Controller

Overview

This senior role leads accounting operations and compliance for a nonprofit organization. You will build the systems, processes, and controls needed to scale responsibly, leveraging outsourced accounting support while preparing to grow an internal accounting team.

Responsibilities

• Accounting operations

  • Design, implement, and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and financial systems appropriate for a scaling organization.
  • Own the full accounting cycle, including accounts payable, general ledger, reconciliations, and monthly and quarterly close.
  • Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and reporting packages for leadership and other stakeholders.
  • Manage donor grant accounting, including proper fund tracking, functional expense allocation, and compliance with donor/grant terms.
  • Oversee payroll processing and related compliance.

• Compliance and audit

  • Ensure organizational compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for a 501(c)(3), including timely filing of Form 990 and related regulatory requirements.
  • Lead annual audit preparation and execution as the primary point of contact for external auditors.

• Build and run the function

  • Manage the outsourced accounting firm.
  • Strategically hire and develop an in-house accounting team aligned with organizational needs.
  • Manage day-to-day banking, vendor, and financial administration needs.

Requirements

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including:
  • 3+ years as a Controller or in an equivalent senior accounting leadership role
  • 3+ years nonprofit and 501(c)(3) accounting experience, including restricted grant funding compliance, functional expense allocation, and Form 990
• Demonstrated experience independently owning month-end and year-end close.
• Experience preparing for and managing external audits.
• Experience hiring, training, or managing accounting staff as a team scales.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building an accounting function at an early-stage or rapidly scaling organization.
• Strong Excel or financial modeling skills for budgeting and forecasting.
• Demonstrable fluency in the use of AI tools for accounting.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected base salary range: $170,000 to $205,000 per year
• Actual base pay will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, and geographic location.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO

Location

• California Applicants: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), personal information is collected from applicants solely for recruitment purposes and is not sold.