Controller – Full Time

National Tropical Botanical Garden; Kalaheo (HI); On-site; USD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) with match

Health insurance

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Vision insurance

Job summary

National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) seeks a full-time on-site Controller to oversee day-to-day accounting for its non-profit network in Hawaiʻi. Reporting to the CFO, the role emphasizes GAAP compliance, internal controls, and staff leadership across finance functions.

The ideal candidate brings 7–10 years of financial reporting, audit and grant management experience, a BA/BS in Accounting or Finance, and advanced Excel/Google Drive skills. On-site at Kauaʻi HQ with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Accounting or Finance.
• 7–10 years of financial reporting, audits, and investment accounting.
• Excel and Google Drive; strong analytical and communication skills.
• Full-time on-site at Kauaʻi headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Oversee GAAP-compliant financial accounting and reporting.
• Lead month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, and asset tracking.
• Manage grant budgets and government/foundation reporting.
• Coordinate annual audit and Form 990 workpapers.
• Maintain internal accounting policies and controls.
• Lead and develop the finance team.

Skills

Excel

Google Drive

Analytical skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

BA/BS in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Blackbaud Financial Edge

Raiser's Edge

Job description

At NTBG, we are dedicated to a critical global mission: perpetuating tropical plants, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Managing a network of five botanical gardens, preserves, and research facilities across Hawaiʻi and Florida, our team works to restore relationships between people, plants, and places. We are seeking a full-time, on-site accounting professional to oversee day-to-day operations and reporting for our complex non-profit. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller ensures financial accuracy, enforces internal controls, and manages the finance staff to provide senior leadership with strategic data

Key areas of responsibility

• Financial Management: Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring GAAP compliance. Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and track investment asset performance. Integrate AI and modern technology to streamline functions. Maintain fixed asset records, including acquisitions and depreciation.
• Reporting & Budgeting: Prepare monthly financial reports and monitor budget-to-actual detail. Assist the CFO with annual budget preparation, monitoring, and surveys.
• Grant & Project Accounting: Assist with grant budgets and financial reports. Monitor compliance with government and foundation grants, ensuring expenditures align with program requirements.
• Audit & Tax: Lead the annual Financial Statement audit, including work paper preparation and audit ready financial statements. Assist with annual Form 990 workpapers and state registrations.
• Internal Controls: Maintain, enforce and update written accounting policies and safeguards.
• Leadership: Provide technical guidance and quality review of the Finance Team’s work products, and ensure appropriate staff are trained in relevant accounting policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Education: BA/BS degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Experience: 7–10 years of experience managing financial reporting, audit activities, and investment accounting.
• Skills: Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Drive; keen analytic and problem-solving skills; strong interpersonal communication.
• Commitment: Ability to work full-time on-site at our Kauaʻi headquarters.

Preferred

• CPA license.
• Direct experience in non-profit accounting and federal/foundation grant management.
• Working knowledge of Blackbaud’s Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge.

Salary Range: $88,000 – $100,000

• 403(b) with match
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

This position is open until filled.

NTBG is an equal opportunity, equal access employer. A copy of NTBG’s Drug Free Workplace Policy can be found here .