What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller (84836) position at HomeFirst?
Position: Controller
Location: San Jose, CA
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Employment Type: Regular, Full Time, Exempt
Compensation: $150K-$200K-Annually
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
OUR VALUES
- Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
- Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
- Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The position reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management and Reporting
- Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and fixed assets.
- Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure timely and accurate financial reports.
- Manage the preparation of and review financial statements in accordance with nonprofit GAAP standards.
- Oversee the development of internal financial reporting packages for the Executive Leadership team and the Board.
- Oversee treasury Management including organizational cash flow and balance sheet health.
Grant and Contract Accounting
- Ensure accurate grant and restricted fund accounting, including compliance with donor restrictions.
- Track grant expenditures and coordinate financial reporting for funders.
- Ensure compliance with Federal, State, County and City contract requirements.
Audit & Compliance
- Lead the annual A-133 audit and liaise with auditors.
- Lead all Federal, State, County, City and vendor fiscal audits and liaise with auditors.
- Oversee preparation of form 900 and related schedules in collaboration with auditors/CPA.
- Maintain strong internal controls and financial policies.
- Ensure strong internal controls and financial oversight on three affordable housing sites.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Support the CFO in developing the annual organizational budget and forecasts.
- Monitor departmental spending against budgets and identify variances.
- Partner with Program, Property Management, and other operational leaders to improve financial transparency.
Systems and Process Improvement
- Implement, maintain and improve financial systems and reporting tools.
- Lead initiatives to streamline accounting processes and strengthen internal controls.
- Ensure effective documentation of accounting procedures and policies.
Team Leadership
- Manage and develop the Accounting Manager and Manager of FP&A.
- Provide coaching, performance management and professional development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellence: Commits to high achievement by setting personal standards of excellence, driving results, and continuously improving performance while fostering team success and organizational goals.
- Collaboration: Works effectively to build strong relationships, foster open communication, and create a cohesive and high-performing team.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values and respects the social identities of all individuals, creating space for authenticity and equity.
- Managing Performance: Ensures team goals are met by proactively addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering accountability to achieve desired outcomes.
- Empowering & Developing Others: Delegates authority confidently, provides the freedom for individual styles, and offers recognition and constructive feedback to develop team members effectively.
- Managing Change: Leads teams through organizational shifts by positively guiding others, encouraging adaptability, and aligning priorities with the agency’s mission.
- Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks in operational and strategic areas, prioritizes safety, and raises concerns to address potential issues proactively.
- Technical Expertise: Maintains a high level of skill and knowledge relevant to the role, staying adaptable and current in their field.
- Customer Service: Understands the needs and goals of both internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Planning and Organizing: Develops and adheres to efficient workflows, ensuring deadlines and processes are streamlined for maximum effectiveness.
- Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a logical, systematic, and thoughtful methodology to effectively navigate complex situations and make informed decisions.
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications or equivalent experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field; master’s degree a plus.
- 20 years of progressive and demonstrated success in accounting, including at least ten years in management.
- 15 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably including government grant accounting.
- CPA credential strongly preferred.
- Excellent Excel skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with Black Baud and Concur required.
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:
- The ideal candidate will exhibit or demonstrate the following competencies and attributes.
- Strong team orientation
- Resilience and flexibility
- Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities
- Delivers services with process improvement mindset to increase effectiveness and efficiency
- Demonstrated communication, feedback and coaching skills
- This job is performed in a professional office environment when necessary. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.
- This is a full-time position, and business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Longer hours, evenings and weekend work may be necessary on occasion.
- This position may require up to 25% local travel to other HomeFirst offices.
- Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other:
- Able to perform sedentary work;
- Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;
- Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;
- Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;
Salary : $150,000 - $200,000