Controller

Aspire Public Schools • Oakland, CA

3d

About The Position

Aspire NorCal operates 22 schools serving approximately 10,000 scholars across Northern California. The region is bringing together the Bay Area and Central Valley as Aspire Public Schools transitions to a unified regional organization. Aspire NorCal aims to strengthen consistent and effective school support while remaining responsive to the distinct communities it serves and preserving its long-standing mission of post-secondary success and educational equity.

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

This is a full-time, exempt position. The annual salary range is $168,050 to $215,728, commensurate with experience and in accordance with the salary schedule policy. 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 the agreement is not finalized, renewed, or continues through its term, department size and positions 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.
• Nonprofit accounting experience and understanding of GAAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and integrated accounting systems.
• Strong accounting, analytical, audit, and organizational skills, with a proactive, hands-on leadership approach.
• Ability to manage a team and inspire excellence, with commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team.
• High attention to detail and follow-up, with demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects concurrently.
• Excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and resourcefulness.
• Ability to explain accounting concepts to 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 and communicate deadlines, and document balance sheet reconciliations.
• Establish and manage processes to monitor bond and banking covenant compliance quarterly, 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 accurate, timely quarterly internal financial statements and monitor and report issues and significant changes in financial status.
• Serve as the Accounting Service Level Agreement (SLA) lead between Aspire NorCal and Aspire LA, participate in regular SLA 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 government regulatory reports, 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 accounting practices through sustainable, scalable solutions and technology that eliminates inefficiencies while maintaining high accuracy.
• Lead, develop, and train accounting team members; leverage their strengths, clarify roles and responsibilities, and support individual and organizational goals.
• Promote strong internal communication and a positive, supportive work environment.
• Ensure the accounting team partners with and supports the Finance team and home office, regional office, and school teams.
• 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 in accordance with an updated employee value proposition, to be shared before an offer.

What This Job Offers

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