Controller

Description

The Role:

The Controller plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the financial health, integrity, and sustainability of the SF SPCA. This position is responsible for optimizing and overseeing all aspects of financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, and accounting operations, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. The Controller will serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer and senior leadership, providing insightful analysis and financial guidance to support informed decision-making and advance the SF SPCA's mission and Vision 2030.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is expected to lead and continuously develop a high-performing accounting team by fostering a collaborative, and inclusive environment. This role requires a proactive leader who champions process improvement, drives operational efficiencies, and ensures that team members feel connected and valued within the organization.

Core Responsibilities

Accounting Management:

• Responsible for financial reporting, planning, and record-keeping; oversees all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees General Ledger Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Payroll (including approval of payroll processing), Accounts Receivable, Billing, and Accounts Payable for all programs.
• Maintains internal control and financial reporting systems; reviews and approves journal entries, adjustments, and accruals.
• Tracks restricted funds and manages releases in accordance with donor guidelines.
• Manages cash flow and forecasting, developing a reliable cash projection process and reporting mechanism, including minimum cash thresholds.
• Supports the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the CFO.
• Optimizes banking relationships to enhance cash positions.
• Oversees financial systems implementations and upgrades.
• Maintains relationships with external auditors and manages preparation of audit and tax return (Form 990) materials.
• Provides oversight of designated accounts, including Gift Donations, Grants, and Bequests.
• Performs analysis and estimates of major revenue and cost of revenue reserves and allowances.
• Coordinates, analyzes, and interprets trends in accounting information and business activities.

Fiscal Administrative:

• Continuously evaluates, develops, and implements effective, efficient, and up-to-date administrative systems and processes to best serve the organization's needs. 
• Establishes, maintains, and monitors cash and other internal control systems for the organization.

Leadership and Staff Development:

• Participates in Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and Audit Committee meetings of the Board of Directors. Works with the CFO and committee chair, prepares and presents materials and reports for each meeting as needed. Takes minutes at committee meetings.
• Works closely with senior staff throughout the organization to assist them in being effective as possible in program fiscal management, budgeting, and related activities.
• As a member of the senior management team, participates in organization-wide strategic planning and implementation.
• Provides oversight and support for the hiring, training, and coaching of finance department staff.
• Cultivates a positive work environment that values feedback, recognizes achievements, and aligns team development with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Fosters open communication of the team, encouraging staff to contribute ideas for process improvements.
• Keeps finance team members informed and engaged in organization-wide initiatives and practices.
   

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Seven plus years of accounting experience with progressive management responsibility 
• Certified Public Accountant with nonprofit and/or healthcare experience a plus 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the San Francisco SPCA
• Demonstrated success in managing a diverse team of professionals and promoting a positive work environment that values feedback and recognizes achievements.
• Successful experience in coordinating multiple projects; ability to organize time efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative
• Strong technological aptitude, particularly Microsoft Office expertise; NetSuite and Paylocity experience a plus.
• Knowledge of financial processes, procedures, and systems
• Thorough knowledge of general accounting and the application of general accounting theory
• Ability to analyze and recommend solutions to complex accounting issues with a minimum of supervision.
• Working knowledge of non-profit accounting and FASB accounting rules (cost accounting and decision support analytical tools)

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $137,000 - $150,000 per year.   Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching
• Student debt relief program
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies
• Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic

Salary : $137,000 - $150,000