Controller

About the organization

A private, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting compassion and respect for all living creatures. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it provides a wide range of services, including animal adoption, wildlife rescue, veterinary care, humane education, and enforcement of animal-related laws. The organization operates as a safe place for stray, injured, and neglected animals, striving to reunite pets with their owners or find them loving homes. It is committed to community outreach, education, and advocacy, ensuring the well-being of animals and fostering a humane community.

Position Overview

Manage the accounting operations of the organization including budgeting, auditing, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger and financial reporting in accordance with internal policies and procedures. Oversee development and implementation of accounting systems. May interpret accounting reports to management and Board of Directors. Is a hands-on manager willing and able to routinely work alongside staff, reflecting the culture of the organization while utilizing direct reports/consultants to assure the sound financial management of the organization. The position requires someone who is both a strong leader and an effective team member.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate accounting records and prepare timely financial reports for management and Board of Directors; offer analysis of variances and provide insights for management decisions.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor accounting policies and procedures.
• Coordinate the budgeting and projection process for all departments. Specifically responsible for preparing and monitoring the accounting department budget.
• Review financial performance, monitor budget variances and capital expenditures while also managing cash flow, perform projections and ensure adequate cash reserves.
• Serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Director’s Finance and Audit Committees and if needed attend Board meetings when asked.
• Work with Board of Director’s Finance Committee to establish investment policies, monitor performance of investment portfolio manager and ensure consistency in accounting and reporting practices.
• Lead internal and external audits, liaise with auditors, and ensure accurate documentation of financial processes. Prepare reports and schedules for annual audit and tax returns.
• Work with Development Department to ensure appropriate application and management of donor restricted funds and reconciliation of development and accounting databases.
• Conduct appropriate analyses to identify trends, assess costs, allocate shared expenses, identify potential cost savings or revenue generation areas, and assess the financial impact of new programs.
• Set annual objectives for the department consistent with the organization’s operating goals and ensure that these objectives are met.
• Ensure that the Accounting Department meets organizational and external deadlines.
• Meet with the senior management team as appropriate and directed.
• Ensure remittance/invoicing and reporting requirements are met on time for various funders according to an established schedule.
• Prepare miscellaneous governmental reports and filings, including Business Property Statement and quarterly sales tax returns.
• Establish and maintain solid banking relationships and maintain reconciliation for all bank accounts in a timely manner.
• Review and approve invoices for weekly accounts payable/check run.
• Maintain file copies of all Minutes of and other documents related to the Board of Directors meetings along with all organization contract agreements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a management role.
• Nonprofit accounting experience, including fund accounting and donor-restricted funds.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience leading audits, budgeting, cash flow management, and full-cycle accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting software.

Skills

• Clear communicator with senior management and the Board.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; meets deadlines.
• Hands-on leader who works alongside staff.
• High integrity and attention to detail.

Preferred

• CPA or MBA.
• Experience with Board committees, investment oversight, and grant reporting.