Controller

Sharon Heights Golf & Country; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a seasoned Controller to oversee financial operations, reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. You will lead the Finance team to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable financial information that supports effective decision-making.

This full-time, exempt role requires 5+ years in accounting/finance and 3-5 years of leadership, with a Bachelor's degree in accounting or business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting/business or other relevant area of study.
• 5+ years of progressive Accounting/Finance experience required.
• 3-5 years of team management experience required.
• Experience in Hospitality preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary resource for accounting matters and ensure compliant financial operations.
• Analyze financial data, operating results, and KPIs to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage the month-end close process and ensure accurate recording of financial transactions.
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed asset activity, and other closing adjustments.
• Determine revenue and expense allocations in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain accounting and club permanent records.
• Coordinate with the annual audit/tax process and prepare supporting schedules.
• Manage tax and regulatory filings at federal, state, and local levels.
• Process and record member equity transactions and 1099Bs for equity sales.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and strengthen internal controls.
• Oversee asset records including fixed assets and construction-in-progress.
• Lead a two-person finance team and coordinate with regulatory filings.
• Participate in ad hoc projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Time management

Detail oriented

Excel

Self-motivated

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

For applicant security, we recommend that candidates verify the legitimacy of any employment opportunity through the company’s official careers page. Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club will never request sensitive personal or financial information outside of the formal hiring process.

Job Purpose

The Controller oversees financial operations, reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance while leading the Finance team to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable financial information that supports effective decision-making. This role fosters a culture of fiscal accountability and supports long-term planning.

Job Summary (Essential Functions)

• Accounting and Compliance
  • Serve as the primary resource for accounting matters, resolve financial inquiries, and coordinate with Finance team & department leaders to ensure accurate and compliant financial operations
  • With the management team, analyze financial data, operating results, and key performance indicators to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement
  • Manage and execute the month-end close process, ensuring timely and complete recording of financial transactions in accordance with established accounting policies and procedures
  • Review journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed asset activity, and other closing adjustments
  • Determine revenue and expense allocations in accordance with GAAP
  • Maintain accounting and club permanent records
• Serve as liaison to the annual audit/tax process; prepare and review supporting schedules
• Manage the reconciliation and filing of tax and regulatory compliance filings, ensuring accurate reporting, timely payments, and adherence to federal, state, and local requirements. This includes sales tax returns, vendor 1099s, property tax returns, and other items as required
• Process and record member equity transactions and preparation of 1099Bs for equity sales
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting
• Asset Management
  • Ownership of club asset records, including fixed assets and construction-in-progress accounts, asset tagging, service dates, depreciation and amortization
  • Review and approve monthly inventories and suggest accrual for un-invoiced goods. Investigate and resolve all variances
• System and Processes
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a dedicated team of 2 finance professionals
  • Coordinate with regulatory agencies as needed, including city, state, and local business filings
  • Participate in ad hoc projects & other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting/business or other relevant area of study
• Experience
  • 5+ years of progressive Accounting/Finance experience required
  • 3-5 years of team management experience required
  • Experience in Hospitality preferred, but not required
• Skills
  • Highly motivated & self-initiating
  • Capable of working in a fast-paced environment
  • Time-management and prioritization skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Detail oriented
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs, skilled in Excel

This is a full-time, exempt position with a regular work schedule (e.g. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) with occasional need to work extended hours to meet deadlines or support key financial activities (e.g. month-end close, audits).

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment with frequent use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting, as well as occasional standing, walking, and light lifting up to 15 pounds. The Controller must be able to communicate effectively in person and via phone and email in an open-space office environment.

Compensation

This is an exempt, salaried position ranging from $140,000-160,000 annually. Commensurate with experience/qualifications.

Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Sharon Heights are considered without regards to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the club.