Meaningful change is happening here. Be a part of it.
Becoming Independent (BI) is excited to announce the opportunity for a Controller to join the team. BI’s Controller will be a strategic and visionary leader who oversees the business's accounting and finance functions. The ideal candidate will possess the financial foresight necessary to help steward one of the strongest social impact organizations in Sonoma County.
As a member of one of the most dynamic organizations in the North Bay, 15x winner of North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work, Young Professionals Network Business of the Year, and Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s Community Hero Award recipient (humble brag!), you will have the opportunity to be a part of an innovative and inspiring work environment that values your accounting and financial expertise.
BECOMING INDEPENDENT JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Controller
PROGRAM: Administration
SUPERVISES: Finance Specialist(s)
SUPERVISED BY: Chief Executive Officer
SALARY: $120k-$135k annual salary
STATUS: Exempt
CRITICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Success as a Controller requires an individual who is analytical, detail-oriented and trustworthy, possessing excellent leadership and interpersonal skills as well as a strong understanding of accounting, financial, and management principles.
- Overseeing the daily activities (including but not limited to bank reconciliation, A/P, A/R, payroll etc. of the accounting department and ensuring that all projects, month-end, quarterly and year-end reports are completed accurately and on time.
- Supervising, training, and supporting finance team members.
- Preparing and analyzing financial data and reports for management, internal, and external parties (profit and loss, operating statement, balance sheet, cash flow projections, statements of cash flow, and trailing 12 months reports)
- Preparing and ensuring accurate and complete financial records and participating in audits or reconciliations, as needed, including the annual external audit and tax return.
- Ensuring that all accounting processes align with GAAP.
- Evaluating, developing, and improving department controls, systems, and procedures that increase accuracy and efficiency.
- Participate in and provide financial presentations to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
- Assisting other departments as they develop strategies, establish objectives, and make decisions that could financially impact the organization.
- Lead budgeting/forecasting process for the agency on an annual or as-needed basis.
- Provide strategic financial forecasts, analysis, and leadership on business models, such as evaluation of potential alliances, financial impact of contracts, and investments.
- As a management team member, support organizational efforts regarding talent recruitment, training, and retention.
SUMMARY OF JOB EXPECTATIONS
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- Strong understanding of accounting, finance, and management principles.
- Exceptional computational skills.
- Proficiency with computers, particularly accounting software, G-Suite, and MS Office.
- High level of efficiency and accuracy.
- Compliance with all local, state, federal, and company regulations.
- Attention to detail and the ability to analyze large amounts of data.
CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS
Organized: Able to perform job duties with efficiency and accuracy.
Dependable: Can be relied upon; trustworthy, responsible, punctual.
Good Judgment: Chooses courses of action that result in beneficial outcomes for all BI partners.
Positive Attitude: Has an overall positive, open, and supportive attitude.
Interpersonal Relations: Is able to relate well to others.
Communication: Excellent verbal/written communication skills in English, is able to comprehend and follow directions, as well as be an effective listener.
Initiative: Is a self-starter.
Philosophical Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to BI’s established culture of dignity and respect.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.
EXPERIENCE:
- Proven experience as a Controller, Accounting Manager, Accounting Supervisor or Finance Manager.
- A minimum of three years experience in General Ledger accounting and month/quarter/year-end close is required.
- Public accounting experience is preferred.
COMPUTER SKILLS:
- Strong computer skills in;
- Windows platforms
- G-Suite platforms
- Accounting software and databases
- Great Plains/Microsoft Dynamics and ADP Workforce experience preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- A physical condition that will permit frequent bending, squatting, turning, and lifting without injury.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to assist individuals in wheelchairs.
- Provide personal care as needed.
- Lift at least 40 pounds.
- Clearance of pre-employment Functional Capacity Evaluation with no restrictions that cannot be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Excellent analytical, judgment, time management, decision-making, organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidential and meticulous records.
- Detailed and thorough.
- Enthusiastically promote Becoming Independent’s mission and vision.
MAY REQUIRE ONE OR ALL:
- Valid California driver’s license
- Insured, dependable vehicle
- Proof of current auto insurance
- First Aid and CPR certification (training provided)
- Criminal Record Clearance
Top Skills
What We Do
Becoming Independent — also known as BI — helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live meaningful and productive lives. We are a nonprofit community benefit organization serving Sonoma, Napa, Marin, and Solano counties with a purpose to elevate human abilities for the mutual benefit of our community.
At BI, we believe our pioneering model has and always will break barriers for people with disabilities. We believe in the power of authentic human connection. We believe that beauty and potential exist in each of us. We believe it’s our responsibility to be active citizens. We believe in standing for the rights of all people, the right to a life of dignity and fulfillment.
Awards and Recognition:
NBBJ Best Places to Work - 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009
North Bay Women in Business Award - 2020
BI’s Chief Executive Officer, Luana Vaetoe, is a 2020 North Bay Business Journal Women in Business Award winner.
Community Hero Award - Nonprofit Community Service - 2019
The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber and Poppy Bank presented BI with their first ever Community Hero Award for Nonprofit Community Service. BI was elected by the community with over 300 votes, and was honored for supporting the community through volunteerism and for providing top notch services.
Forty Under 40
2022
BI's Director of Education, Kaela Talafili, was selected as a member of the prestigious 40 Under Forty by the North Bay Business Journal.
2016
BI's Chief Executive Officer, Luana Vaetoe, was selected as a member of the prestigious 40 Under Forty by the North Bay Business Journal.