What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Controller position at Smith Ranch Homes?
The About Smith Ranch Homes Homeowners’ Association
Nestled on 30 lush acres in the heart of Marin County, Smith Ranch Homes is a premier residential community offering its residents a luxurious, independent, and vibrant lifestyle. Our community features a wide array of recreational, social, and fine dining experiences, all designed to promote active and engaged living. With exceptional services, and a dedicated staff, residents enjoy carefree, resort-style living in a welcoming environment. Learn more about us at: https://www.smithranchhomes.org
We are seeking a highly experienced Controller with strong CPA-level accounting expertise and fund accounting experience to lead the financial operations of the Association and serve as a trusted financial advisor to the General Manager and Board of Directors.
This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for ensuring the Association’s financial integrity, reporting, regulatory compliance,. Overseeing reserves and fund accounting, and supporting long-term financial planning for a sixteen-million-dollar residential community.
The Controller oversees all accounting and financial functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, fund accounting, cash management, reserve study financial analysis, internal controls, audits, and financial system administration. This role supervises accounting staff and plays a key role in strategic planning and financial decision-making for the community.
The ideal candidate brings deep technical accounting expertise, strong governance awareness, and experience working with boards and community associations or nonprofit organizations.
We offer a salary range of $120,000 - $140,000; plus, the following benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- ·Meals provided during work hours
- Flexible vacation policy
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Life insurance
Work Environment
- On-site position based in residential community in San Rafael, California
- Full-time leadership role; flexible hours required on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- May be required to attend board meetings or make financial presentation
Key Responsibilities
Financial Strategic Leadership & Guidance
- Serve as the principal financial officer for the Association, advising the General Manager and Board of Directors on financial strategy, financial policy, and risk management.
- Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Lead annual budgeting process and long-range financial forecasting
- Partner across departments to align financial and operational goals
- Develop and maintain robust internal controls and accounting policies to safeguard Association assets and ensure financial accuracy. Perform cost-benefit analyses for major capital projects
- Support investment and ancillary revenue initiatives
Financial Management & Fund Accounting
- Maintain and oversee fund accounting structures for operating funds, reserve funds, and restricted capital funds.
- Ensure accurate allocation of revenues, assessments, expenses, and capital expenditures across appropriate funds.
- ·Prepare detailed variance analysis and management reports to support operational and strategic decision-making.
- Ensure accounting practices comply with GAAP for common interest developments and homeowners’ associations.
- Provide hands on support of Finance department.
- Oversee all accounting functions including:
- General ledger management
- Accounts payable/ Accounts receivable
- Assessment billing and collections
- Payroll accounting
- Financial close and reporting
Cash Flow & Reserve Management
- Monitors and manages cash flow; develop strategies to optimize cash management
- Oversee assessment billing and collections of dues, assessments, and other financial obligations
- Monitor liquidity and optimize working capital
- Prepare the Funding Study portion of the Reserve Study
- Oversee fixed assets and depreciation schedules
- Ensure proper financial accounting for capital assets and reserve expenditures.
Compliance, Risk & Audit
- Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and HOA governing standards
- Assesses financial risks and advise on mitigating actions
- Serve as primary liaison for audits and tax filings; audit liaison for workers compensation and property insurance renewal
Financial Systems & Team Leadership
- Supervise accounting team; provide ongoing training and development to staff
- Optimize financial systems, accounting software and reporting automation
- Partner with software providers and internal “super-users”
- Works with the residential community in the use of automation tools
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred
- 10 years of progressive financial leadership and accounting experience
- 5 years managing teams
- Significant experience with fund accounting (Experience with HOA, nonprofit, or community association financial operations strongly preferred)
- Deep knowledge of GAAP and California HOA laws and regulations
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, reserve studies, and financial modeling
- Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills
- Proficiency with financial systems, online payment platforms, and association management platform
- High proficiency with accounting systems, Excel-based financial modeling, and reporting tools
- Ability to provide quality service to internal and external clients
To Apply:
Please email your resume and cover letter to: smithranchhomescareers@gmail.com
Smith Ranch Homes is an equal opportunity employer that takes great pride in a balanced and diverse workforce dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to our community
Salary : $120,000 - $140,000