Controller

Buck Institute; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California seeks a Controller to lead day-to-day accounting and financial operations with a $62.6 million annual budget and a six-person finance team. You will ensure accurate reporting, strong controls, and audit readiness while modernizing processes and integrating AI-enabled tools with appropriate oversight.

Reporting to the CFO, you will partner with Grants, HR, IT and program leaders to support planning, forecasting, and financial

Qualifications

• Experience with GAAP and Uniform Guidance in a nonprofit or grant-funded environment.
• Ability to manage audits, budgets, and complex financial reporting.
• Strong analytical and communication skills for senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, close processes, and related systems.
• Ensure timely GAAP-compliant financial reporting and regulatory filings.
• Maintain internal controls over revenues, expenditures, assets, and grant activity.
• Lead annual financial statement audits and single audits; coordinate with external auditors.
• Provide financial planning, grants accounting, and decision support with senior leadership.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Audit coordination

Grant compliance

Leadership

Communication

Integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA and/or MBA preferred

Job description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is an independent nonprofit research institution in Novato, California, focused on understanding the biology of aging and extending healthy years of life. The Institute conducts complex, multidisciplinary science supported by diverse funding sources, including federal grants (NIH, ARPA-H, DoD), state, corporate, and foundation funding.

This funding environment requires rigorous financial management, strong internal controls, and expertise in GAAP, Uniform Guidance, grant compliance, and audit readiness. The Controller works closely with Finance, Grants, faculty and program leaders, and other administrative functions to support the Institute’s mission and operations. We are seeking a candidate with integrity beyond reproach.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller is the senior accounting leader and second-in-command within Finance. The role oversees day-to-day accounting and financial operations for an organization with an annual budget of approximately $62.6 million and supervises a six-person finance team responsible for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

The Controller is responsible for accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, audit and regulatory compliance, grants and program accounting, and the continued development of effective financial systems and processes. The Controller also supports the CFO with Board Finance and Audit Committee matters and partners with senior leadership, Grants, HR, IT, and program leaders on financial planning and operational decision-making.

The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, high integrity, strong people leadership, and a practical approach to modernizing finance operations, including the thoughtful use of automation and AI-enabled tools while maintaining appropriate controls and human review.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting, Reporting & Controls

• Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, financial close, and related accounting systems and workflows.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain effective internal controls and safeguards over revenues, expenditures, assets, and program and grant activity.
• Lead annual financial statement audits, Single Audits under Uniform Guidance, and grant-related audits; coordinate with external auditors and other professional advisors.
• Oversee required tax and regulatory reporting, including payroll and other applicable federal, state, and local filings and compliance requirements.

Planning, Grants & Financial Operations

• Partner with the CFO and Institute leadership on annual budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, variance analysis, and financial decision support.
• Oversee project, program, and grants accounting in partnership with the Grants team; monitor spending against budgets and funding requirements and support financial reporting to government, corporate, and foundation sponsors.
• Support faculty, lab, core, and program leaders with financial analysis and practical guidance that improves operational and financial decision-making.
• Monitor invested assets in accordance with established policies and investment guidelines and support other financial analysis as assigned by the CFO.
• Represent the Institute, as appropriate, in relationships with auditors, bankers, legal counsel, brokers, and other external partners.

Leadership, Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead, coach, and develop the finance team; clarify roles, strengthen accountability, and build an effective, service-oriented function.
• Support the CFO in preparing for and engaging with the Board’s Finance and Audit Committees.
• Partner with HR, IT, Grants, and other functions to improve cross-functional processes, data integrity, and systems integration.
• Evaluate and implement finance technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools that improve close, reconciliation, reporting, and analysis while preserving strong controls and appropriate human oversight.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, strengthen controls, and increase the quality and usefulness of financial information.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibility; experience in a complex nonprofit, research, higher education, healthcare, or similarly grant-funded environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with financial reporting, audit coordination, budgeting and forecasting, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and internal controls.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and experience with federal grant compliance and Uniform Guidance; experience with government, corporate, and foundation grants strongly preferred.
• Experience selecting, implementing, or improving financial systems and using automation or AI-enabled tools to increase efficiency while maintaining appropriate controls.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.
• Demonstrated integrity, discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, faculty, staff, Board members, and external partners.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The anticipated salary range for this position is $200,000 to $250,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other job-related factors. The Buck Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

This position is expected to work onsite Monday through Friday at the Buck Institute in Novato, California. Travel is limited.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role primarily involves standard office work, including prolonged sitting, computer and keyboard use, verbal communication, and the ability to move about the workplace. The position may occasionally require lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 25 pounds.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or requirements. Scheduling flexibility may be required to accommodate changing business needs.