Director, Finance and Accounting (Controller)

Humane Society Silicon Valley; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is a privately funded nonprofit serving the community since 1929. The Director, Finance and Accounting leads financial planning, accounting operations including payroll and accounts payable, and overall finance functions.

This role provides strategic analysis and guidance to support sound financial planning and decision-making, guiding the accounting team with strong governance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading accounting teams in collaborative environments, preferably nonprofits with audits.
• Strong grasp of GAAP and regulatory requirements; ability to implement robust controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and payroll.
• Lead month-end close, audits, and tax processes; liaise with external auditors.
• Drive annual budgeting and forecasting; monitor variances and financial performance.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and policies to safeguard assets.
• Provide strategic financial partnership to leadership and boards.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Payroll management

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Strategic planning

Nonprofit experience

CPA preferred

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA license preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Concur

Excel

Job description

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV), a privately funded, 501(c)(3) non‑profit, has been serving people and pets in Silicon Valley since 1929. HSSV is a leader in animal welfare through our lifesaving efforts, community programs, and the many ways we are working to move the animal welfare industry forward.

Our mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.

We are a passionate, high-performing team who believes that collaboration is key to our success. Our best work is achieved by leveraging each other’s strengths and creating opportunities for professional growth. Join a team that focuses on our key values of kindness, courage, and impact!

Overview

The Director, Finance and Accounting is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing HSSV’s financial planning, accounting operations including payroll and accounts payable, and overall finance function. This position leads the analysis and reconciliation of financial data to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable reporting of HSSV’s financial results.

With a proactive and collaborative approach, the Director, Finance and Accounting anticipates organizational needs and provides strategic insight to support sound financial planning and decision‑making. The role provides leadership and guidance to the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This individual serves as a strategic financial partner across HSSV, helping ensure strong financial stewardship and alignment with strategic priorities and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Partner with VP, Finance in navigating HSSV towards achievement of the organization’s strategic financial initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team through effective hiring, onboarding, professional development, goal setting, performance management, and succession planning.
• Safeguard sensitive financial information with the highest level of integrity, discretion, and compliance.
• Partner with department leaders to translate financial insights into informed organizational decisions.

Financial Statements

• Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain robust financial processes and controls to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Lead timely account reconciliations and month‑end close processes to ensure accurate and reliable financial reporting.
• Direct the preparation and presentation of financial reports for organizational leadership, the Board of Directors, and audit‑related needs.
• Lead audit and tax processes, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax professionals to ensure compliance and effective execution.

Budget Management

• Collaborate with the VP, Finance in leading the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial planning.
• Partner with department leaders to support effective budget management and financial accountability.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the Revenue team in budget management and cross‑functional financial partnership.
• Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and drive timely corrective actions to support organizational financial objectives.

Other Areas

• Drive continuous improvement and leverage technology to enhance financial processes, controls, and security.
• Establish and maintain effective financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and reporting systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements and advise leadership on emerging requirements and necessary actions.
• Safeguard the confidentiality and appropriate access of financial information.
• Protect organizational assets through effective oversight and enforcement of internal controls.
• Other job duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

• Successful people and financial/accounting leadership experience working in a highly collaborative environment with cross‑functional management teams; experience in a nonprofit working with annual audits, and IRS Form 990 preparation a plus. CPA license highly preferred.
• Deep passiontothe mission of HSSV –to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.
• Ability to operate at a strategic and operational level with a demonstrated ability to drive results and assess financial trends and support strategic decision‑making.
• In‑depth understanding of internal controls, audit procedures, and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Excellent organizational skills including a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy in working with accounting and finance data.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Excellent problem‑solving, process improvement, and decision‑making abilities with the ability to quickly adapt, be self‑motivated, and adjust to the changing needs of the organization.
• Ability to leverage technology to drive process enhancements.
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust, engage internal and external audiences, and influence outcomes with stakeholders.
• Advance Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel and experience with data analysis. Deep understanding of financial and accounting software systems; NetSuite and Concur a plus.

Work Days and Hours

This position is Monday – Friday; onsite only.