Controller (Director Level)

Overview

This role involves serving as a hands-on, systems-minded Controller, running the day-to-day operations of the finance department and building the infrastructure to support the organization’s next stage of growth. The position manages expenditures and reconciliations, partners with the Chief Financial Officer to close each month and prepare financial reports, and helps ensure the organization is audit-ready throughout the year.

The Controller will work closely with the CFO and the Program team to ensure scholarship funds are disbursed accurately and on time. A key focus is streamlining financial processes and improving organization-wide data practices, with thoughtful use of automation and AI. Growth into broader financial leadership is possible as the organization scales.

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Status: Full time, exempt

Supervises: One coordinator-level direct report

Responsibilities

• Expenditure Management: Oversee accounts payable, scholarship and grant payments, AmEx and other credit card charges, and payroll entries to ensure disbursements are accurate, timely, and properly documented.
• Cash & Investment Reconciliation: Reconcile cash and investment accounts weekly and monthly, including recording ACH and credit card deposits and capturing any unrecorded expenditures.
• Month-End Close & Financial Reporting: Partner with the CFO to close the books each month and prepare accurate, timely financial reports and analysis for leadership.
• Scholarship Payment Partnership: Coordinate cross-functionally with the Program team to ensure scholarship funds are disbursed on schedule, and provide hands-on support to scholars as they navigate the payment process.
• Audit Readiness: Establish and implement sound practices and documentation for fiscal year-end audit readiness; coordinate with external auditors throughout the year.
• Process Optimization & Automation: Review current finance processes and lead improvements, including technology enablement and use of AI to automate repetitive work and improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Cross-Departmental Systems & Data: Coordinate financial practices with other departments to support scalable growth and strengthen data governance so organization-wide financial data is consistent and reliable.
• Team Supervision: Supervise and develop one coordinator-level direct report by setting clear expectations and supporting their growth.

Requirements

• 7+ years of accounting experience
• years of nonprofit fund accounting experience
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and QuickBooks Online (or similar accounting systems), along with the Microsoft Office suite
• Experience with AP and payment platforms such as Bill.com
• Comfort using AI tools to streamline routine work
• Systems-first mindset with an eye for improving or automating processes and tools
• Strong skills in financial reporting and data analysis, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
• Direct experience preparing for and coordinating an annual financial audit
• Strategic thinking about how finance operations scale, including familiarity with data governance practices
• Hands-on working style—comfortable owning day-to-day accounting work directly
• Experience supervising, coaching, or developing staff
• Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive financial and personal information
• Passion for the mission and enthusiasm for communicating the organization’s philosophy, mission, and values
• Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in all areas of responsibility and across the organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in accounting or a related field
• Experience designing or rebuilding finance workflows
• Experience in a small finance department where wearing many hats is the norm

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range
• Eligible for an annual bonus based on performance
• Health benefits: 100% of employee health insurance premiums (coverage for dependents available at additional cost)
• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3%

Location

Remote position based in the greater Los Angeles area. Occasional in-person meetings and events require candidates to be located in, or willing to relocate to, the L.A. area. Relocation assistance available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available at any stage of the process, including application, screening, interview, or work sample. Request an accommodation by informing the recruiter.