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Controller

Controller

Agility RecruitingBerkeley, CA, United States
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The Opportunity

Are you ready to be the architect of a brand-new financial operation? We're seeking a dynamic Controller to lead the creation of our California-based accounting department as we embark on an exciting organizational transformation. This isn't just another accounting role—it's your chance to build systems, shape processes, and establish the financial foundation for meaningful impact.

Location : Berkeley, CA (Hybrid : Tuesday / Thursday in office)

Reports to : Head of Finance and Compliance

Type : Full-time, Exempt

Why This Role is Different

You'll Be a Founding Leader : Step into a unique opportunity to establish accounting operations from scratch as we decentralize from our global organization. Your fingerprints will be on every system, process, and procedure.

Strategic Impact : Work directly with senior leadership to shape financial strategy, not just execute tasks. Your insights will drive organizational decisions and growth.

Professional Growth : Lead system implementations, manage audits, and build teams—all while advancing a mission that matters.

Innovation Freedom : Evaluate, recommend, and implement the accounting technologies and processes that will serve our organization for years to come.

What You'll Accomplish

Financial Leadership & Innovation

  • Design and oversee comprehensive accounting operations including GL, AP / AR, payroll, and specialized grants management
  • Create compelling financial narratives through monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting that tells our impact story
  • Build robust internal controls and compliance frameworks that protect and empower our mission

Systems Architecture

  • Lead complete accounting system evaluations and implementations
  • Manage vendor selection processes and system customizations
  • Champion technology solutions that streamline operations and enhance decision-making

    • Strategic Partnership

  • Collaborate on budget development and provide insightful variance analysis
  • Ensure flawless compliance with federal, state, and grant requirements
  • Coordinate audits and manage complex reporting for multiple funding sources

    • Team Building & Leadership

  • Develop and mentor accounting staff, fostering growth and excellence
  • Create a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
  • Lead organizational change with confidence and vision

    • What You Bring

    Essential Experience

  • 5-7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience
  • Nonprofit sector expertise with deep understanding of fund accounting principles
  • Government grants mastery including Uniform Guidance compliance
  • Systems implementation experience with platforms like QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, or Blackbaud
  • Audit management and financial statement preparation expertise
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • CPA certification strongly preferred
  • Accounting systems conversion experience
  • Financial storytelling ability - translating complex data for diverse audiences
  • Change leadership experience in organizational transformations

    • Why You'll Love Working Here

    Mission-Driven Impact : Every number you crunch, every system you build, every process you create directly supports work that makes a real difference in the world.

    Professional Autonomy : Lead major initiatives, make strategic recommendations, and see your ideas implemented at the highest levels.

    Growth Trajectory : This role offers natural progression opportunities as our California operations expand and mature.

    Collaborative Culture : Work with passionate professionals who value innovation, excellence, and meaningful work.

    Work-Life Integration : Flexible hybrid schedule with only two required office days per week.

    Ready to Build the Future?

    If you're an ambitious Controller who thrives on creating something from scratch, loves solving complex challenges, and wants your work to have lasting impact, we want to hear from you.

    This is more than a job—it's your opportunity to be a founding member of something special. Join us in building an accounting operation that will serve as the financial backbone for transformative work ahead.

    Application Process : Submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you're excited about this ground-up building opportunity.

    Salary Range between 120k to 140k

    Updates : Key Challenge

    Complex financial separation : The organization is innovating its finance operations with the state of California, requiring rapid adaptation to manage the transition from being part of a global organization to becoming a standalone local entity.

    Leadership & Culture Requirements

  • Must quickly come up to speed with the Managing Director's expectations and organizational culture
  • Needs to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
  • Critical : Must be a strong self-starter capable of independent decision-making

    • Interim Support Structure

  • Interim CFO : Currently in place to provide transition support
  • Controller relationship : Will meet with permanent CFO every two days for coordination
  • Fractional CFO (Robert) : Available through December for additional support

    • Primary Operational Focus

    Detangling California operations from global finances , including :

  • QuickBooks systems : Determine whether to duplicate or separate
  • Chart of accounts restructuring
  • Complete financial system separation

    • Team Composition (13 California employees)

  • Finance Manager
  • Grants Management Associate
  • Two Grants Specialists (part-time temp contractors)
  • One handling program invoicing
  • One managing subcontractor invoicing

    • Note : Previous hires have struggled to effectively leverage this existing team structure.

    Required Skills & Competencies

  • Strong foundational accounting skills for handling :
  • Reimbursements
  • Cash flow management
  • Basic financial operations
  • Ability to work with and develop existing team members
  • Systems implementation and management capabilities

    • Reporting Structure

  • Reports to : Christina (CFO)
  • Works with : Robert (Fractional CFO through December)

    • Work Schedule

  • In-office : Tuesday and Thursday (required)
  • Additional days : As needed for operations and meetings

    • 90-Day Integration Timeline

    First 30 Days : Learning & Relationship Building

  • Jump into current operations and systems
  • Build relationships with team members and key stakeholders
  • Understand existing processes and pain points

    • 60 Days : Guided Implementation

  • Begin taking on responsibilities with support and guidance
  • Start making operational improvements with oversight
  • Develop deeper understanding of separation requirements

    • 90 Days : Leadership & Decision-Making

  • Take full leadership of finance operations
  • Make independent decisions and implement changes
  • Drive the separation process forward

    • Critical Success Factors

  • Adaptability : Must understand this is a major organizational change period
  • Systems thinking : Will need to set up new systems while maintaining current operations
  • Problem-solving : Must address complex issues that don't always have clear-cut solutions
  • Change management : Successfully transition from global subsidiary to independent local organization
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    Controller • Berkeley, CA, United States