Controller

Blueprint CFO; California; Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

GHJ seeks an experienced Controller for a large nonprofit to lead accounting, FP&A, and compliance across multiple programs and grants. You will manage a 12-person finance team, partner with the CFO, and oversee audits including Single Audit and Form 990 to strengthen controls and reporting.

This executive role offers high visibility, strategic finance leadership, and opportunities to scale systems and processes, with a strong focus on mission impact and financial stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Active CPA license required; MBA preferred.
• 15–20+ years in accounting/finance with at least 3 years at Controller level.
• Experience in nonprofit environment; government grants and Single Audit knowledge preferred.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling; GAAP and internal controls expertise.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, AP/AR, cash collections, compliance, and financial systems.
• Lead a 12-person finance team and mentor staff.
• Direct annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
• Lead audits including Single Audit, 403(b), Form 990 and other regulatory reporting.
• Develop and strengthen accounting policies and internal controls; drive process improvements.

Skills

Executive leadership

GAAP knowledge

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial modeling

Regulatory reporting

Communication with senior leadership

Nonprofit accounting experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA license (active)

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Job description

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ's relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.

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

$209,900 - $225,000 a year

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