Controller

Buck Institute•Novato, CA

42d•$200,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is an independent nonprofit research institution in Novato, California, focused on understanding the biology of aging and extending healthy years of life. The Institute conducts complex, multidisciplinary science supported by diverse funding sources, including federal grants (NIH, ARPA-H, DoD), state, corporate, and foundation funding. This funding environment requires rigorous financial management, strong internal controls, and expertise in GAAP, Uniform Guidance, grant compliance, and audit readiness. The Controller works closely with Finance, Grants, faculty and program leaders, and other administrative functions to support the Institute’s mission and operations. We are seeking a candidate with integrity beyond reproach. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller is the senior accounting leader and second-in-command within Finance. The role oversees day-to-day accounting and financial operations for an organization with an annual budget of approximately $62.6 million and supervises a six-person finance team responsible for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. The Controller is responsible for accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, audit and regulatory compliance, grants and program accounting, and the continued development of effective financial systems and processes. The Controller also supports the CFO with Board Finance and Audit Committee matters and partners with senior leadership, Grants, HR, IT, and program leaders on financial planning and operational decision-making. The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, high integrity, strong people leadership, and a practical approach to modernizing finance operations, including the thoughtful use of automation and AI-enabled tools while maintaining appropriate controls and human review.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibility
Demonstrated experience with financial reporting, audit coordination, budgeting and forecasting, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and internal controls.
Strong working knowledge of GAAP and experience with federal grant compliance and Uniform Guidance
Experience selecting, implementing, or improving financial systems and using automation or AI-enabled tools to increase efficiency while maintaining appropriate controls.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.
Demonstrated integrity, discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, faculty, staff, Board members, and external partners.

Nice To Haves

CPA and/or MBA preferred
experience in a complex nonprofit, research, higher education, healthcare, or similarly grant-funded environment strongly preferred
experience with government, corporate, and foundation grants strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, financial close, and related accounting systems and workflows.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
Maintain effective internal controls and safeguards over revenues, expenditures, assets, and program and grant activity.
Lead annual financial statement audits, Single Audits under Uniform Guidance, and grant-related audits; coordinate with external auditors and other professional advisors.
Oversee required tax and regulatory reporting, including payroll and other applicable federal, state, and local filings and compliance requirements.
Partner with the CFO and Institute leadership on annual budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, variance analysis, and financial decision support.
Oversee project, program, and grants accounting in partnership with the Grants team; monitor spending against budgets and funding requirements and support financial reporting to government, corporate, and foundation sponsors.
Support faculty, lab, core, and program leaders with financial analysis and practical guidance that improves operational and financial decision-making.
Monitor invested assets in accordance with established policies and investment guidelines and support other financial analysis as assigned by the CFO.
Represent the Institute, as appropriate, in relationships with auditors, bankers, legal counsel, brokers, and other external partners.
Lead, coach, and develop the finance team; clarify roles, strengthen accountability, and build an effective, service-oriented function.
Support the CFO in preparing for and engaging with the Board’s Finance and Audit Committees.
Partner with HR, IT, Grants, and other functions to improve cross-functional processes, data integrity, and systems integration.
Evaluate and implement finance technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools that improve close, reconciliation, reporting, and analysis while preserving strong controls and appropriate human oversight.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, strengthen controls, and increase the quality and usefulness of financial information.