Controller

Company: The Whole Child - Mental Health & Housing Serv
Location: Whittier
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Reports to: Vice President of Finance Department: Finance Job Status: Exempt, Full-time Salary Range: $120-$127k Location: Whittier, CA POSITION SUMMARY The Controller plays a critical leadership role within The Whole Child’s Finance Department. This position oversees the agency’s day-to-day accounting operations, ensures strong internal controls, leads financial staff development, and supports agency-wide financial stewardship. The Controller is responsible for general accounting oversight, contract invoicing, timely month-end and year-end close processes, audits, and maintaining compliance with GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, grant regulations, and internal policies. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented finance professional with deep nonprofit experience, exceptional accuracy, strong organization, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Staff Supervision Supervise Finance Department staff; provide coaching, training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development. Support a collaborative and accountable team culture aligned with agency values. Oversee day-to-day workflows to ensure efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Accounting Operations Oversee and approve accounts payable, credit card transactions and prepare payroll journal entries. Review and approve monthly bank reconciliations. Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close procedures. Maintain strong internal controls and support continuous improvement of financial processes. Monitor cash balances; approve ACH transactions; coordinate wire transfers. Communicate with credit card service providers regarding issuance, cancellations, or credit limit adjustments for staff credit cards. Audit & Compliance Coordinate and support the agency’s annual financial audit and program-specific audits. Ensure compliance with GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, federal/state/local contract requirements, and agency policies. Maintain documentation and records required for audit readiness at all times. Contracts, Grants, & Revenue Management Prepare and/or review all contract and grant invoices; monitor receivables to ensure timely reimbursement. Maintain accurate accounting for restricted and unrestricted funding, working closely with the Development Department. Verify proper posting of donations and revenue. Provide financial reports and data needed for grant proposals, renewals, or funder requests. Budgeting & Financial Analysis Assist VP of Finance with the agency’s annual budget development process, including data validation and supporting schedules. Conduct monthly balance sheet account analysis; identify and correct discrepancies proactively. Support financial forecasting and cash flow monitoring as needed. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Participate in department and agency-wide initiatives supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence. Provide guidance to internal teams regarding financial policy compliance and best practices. Support VP of Finance and executive leadership with ad-hoc analysis, reporting, and special projects. Represent Finance in cross-departmental meetings as needed. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Required - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. - Minimum 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit accounting. - Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience. - Expertise in GAAP, internal controls, and fund accounting principles. - Experience with federal, state, and local government grant compliance, including OMB Uniform Guidance. - High Proficiency in Excel. - Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. - Ability to manage multiple deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail. Preferred - CPA or MBA. - Experience with complex multi-fund or multi-program nonprofit organizations. - Experience supporting external audits and preparing audit documentation. - Experience with SAGE Intacct. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required. The organization reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this role at any time, as organizational needs evolve. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing or sitting for extended periods of time along with being able to move and walk, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pulling, pushing, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Constantly operates a computer using repetitive motions. Clearly receives and gives information face to face, via technology and in writing. Work independently and autonomously, with others, and around others. High level of concentration and attention to detail for extended periods of time. WORKING CONDITIONS: This is an exempt position, with a hybrid office three (3) days in the office and up to two (2) days remote after 90 days. This varies based on organizational needs. There may be occasional evening or weekend participation required for events. The Whole Child is an equal employment opportunity employer and no candidate for employment will be rejected on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or sex. Candidates with physical impairments will be considered so long as it can be reasonably demonstrated that the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed without hazard to the individual, fellow employees, or clientele.

Keywords: The Whole Child - Mental Health & Housing Serv, Altadena , Controller, Accounting, Auditing , Whittier, California