A large, mission-driven nonprofit is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial operations across a complex organization with multiple programs, funds, and grants. This is a high-visibility leadership opportunity for a finance executive who can bridge technical accounting expertise with strategic financial planning while building scalable systems and strong teams.
Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will oversee general ledger accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, AP/AR, cash collections, compliance, and financial systems. The role leads a team of 12 and partners closely with executive leadership, the Audit and Finance Committees, and the Board to deliver accurate reporting, strengthen controls, and support long-term organizational planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, AP/AR, fixed assets, and month-end close
- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and long-range financial planning
- Deliver financial reporting and actionable insights to executive leadership and the Board
- Lead the annual Single Audit, 403(b) audit, Form 990, and other regulatory reporting
- Develop and strengthen accounting policies, internal controls, and technical accounting processes
- Partner with department leaders on budgets, resource allocation, and financial performance
- Lead, mentor, and develop a 12-person finance team while promoting cross-training and operational efficiency
- Drive ERP, reporting, automation, and process improvements to support continued growth
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
- Active CPA license required; MBA preferred
- 15–20+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least 3 years at the Controller or equivalent level
- Experience in a nonprofit environment; fiscal sponsorship experience strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls
- Experience with government grants, Uniform Guidance, and Single Audit requirements preferred
- Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling skills
- Experience with Oracle Fusion or similar ERP systems
- Proven ability to lead large finance teams and communicate effectively with senior leadership
Why Join?
- Executive-level finance leadership role with significant organizational visibility
- Opportunity to influence strategy while strengthening financial infrastructure at scale
- Meaningful mission-driven environment where strong financial leadership directly supports community impact
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
- Active CPA license
- MBA
- 15-20+ years progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least 3 years at Controller or equivalent level
- Experience in a nonprofit environment
- Fiscal sponsorship experience
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls
- Experience with government grants, Uniform Guidance, and Single Audit requirements
- Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling skills
- Experience with Oracle Fusion or similar ERP systems
- Proven ability to lead large finance teams and communicate with senior leadership
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).
