The Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the nonprofit organization, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, internal controls, and audit coordination. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records while supporting the organization’s mission through sound financial management and strategic guidance.
The Controller manages day-to-day accounting functions and helps ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Accounting
- Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.
- Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Maintain the integrity of the organization’s financial records and accounting systems.
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Monitor and reconcile bank accounts and investment activity. Budgeting & Financial Planning
- Assist with the development and management of the annual operating budget.
- Provide budget-to-actual variance analysis and financial forecasting.
- Support leadership with financial analysis and recommendations.
- Collaborate with department leaders to monitor program and grant budgets. Grants & Compliance
- Track and report restricted and unrestricted funding.
- Ensure compliance with grant agreements, donor restrictions, and funding requirements.
- Prepare financial reports for funders, agencies, and board committees as needed.
- Support compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Audit & Internal Controls
- Coordinate annual financial audits and tax filings, including Form 990 preparation support.
- Develop and maintain effective internal controls and financial policies.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Leadership & Administration
- Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff, as applicable.
- Serve as a financial resource to leadership and program managers.
- Participate in strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
- Support board and finance committee reporting requirements.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of accounting or finance experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
- CPA license (active or inactive)
Skills Required
- 7+ years of accounting or finance experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field
- CPA license (active or inactive)
- Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
- Experience with grant compliance and funder reporting
- Experience coordinating audits and Form 990 preparation support
What We Do
GHJ is an accounting and advisory firm that specializes in nonprofit, food and beverage, entertainment and media and health and wellness companies. Previous recipient of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Employee Champion For Life Work Harmony Award and named a “Best Places to Work” by the Los Angeles Business Journal eight times since 2008, GHJ is passionate about helping clients and its people #BeMore by focusing on building thriving businesses and creating a better future. GHJ works as a business advocate for its clients — providing personalized service and building long-term relationships to help position our clients for growth. Through its affiliation with HLB International, a global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers, GHJ is able to partner with other top firms across major cities throughout the U.S. and the world. GHJ’s audit, tax and advisory teams leverage the HLB network to better serve its clients and give clients access to member firms in over 158 countries across the globe and over 775 offices worldwide. Also ranked as a top-20 largest accounting firm on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Book of Lists, GHJ has 15 partners and more than 160 staff members that serve over 3,000 clients. GHJ is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit).
