Assistant Controller

The Annenberg Foundation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Annenberg Foundation is seeking an experienced, hands-on Assistant Controller to support the Director of Accounting & Finance in providing oversight of its accounting operations in Los Angeles, CA. This role emphasizes accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and staff leadership.

You'll supervise accounting staff, partner with Finance leadership on initiatives, and help drive process improvements while ensuring GAAP compliance and timely close cycles for the Foundation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience with supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and investment accounting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations for the Foundation and entities, including general ledger and grants accounting.
• Lead quarterly and annual close processes with accurate journal entries and reconciliations.
• Support audit activities, regulatory filings, and GAAP compliance.
• Maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and financial systems; mentor accounting staff.
• Partner with Finance leadership on initiatives and process improvements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Sage Intacct

Cloud-based ERP platforms

Excel

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Annenberg Foundation is seeking an experienced, hands-on Assistant Controller to support the Director of Accounting & Finance in providing oversight of its accounting operations. Working closely with the Director and the Senior Director of Administration and Finance, this position is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, overseeing accounting staff, and supporting the Foundation's financial and operational priorities. The ideal candidate brings broad accounting expertise, strong managerial skills, and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to managing financial operations, developing staff, and improving processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations for the Foundation and its entities, including general ledger, grants accounting, accounts payable, cash management, and fixed assets.
• Lead quarterly and annual close processes, ensuring accurate journal entries, reconciliations, financial schedules, and reporting.
• Oversee grant-related accounting, review investment accounting entries, and support financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
• Support audit activities, tax and regulatory filings, and compliance with GAAP and applicable requirements.
• Maintain, strengthen, and document accounting policies, internal controls, financial systems, and operational processes.
• Oversee, mentor, and develop accounting staff, promote cross-training, and foster a collaborative, service-oriented team.
• Partner with Finance leadership on departmental initiatives, process improvements, and special projects, while serving as a key operational partner and backup to the Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least 5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience with investment accounting and strong knowledge of financial systems, including Sage Intacct or comparable cloud-based ERP platforms.
• Advanced Excel skills, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and demonstrated leadership and staff-development capabilities.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with sound professional judgment and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience in nonprofit or private foundation accounting preferred.
• Professional accounting credential (CPA, CMA, CIA, or equivalent) strongly preferred.