Controller

Orangewood Foundation; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental

Vision

FSA

Mental Health support

Employee Assistance Program

Life and disability insurance

Pet Insurance

401(k) with company match

Cell phone stipend

Job summary

Orangewood Foundation in Santa Ana, CA seeks a Controller to lead the Finance team and oversee monthly closes, reconciliations, and contract billing. The role reports to the CFO and supports the organization’s accounting functions across non-profit programs.

The Controller ensures internal controls, prepares timely financial statements, and collaborates with the leadership on budgets and audits. Excellent GAAP knowledge and nonprofit experience are essential for this exempt, full-time position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance required.
• 5+ years’ experience in the accounting field, preferably in nonprofit.
• Solid understanding of nonprofit accounting (GAAP and FASB).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions independently.

Responsibilities

• Provides overall leadership and supervision of the Finance team.
• Work collaboratively with People and Culture on payroll review.
• Updates accounting policies and procedures annually for Orangewood Foundation and Samueli Academy.
• Provides timely financials to leadership of Orangewood Foundation and Samueli Academy.
• Implements sound internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Serves as primary point of contact for banking relationships.
• Review and approve monthly billing and reconciliation of contracts with County, State or Federal agencies.
• Participate in monthly meetings with Program Staff to review contract spending.
• Oversee Budget Modifications for various contracts with County, State or Federal agencies.
• Review and approve check runs, ACH, and other payments to vendors per policies.
• Monitor Cash Flow reconciliation daily for adequate cash flow.
• Attend Finance/Audit/Investment committee meetings.
• Ensure compliance with laws related to financial data.
• Coordinate with Development on revenue reconciliation.
• Oversee month-end close process and journal entries.
• Serve as lead on financial audits.

Skills

Nonprofit accounting

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Blackbaud Financial Edge

Raiser's Edge

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Blackbaud Financial Edge

Raiser's Edge

MS Excel

Job description

Description

Our Mission:

Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one‑on‑one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Our Programs & Services:

We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support.

Our Vision:

A community where every young person thrives. This is our long‑term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other.

Our Commitment:

Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation

Our Values:

At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff

Position Title:

Controller

Employment Classification:

Full‑time; Salary; Exempt

Reports to:

Chief Financial Officer

Department:

Finance

Position Summary:

Completes the monthly close process and reporting. Responsible for overnight of all monthly reconciliations and contract billing. Assists the CFO in all financial tasks as necessary.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Provides overall leadership and supervision of the Finance team.
• Work collaboratively with the People and Culture team on payroll review.
• Updates on an annual basis the accounting policies and procedures for Orangewood Foundation and Samueli Academy.
• In collaboration with the CFO provides timely financials to the leadership of Orangewood Foundation and Samueli Academy.
• Responsible for implementing sound internal controls to safeguard the assets of the organization.
• Serves as the primary point person for banking relationships.
• Review and approve monthly billing and reconciliation of various contracts with the County, State or Federal agencies.
• Participate in monthly meetings with Program Staff to review and track contract spending.
• Oversee Budget Modifications for various contracts with the County, State or Federal agencies.
• Review and approve check runs, ACH and other payments to vendors in accordance with accounting policies.
• Review the Cash Flow reconciliation daily and ensure adequate cash flow for checking, payroll and all other cash flow needs.
• Attend and participate in monthly Finance committee, Audit and Investment committee meetings for Orangewood Foundation and Samueli Academy.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations related to the organization’s financial data.
• Reconcile monthly revenue with the Development Department.
• Oversee and participate in the financial statement month‑end closing process, including preparation of month‑end journal entries, analyzing financial data for reasonableness and accuracy, and adjust as necessary.
• Serve as point person for any financial audits of the organization including workers compensation, contracts and independent third‑party audits.
• Serve as a leader on the Leadership team and participate in advancing the organization’s strategic objectives. Attend leadership, people manager, and staff meetings in person.
• Attend and encourage Finance team to participate in company sponsored events throughout the year.
• Additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance required.
• 5+ years’ experience in the accounting field, preferably in the nonprofit industry
• Solid understanding of nonprofit accounting (i.e. GAAP and FASB)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions independently.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, Excel, Power Point.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of Blackbaud software, including Financial Edge and Raisers Edge or equivalent software preferred.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre‑employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, values.
• Understanding of the structured timeframe of accounting tasks including payroll, monthly closing and accrual accounting.
• Works well as part of the team and is willing and able to assist in functions that may come up from time to time outside their job duties.
• Exemplifies the values of accountability, integrity, and respect.
• Is able to work with confidential financial information.
• Demonstrates the ability of effective communication especially with regard to financial information.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• This is primarily an office job. Position may require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 15 lbs. (i.e., tables, chairs, food, water, etc.)
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

Benefits:

• Medical – Blue Shield HMO & PPO + HRA
• Delta Dental
• Vision (EyeMed Network)
• FSA – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Mental Health through Headspace (virtual & in person therapy included)
• EAP – through Umum & Headspace
• Life/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness
• Pet Insurance
• 403b with company match
• Cell Phone Stipend

Time-off Benefits:

• 5 Sick Days per year
• Up to 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Year one - 15 Days of PTO accrued at 5 hours per pay period
• 13 Company Paid Holidays

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision‑making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.