Controller - Nonprofit Organization

Your SmartSource•Santa Maria, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County, a nonprofit organization established in 1970, is seeking a Controller. This role is the operational and technical leader of all accounting and financial infrastructure. The Controller will be responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of all financial systems, government contracts, and grant requirements. Key responsibilities include building and maintaining strong internal controls, ensuring audit readiness, developing scalable financial systems, and providing critical financial analysis to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
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.
Proficiency with the MS Office suite of products and industry-related software experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
CPA license, preferred.
Experience in fund accounting with county, state and federal contracts, preferred.
Experience utilizing MIP (previously Abila) software, preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Design, implement, and enforce strong internal control systems.
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.
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.
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.