Nonprofit Controller

CooperDouglas is partnering with a mission-driven nonprofit organization experiencing continued growth and transformation. Supported by a diverse portfolio of federal, state, and private grant funding, the organization is seeking a Nonprofit Controller to lead its accounting function. This individual will play a critical role in strengthening the organization’s financial infrastructure, building processes, and creating a more independent accounting function. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Controller will oversee all accounting operations while partnering closely with executive leadership to support long-term financial strategy and operational excellence.

This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who enjoys improving processes, building teams, and creating structure. The ideal candidate brings deep nonprofit accounting experience and a proven track record managing grant-funded programs from award through closeout, thrives in a collaborative environment, and understands the unique complexities of fund accounting, grants, Single Audits, endowments, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, reconciliations, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Supervise and mentor the accounting team while providing guidance, support, and accountability across the department.
• Manage the annual audit and Single Audit process, serving as the primary contact for external auditors and coordinating all requested audit documentation.
• Prepare accurate monthly and annual financial statements, management reports, and Board reporting packages.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, GAAP, internal controls, and regulatory reporting requirements, including Form 990.
• Oversee fund accounting, including restricted and unrestricted funds and the release of net assets from donor and grant restrictions.
• Own the full grant accounting lifecycle across federal, state, and private awards, including grant budgets, invoicing and drawdowns, cost allocation, funder reporting, and closeout.
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), funder requirements, and allowable cost standards, including subrecipient monitoring where applicable.
• Develop and maintain the indirect cost rate and cost allocation methodology.
• Monitor endowment activity, investment reporting, and planned gifts while ensuring appropriate accounting treatment and financial reporting.
• Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and long-term financial planning, including program-level budgets aligned with grant funding.
• Review contracts, grant agreements, and funding agreements to ensure appropriate financial reporting and compliance.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes, internal controls, and financial systems to support organizational growth.
• Serve as the primary accounting liaison with funders, auditors, and other external partners while helping build a standalone accounting function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA or MBA a plus.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with significant nonprofit accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting and financial reporting.
• Extensive hands-on grant accounting experience, including managing multiple concurrent federal, state, and private awards.
• Direct experience with federal grants, Uniform Guidance, and Single Audits required.
• Experience managing annual audits and working directly with external auditors.
• Working knowledge of Form 990 and nonprofit financial compliance.
• Experience preparing or supporting an indirect cost rate proposal strongly preferred.
• Exposure to endowment accounting, investment reporting, and planned giving highly preferred.
• Experience with accounting systems such as Sage Intacct, Yardi, Blackbaud, Financial Edge, or similar ERP platforms.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across accounting, operations, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.

HYBRID – Rancho Cucamonga

Compensation: $120,000 – $140,000 base plus bonus, with the opportunity to build and lead the accounting function for an organization whose work makes a real difference.