Description

About CDA:

CDA is a community based, multiservice non-profit agency with over 300 employees dedicated to creating positive change in our local community. Our mission is to empower and promote the well-being of families, child care providers, and the greater community through financial and support services.

Purpose of the Role:

As a Controller, you will be responsible for overseeing the preparation, accuracy, and integrity of complex financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role oversees audits, leads teams, develops and implements accounting policies, oversees financial systems, and manage various accounting projects. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

1. Oversee and coordinate accounting and financial operations; may supervise accounting teams as needed; resolve internal and external operations and address issues timely; build positive relationships and mutual trust; role model, coach and mentor staff to ensure CDA vision and values are promoted on an ongoing basis.
2. Coordinate and prioritize accounting and workflows across the department to ensure timely completion of financial reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.
3. Coordinate unit workload priorities to ensure agency processing deadlines and goals are met; identify and manage available resources to maximize efficiency; collaborate with other departments when additional resources are needed.
4. Collaborate with supervisors and/or managers to complete special projects as needed.
5. Lead and mentor the accounting and finance team, provide cross-training, and ensure the team meets deadlines and professional standards; provide training or recommendations for training based on individual, team or program needs, new regulation, policies, and/or procedures.
6. Lead the implementation and optimization of accounting systems and software to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
7. Lead risk identification, analysis, and mitigation efforts, including fraud prevention and cybersecurity.
8. Lead regulatory compliance and reporting (IRS/filings/Form 990, CDSS requirements) and oversee agency wide and annual state fiscal audits to ensure accurate reporting and adherence to regulations and CDA policies.
9. Oversee and maintain provider accounting ledgers, including posting transactions and reconciling differences; ensure accuracy of accounts through regular reconciliation and review of statements and transactions.
10. Ensure accurate and timely monthly financial, benefit, and program reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information.
11. Maintain GAAP-compliant accounting policies and procedures; ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local regulations for nonprofit financial reporting.
12. Manage fund accounting, cash flow forecasting and analysis, budget development, grant/contract accounting, and fund analysis; forecast cash receipts and disbursements to maintain adequate liquidity; prepare cash flow analyses and reports for the CFO.
13. Develop and improve financial reporting processes to ensure consistency, accuracy, and timeliness across the organization.
14. Verify the accuracy of financial statements and ensure robust internal controls across all cycles.
15. Recommend and approve movement of funds in accordance with policy and internal controls.
16. Ensure compliance with CDSS Funding Terms & Conditions and other grantor requirements.
17. Review and update accounting and fiscal compliance policies and procedures through active participation in policy discussions, planning, coordination, and implementation.
18. Ensure robust internal controls are in place to safeguard CDA assets.
19. Stay updated with the latest accounting technologies and best practices to drive innovation within the department. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with senior management to develop long-term financial strategies and plans.
2. Act as a liaison with external auditors and government agencies on business and contract issues.
3. Provide insights and recommendations on financial planning and business operations to support strategic decisions.
4. Serve as a team mentor, responding to accounting questions and providing guidance to the team to resolve complex accounting issues.
5. Perform payroll processing functions as needed.
6. Assist supervisors or managers by completing special projects as needed.
7. Participate in on-site and off-site learning opportunities such as workshops, conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.

Requirements

Knowledge & Technical Experience: 

• Advanced accounting and auditing principles, standards, and practices, including GAAP, fund accounting, budgeting, and general ledger operations.
• Financial reporting standards applicable to nonprofit organizations, including revenues, expenses, and liabilities.
• Internal control frameworks, risk management practices, and audit requirements.
• Familiar with CFR, California Code of Regulations, SAM.gov, D&B, and DOJ reporting requirements
• Federal, State, and local grant provisions and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Financial systems, reporting tools, and emerging technologies relevant to accounting and fiscal management.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Must be able to collaborate, demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and discretion when working with staff and clients; communicate constructively and positively with others in a professional office environment; ability to role model and promote CDA’s vision, mission, and values; and maintain confidentiality of private and sensitive information.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects, work under pressure, organize, prioritize, delegate workflow and meet deadlines; must have the ability to examine and evaluate operations, systems, and procedures.
• Coach, guide, and mentor accounting staff, remain calm in challenging situations, provide encouragement, and facilitate clear communication within the agency.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, and providers, communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate business sense and judgment to protect information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations.
• Read, understand, and follow written directives, interpret legal administration concepts related to accounting and auditing functions, and prepare comprehensive, clear, and concise accounting, auditing, and statistical reports and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Accounting or Finance AND, 10 years of progressive experience, including leadership in a Controller or senior finance role.
• Three (3) or more years’ experience leading and overseeing professional accounting staff and clerical personnel.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, multi-entity reporting, and complex accounting standards
• Demonstrated proficiency with nonprofit accounting for 501(c)(3) organizations, including California state and federal requirements.
• Proven experience with audits, contract/grant management, legal compliance, and regulatory oversight.
• Professional experience must include extensive auditing experience, administrative and analytical work involving financial, fiscal, and budget preparation, and diverse accounting and/or auditing division coordination and monitoring, within a private or non-profit agency.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate is highly desirable.