Controller

Project We Hope; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

2 weeks paid vacation

3 days paid personal leave

Job summary

WeHOPE is seeking a Controller to lead financial operations for its Bay Area programs, including shelters, food services, and job training. Reporting to the CFO, you will oversee GAAP-compliant reporting, internal controls, and grant compliance across a $20 million budget and 220+ staff.

As a key member of the executive team, you will partner with program leaders and the Director of Institutional Partnerships to steward resources, drive fiscal integrity, and ensure sustainable funding for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA or advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive nonprofit accounting experience.
• GAAP, fund accounting, and federal grant compliance expertise.
• Proficient in QuickBooks, MIP Fund Accounting, and Advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements per GAAP.
• Develop long-term financial strategy with data-driven forecasts.
• Manage annual budget with leadership and program managers.
• Ensure grant and government contract compliance and reporting.
• Lead annual audit and Form 990 preparation.
• Design robust internal controls and financial policies.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Coordinate payroll and benefits accounting with HR.
• Supervise accounting and finance team and mentor staff.
• Train staff on policies and grant compliance.
• Improve systems and workflows for efficiency.
• Present financial reports to Board and funders.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA or advanced degree

Tools

QuickBooks

MIP Fund Accounting

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Controller

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Supervises: Accounting and Finance Team

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA (primarily onsite with one day per week remote)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Controller is a key member of WeHOPE’s Executive Team, overseeing financial operations for a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness, second‑chance employment, food security, and job training. Managing a $20 million annual budget and supporting a workforce of over 220 employees, the Controller ensures accurate financial reporting, robust internal controls, and compliance with funding requirements. This role drives fiscal integrity and sustainability for WeHOPE’s programs, including shelters, food services, job training, and a mobile outreach fleet serving individuals and families across San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, and Alameda Counties. The Controller collaborates closely with the CFO, the Director of Institutional Partnerships and Government Contracts, and program leaders to steward financial resources in alignment with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and funder policies.

About WeHOPE

WeHOPE helps vulnerable people thrive by giving them the support and tools to realize their full potential and lead healthy, stable lives. For more than 26 years, we have helped thousands of individuals and families develop the skills and abilities to improve their lives and build their own futures. We service more than 7,000 people each year throughout five different counties, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin and Alameda Counties and 24 different cities. The 21st century has brought unprecedented innovation and wealth to the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. But it also places escalating stress on hardworking families and at‑risk individuals, pushing more people to the margins of economic and personal instability. WeHOPE chooses to rise above these barriers and continue to serve those who seek aid and shelter and long‑term self‑sustainability as well as affordable.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight & Reporting: Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Strategic Financial Planning: Contribute to long‑term financial strategy by providing data‑driven insights and forecasts to support WeHOPE’s growth and program expansion.
• Budget Management: Partner with leadership and program managers to develop and monitor the annual budget, providing insightful budget‑vs‑actual reports to guide decision‑making.
• Grants & Contract Compliance: Manage accounting for restricted grants and government contracts, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and timely, accurate reporting.
• Audit & Tax Coordination: Lead the annual audit and Form 990 tax filing processes, serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors and ensuring comprehensive preparation.
• Internal Controls & Policies: Design and implement robust internal controls to safeguard assets, while developing and enforcing financial policies to promote transparency and accountability.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks by monitoring market trends, regulatory changes, and organizational exposures.
• Payroll & Benefits Collaboration: Work with HR to manage payroll and benefits accounting, ensuring alignment between financial and personnel systems.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor the Accounting and Finance Team, fostering best practices, accountability, and achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Training and Capacity Building: Train program managers and staff on financial policies, budgeting, and grant compliance to foster organization‑wide fiscal responsibility.
• Systems & Process Optimization: Evaluate and enhance financial systems and workflows, implementing tools to improve efficiency, data accuracy, and organizational insights.
• Stakeholder Communication: Present financial reports and insights to the Board of Directors, funders, and other stakeholders to support transparency and decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; CPA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management.
• Expertise in GAAP, fund accounting, and federal grant compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance).
• Proficiency in nonprofit accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, MIP Fund Accounting) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience in multi‑site or multi‑program nonprofit environments is a plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills with a commitment to collaboration and inclusivity.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $110,000–$135,000 annually, plus a potential $10,000 performance‑based bonus tied to agreed‑upon KPIs.
• Benefits: Comprehensive package including health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; 2 weeks of paid vacation; and 3 days of paid personal leave.
• Work Environment: WeHOPE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and programming.

Why Join WeHOPE?

Be part of a mission‑driven organization transforming lives in the Bay Area. As Controller, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the financial health of WeHOPE’s impactful programs, empowering thousands to achieve stability and self‑sufficiency.