Controller - Nonprofit Organization

Organization Profile: 

Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County, is a nonprofit organization, which was established in 1970 and dedicated to providing education, care and resource systems for underserved children, families and caregivers.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the CEO and COO, the Controller is the operational and technical leader of all accounting and financial infrastructure within the organization.  This person will be responsible for the integrity, accuracy and transparency of all financial systems, government contracts and grant requirements, while building and maintaining strong internal controls, audit readiness, scalable financial systems and providing critical financial analysis to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.  

Duties / Responsibilities: 

Accounting Operations:

Oversee all accounting functions, including GL, AP, AR, payroll and bank reconciliations;

Ensure all financial transactions are accurately recorded, classified and supported by appropriate documentation;

Maintain and continuously improve chart of accounts and fund accounting structure;

Lead monthly, quarterly and annual close processes with strict adherence to timelines and accuracy standards;

Ensure full alignment with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards;

Ensure segregation of duties, approval protocols and documentation standards are consistently followed;

Track and resolve audit findings with urgency and accountability;

Maintain continuous audit readiness across all systems.

Grant, Contract & Fund Accounting:

Oversee financial tracking, reporting, and compliance for all government contracts, grants and restricted funding sources;

Ensure accurate cost allocation and adherence to allowable cost principles;

Review payroll allocations, time / effort reporting and program coding for compliance;

Serve as a fiscal liaison to funding agencies and partners. 

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements;

Deliver clear, decision-ready financial reports to the CEO, COO and Board of Directors;

Monitor budget-to-actual performance and identify trends, risks and opportunities;

Support executive leadership with forecasting, scenario modeling and financial planning. 

Budget & Financial Planning:

Lead development and coordination of the annual operating budget;

Partner with program and executive leadership to align financial planning with organizational strategy;

Provide ongoing financial projections and variance analysis;

Support capital planning and fixed asset management. 

Cash Management & Banking Oversight:

Monitor organizational cash flow, liquidity and financial position;

Oversee banking relationships and ensure secure, compliant financial practices;

Review and approve all bank reconciliations;

Ensure timely deposits and proper cash handling procedures. 

Internal Controls, Risk Management & Audit:

Design, implement and enforce strong internal control systems. 

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

Ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations, including grant and contract requirements;

Support preparation of annual financial statements and IRS Form 990;

Monitor regulatory changes and proactively adjust financial practices;

Maintain organizational compliance with nonprofit status requirements. 

Leadership & Team Management:

Supervise and develop accounting and fiscal staff;

Establish clear processes, documentation and accountability structures;

Build cross-training and continuity plans to reduce organizational risk;

Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership and continuous improvement. 

Executive & Board Partnership:

Serve as a key financial advisor to executive leadership;

Present financial information in a clear, transparent and strategic manner;

Support Finance and Audit Committees of the Board;

Translate complex financial data into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline;

MBA preferred; CPA license, preferred;

Strong GAAP compliance experience;

Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior level managerial accounting/finance role;

Experience with nonprofit accounting, including contract and grant accounting;

Experience in fund accounting with county, state and federal contracts, preferred;

Proficiency with the MS Office suite of products and industry-related software experience;

Experience utilizing MIP (previously Abila) software, preferred;

Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills;

Astute time management, attention to detail, accuracy, analytical, organizational, planning, multi-tasking, problem-solving, follow-through skills;

Ability to work effectively alone, within a collaborative team environment and to tight deadlines; 

Valid California driver’s license, with a clean and insurable driving record;

Reliable personal vehicle required;

Travel within Santa Barbara County required. 

Compensation:  

$150K-185K base salary DOE, for this for this full-time, exempt position. 

Benefits:

Medical, dental and vision premiums covered at 100% for employee & family;

401k with up to 6% annual employer match;

Free fitness/yoga center classes;

Free coffee shop items in the on-site café;

Monthly office chiropractic visits paid by employee;

Weekly on-site masseuse paid by employee;

Serenity suite access available. 

Location:

Santa Maria, CA – onsite position, with remote consideration for the ideal candidate.

Salary : $150,000 - $185,000