Controller

Think Together • Full-time • Hybrid in Santa Ana, California, United States • $210,000 - $260,000 / year • 4h ago

Fast Facts

Think Together is seeking a Controller to manage core accounting operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and drive process improvements in a nonprofit environment throughout California.

Responsibilities: The Controller will oversee all general accounting functions, manage accounts payable and receivable, lead the accounting team, coordinate annual audits, and ensure internal controls are robust.

Skills: Candidates must possess a CPA, in-depth knowledge of GAAP, exceptional analytical skills, and experience in nonprofit financial management with strong leadership abilities.

Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration, a minimum of 10 years accounting experience, and a preference for candidates with nonprofit sector experience.

Location: Position is based in Santa Ana, CA, with up to 10% travel required.

Compensation: $210000 - $260000 / Annually

Overview

ControllerFounded in 1997, Think Together partners with schools to change the odds for kids by providing award-winning programs during and outside the school day. We’re one of California’s largest nonprofits working in school districts from San Diego to San Francisco. Whether you’re interested in early learning, elementary, middle or high school, you can invest in your community by working at a local school or working within our home office providing support!JOB SUMMARY:

The Controller is a key financial leader, responsible for managing core accounting operations, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements, and driving process improvements. This role oversees accounts payable and receivable, procurement, payroll integration, tax filings, grant & fund accounting, Single Audit readiness, and internal controls. This role is instrumental in designing, implementing, and continuously improving the monthly and annual close process to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness. The Controller leads the accounting team, coordinates audits, and provides actionable insights to support organizational performance and longterm sustainability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee all general accounting functions, including monthly and annual close, general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and preparation of audit documentation, with a strong focus on optimizing and streamlining the close process.
Ensure nonprofit-specific GAAP compliance (ASC 958) and consistency across entities, programs, and funding sources.
Manage accounts payable and receivable processes, cash application, procurement oversight, implementing effective monitoring and coding procedures.
Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. Build scalable structures to support organizational growth and set clear performance expectations.
Provide financial insight to support budgeting and forecasting, translating complex accounting issues into actionable guidance.
Ensure robust internal controls and compliance across all financial activities. Maintain segregation of duties and identify/mitigate financial and operational risks.
Coordinate payroll postings to the general ledger and reconcile payroll and benefits accounts.
Direct annual audits with external CPA firms, including the Single Audit. and other required financial reviews, including annual A/R audits and workers’ compensation audits.
Oversee preparation of 990. Prepare and file all required tax returns (income, sales, property) in a timely manner.
Champion process improvements and automation of financial close and reporting processes.
Maintain and update departmental procedures documentation regularly.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration required; CPA required, active CPA preferred; MBA preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory roles, non-profit experience preferred.
In-depth knowledge of GAAP and federal/state financial regulations for non-profit entities.
Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and improving financial close processes, including automation and workflow enhancements.
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong leadership and employee development skills.
Ability to foster collaboration and maintain a high level of accuracy under deadlines.
Ethical integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial data.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working conditions for this role are consistent with those found in a normal office and/or home office environment.
Must pass Live Scan (criminal background check via fingerprinting), provide a clear TB test.
Travel up to 10%
Reliable transportation is required to meet the needs of the position.
While driving is not a regular requirement of this role, employees who operate a personal or company vehicle for work purposes must maintain a valid driver's license and current auto insurance on file with HR.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite. Advanced proficiency in Excel.
Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and ADP General Ledger Interface.
Ability to leverage BI tools for financial analysis and reporting.

CLOSING IMPACT STATEMENT:

This position safeguards the financial integrity of the organization, ensuring compliance with GAAP, grantor requirements, and regulatory standards. By delivering accurate reporting and strong internal controls, the Controller enables informed decision-making and supports the nonprofit mission and long-term sustainability.

COMPENSATION: $210K-$260K

This is the targeted compensation for the position. A range of factors, including but not limited to; location, skills, experience, will be considered. Actual compensation may vary.

Think Together is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religious creed, physical disability, mental disability, age for individuals age 40 and over, medical condition (as defined by state law (for example, cancer or genetic characteristics or HIV/AIDS), marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.