fast-paced non profit environment?
  A: I am skilled at multitasking and have experience handling multiple projects with tight deadlines. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and I am comfortable delegating tasks to my team when necessary.
• 8. Can you tell us about a time when you identified and resolved a financial issue in a non profit organization?
  A: While conducting an audit at a non profit, I noticed discrepancies in their accounting records. After further investigation, I discovered that an employee had been misusing funds. I immediately reported the issue to management and implemented stricter controls to prevent future occurrences.
• 9. How do you maintain a positive working relationship with donors and supporters in a non profit organization?
  A: I believe in the power of building strong relationships with donors and supporters by regularly communicating with them and expressing gratitude for their contributions. I also ensure that their funds are used effectively and provide them with regular progress updates.
• 10. Can you give an example of how you have improved the financial processes or procedures in a non profit organization?
  A: At a previous non profit organization, I noticed delays in the financial reporting process. I suggested implementing a new software and trained the team on how to use it, reducing the time it took to produce financial statements by 50%.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a donor’s funding is delayed?
  A: I would communicate with the donor to understand the reason for the delay and provide alternative solutions to ensure their contribution is received as soon as possible. I would also work with other departments to prioritize projects that rely on the delayed funds.
• 12. How do you handle financial pressures during a crisis, such as a pandemic or natural disaster?
  A: In a crisis, I immediately reassess our budget and reallocate funds to critical areas to ensure the organization’s operations can continue. I also communicate with donors and supporters to explain the impact of the crisis and the organization’s current needs.
• 13. What would you do if you discovered an error in a grant application after it has been submitted?
  A: I would immediately inform the appropriate parties and work with them to correct the error. If the error cannot be corrected, I would explain the situation to the grantor and provide them with the correct information.
• 14. How do you handle unexpected changes in the budget or unexpected expenses in a non profit organization?
  A: I understand that unexpected changes and expenses can occur in a non profit organization. I maintain a contingency fund and regularly monitor our finances to identify areas where we can cut costs to cover unexpected expenses without impacting our operations.
• 15. How would you handle a disagreement with your team members over budget allocations?
  A: I believe in open and respectful communication with my team. I would listen to their concerns and try to find a compromise that takes into consideration the needs of the organization and the team.

Technical Questions

• 16. How do you ensure accurate financial reporting in a non profit organization?
  A: I ensure accurate financial reporting through regular reconciliations, adherence to accounting standards, and regular internal audits.
• 17. How do you handle restricted funds and their associated requirements in a non profit organization?
  A: I maintain separate accounting records and closely track the use of restricted funds to ensure their appropriate allocation and use according to donor requirements.
• 18. How do you stay updated on the latest accounting standards and regulations in the non profit sector?
  A: I regularly attend conferences and workshops, and I am a member of professional organizations that provide updates on changes in accounting standards and regulations.
• 19. How do you handle financial statements, such as the statement of activities and the statement of financial position, in a non profit organization?
  A: I have experience preparing and reviewing financial statements according to GAAP standards. I also have experience analyzing and interpreting these statements to communicate the organization’s financial position.
• 20. Can you tell us about your experience with fundraising and donor management in a non profit organization?
  A: I have experience managing donor databases and creating targeted fundraising campaigns. I also have experience cultivating relationships with potential donors and securing donations through grant writing and fundraising events.