Controller

Mariners Church•Irvine, CA

16h

About The Position

The Controller serves as the leader of the Accounting Department and a strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer. While the role includes responsibility for core accounting operations and compliance, its primary focus is ensuring that financial reporting, systems, and processes are aligned with the vision and long-term direction of the church. This position requires more than technical accounting expertise. The Controller is expected to lead and develop the accounting team, strengthen internal processes, and continuously improve the accuracy, clarity, and efficiency of financial reporting. The role emphasizes oversight, review, and departmental leadership rather than routine transactional execution. In partnership with the CFO, the Controller will evaluate and refine reporting structures, internal controls, and workflows so that financial information is reliable, timely, and structured in ways that support executive decision making, ministry expansion, and organizational sustainability across a complex, multi-location environment. Success in this role means building a department that is accurate, scalable, efficient, and forward-looking, while maintaining strong compliance and stewardship standards.

Requirements

Proven working experience as a Controller.
7-10 years of experience in accounting and finance.
Bachelor’s degree; CPA or CMA preferred.
Knowledge of non-profit accounting principles and procedures.
Implemented accounting software and process improvements.
Must have U.S. work authorization without employer sponsorship and complete a background and credit check.
Love Jesus and call themselves Christians.
Embrace a high biblical standard of personal conduct and lifestyle.
Agree to and adhere to the church's statement of faith and leadership commitment.
Attend Mariners Church.

Responsibilities

Department Leadership
Lead and develop the Accounting Department, establishing clear standards for accuracy, accountability, and excellence.
Provide oversight of all accounting operations, ensuring appropriate delegation of transactional work while maintaining ultimate responsibility for results.
Build a culture of ownership, clarity, and continuous improvement within the department.
Financial Reporting and Oversight
Oversee the preparation and publication of timely and accurate monthly and annual financial statements.
Ensure quality control over financial transactions and reporting processes.
Manage the month-end and year-end close processes to ensure reliability and efficiency.
Lead and manage the annual financial statement audit process, serving as the primary liaison to external auditors and ensuring timely, accurate, and complete audit deliverables.
Budgeting and Analysis
Coordinate and direct the preparation of the annual budget and monitor performance against plan.
Partner with the CFO to interpret financial results and provide insight into trends, risks, and operational drivers.
Develop reporting formats and financial views that support leadership discussions and informed decision making.
Systems, Controls, and Process Improvement
Develop and strengthen internal control policies and accounting procedures.
Evaluate and improve workflows, systems, and reporting structures to enhance efficiency and scalability.
Ensure banking, cash management, and financial account oversight are aligned with strong stewardship practices.
Research technical accounting issues and implement appropriate guidance to maintain compliance.
Strategic Partnership
Partner with the CFO to align financial reporting and systems with the long-term vision and growth strategy of the church.
Support financial modeling and analysis related to expansion, multi-campus operations, and capital initiatives.
Contribute to building a finance function that not only records the past but equips leadership to plan for the future.