Controller

GHJ; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Financial Controller to join its leadership team in Los Angeles. This hybrid-eligible role involves overseeing day-to-day accounting functions, leading a finance team, and ensuring compliance with grant and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, and auditing, particularly within a nonprofit context. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to strategic financial planning and foster a mission-aligned finance culture. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the necessary qualifications, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA/MBA preferred.
• Hands-on experience with audits and financial reporting in nonprofits.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations and ensure adherence to GAAP standards.
• Manage audit processes and provide timely financial reporting.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Budgeting

Auditing

Grant Compliance

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

MBA

CPA

Tools

Blackbaud Financial Edge

MIP Abila

Adaptive Planning

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 well-respected nonprofit organization with a longstanding history of advocacy and community impact is seeking a Financial Controller to join its leadership team. This role will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and play a key role in guiding financial operations across the organization.

The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting functions, lead a small finance team, and manage core functions including general ledger, payroll, AP/AR, and financial reporting. This is a collaborative role that works cross-functionally with executive leadership and program teams to ensure strong financial systems, support program delivery, and uphold compliance with grant and regulatory requirements.

This is a hybrid-eligible position based in Los Angeles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead accounting operations and maintain adherence to GAAP standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure strong internal controls over revenue, expenses, and grants.
• Manage the audit process and coordinate annual audit preparations.
• Provide timely and accurate financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, and annual).
• Collaborate with the CFO and Finance Grants Manager on budget oversight, grant compliance, and fund reporting.
• Contribute to strategic financial planning, forecasting, and board-level reporting.
• Manage, mentor, and support finance staff; clarify roles and support skill development.
• Foster strong internal communication and positive collaboration across departments.
• Promote a team-oriented and mission-aligned finance culture.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA and/or MBA preferred)
• Hands-on experience with audits, budgeting, & financial reporting in a nonprofit environment
• Solid understanding of grants compliance and funder reporting
• Proficiency with accounting systems (Blackbaud Financial Edge, MIP Abila, Adaptive Planning, etc.)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial data to non-finance staff

Compensation: $130,000 - $155,000 a year, dependent upon experience and relevant qualifications.