Finance Controller — Change Leader Driving AI-Enabled Operations

Buck Institute for Research on Aging; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Basic life insurance

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, seeks a strategic Controller to lead day-to-day accounting and financial operations. Reporting to the CFO, you will manage a six-person team, ensure GAAP-compliant reporting, and supervise audits and regulatory compliance for a nonprofit research organization.

You will partner with Institute leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and grants accounting, while driving automation and AI-enabled improvements in financial processes and system

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including leadership in a nonprofit or grant-funded environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and federal grant compliance; experience with Uniform Guidance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, receivable, payroll, financial close, and related workflows.
• Ensure timely monthly, quarterly, and annual GAAP reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain internal controls and safeguard revenues, expenditures, and assets.
• Lead annual financial statement audits and grant-related audits; coordinate with external auditors.
• Oversee tax and regulatory reporting, including payroll and filings.
• Partner with CFO and leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
• Monitor project, program, and grants accounting and reporting to sponsors.
• Lead, coach, and develop the finance team and improve cross-functional processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Audits

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA and/or MBA preferred

Tools

GAAP software

Job description

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, seeks a strategic Controller to lead day-to-day accounting and financial operations. Reporting to the CFO, you will manage a six-person team, ensure GAAP-compliant reporting, and supervise audits and regulatory compliance for a nonprofit research organization.

You will partner with Institute leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and grants accounting, while driving automation and AI-enabled improvements in financial processes and system