Controller

Aspire Public Schools • Oakland, CA

4d • $168,050 - $215,728

About The Position

Aspire NorCal is forming a unified Northern California region comprising 22 schools and approximately 10,000 scholars across the Bay Area and Central Valley. The organization aims to strengthen school support, improve consistency and effectiveness, and establish clear accountability while remaining responsive to the communities and contexts of its schools. Its work builds on Aspire’s longstanding mission of post-secondary success and commitment to educational equity.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller manages accounting and reporting activities and performs daily functional accounting work. The Controller supervises a team responsible for accounting, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, financial reports, audit, payroll, and retirement reporting. The role ensures systems and procedures support bond and banking covenant compliance, real estate lease covenant compliance, grant recognition and obligations, payroll and retirement compliance, and tracking of specific financial terms. The Controller partners with the CFO, Finance team, directors of key home office functions, and school site leaders on finance initiatives, systems, policies, and procedures.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $168,050 to $215,728 annually, commensurate with experience. The work location and in-person expectations are being finalized. Aspire NorCal expects to provide Finance, Accounting, Payroll, and Retirement services to Aspire LA under a multi-year service agreement; if that agreement is not finalized, renewed, or continues, the department’s size and roles may be affected. Employment is at-will.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• At least 5 years of experience coordinating audit activities and managing reports, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
• At least 2 years of experience in accounting management.
• Non-profit accounting experience and understanding of GAAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and integrated accounting systems.
• Strong accounting, analytical, audit, organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a team, including recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team.
• High attention to detail and follow-up, with ability to handle multiple projects concurrently.
• Good judgment and resourcefulness.
• Ability to translate accounting concepts for people at all levels of the organization.
• Positive, customer-service-oriented approach and strong relationship-building skills.
• Integrity, credibility, and commitment to Aspire’s mission.

Nice To Haves

• CPA and/or MBA.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements, including cash management, bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets, and internal and external reporting.
• Maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and safeguards for cash, revenue, and costs; ensure proper implementation and provide training.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, maintain deadlines, and document balance sheet reconciliations.
• Establish and manage quarterly processes to monitor bond and banking covenant compliance, real estate lease covenants, and financial obligations in grant agreements; report to agencies and banking partners as required.
• Support the annual insurance renewal process.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate quarterly internal financial statements and monitor and report issues and major changes in financial status.
• Lead the Accounting Service Level Agreement between Aspire NorCal and Aspire LA, participate in regular review meetings, and deliver SLA performance reports.
• Coordinate the annual financial audit, including work paper preparation and liaison with auditors.
• Direct and prepare tax returns and reports for government regulatory agencies, including 1099, 990, property tax exemption, and sales/use filings.
• Review and approve semi-monthly payroll runs and annual payroll processes, ensuring integrity and improving controls; partner with the payroll team on process improvements.
• Prepare and review journal entries as needed and prepare timely Board agenda items for areas of responsibility.
• Improve and simplify Aspire’s accounting approach with sustainable, scalable solutions, using technology to eliminate inefficiencies while maintaining high accuracy.
• Lead, develop, and train accounting team members; leverage their strengths and clarify roles and responsibilities to support individual and organizational goals.
• Communicate effectively internally and promote a positive, supportive work environment.
• Ensure the accounting team partners with and supports Finance, home office, regional office, and school teams.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and support Aspire Public Schools’ mission, vision, and values, including antiracism, and uphold confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible for Aspire health benefits.
• Retirement through CalSTRS or CalPERS, depending on the role’s credential requirements, with a 403(b) option.
• Paid time off.
• Additional teammate benefits to be determined under an updated employee value proposition, to be shared prior to offer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager