Controller

Company name: FIRST 5 Santa Clara County

Title of position: Controller

Position Classification: Full-time exempt

Union Represented: SEIU Local 521

Pay range: 116,501.67 – 135,058.19 annually

Location: San Jose, California

Posting date: November 22, 2024

Closing date: Until filled

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is an established and thriving social services organization with $35M in annual revenue, robust funding sources, and $22M in reserves. First 5 supports the healthy development of children, from prenatal through age 5, and enriches the lives of their families and communities. While the early period in children’s development is absolutely critical to their future success, it is also where public investments are lowest. FIRST 5 provides programs and services that ensure children are born and remain healthy, receive more from their education, and become productive adults.  

Background on FIRST 5:
FIRST 5 Santa Clara County (FIRST 5) was formed when California voters approved Proposition 10 in November 1998.  FIRST 5 is a local public entity governed by a nine-member Commission.  FIRST 5 Santa Clara County supports the healthy development of children from prenatal through age five and enriches the lives of their families. FIRST 5 allocates funds to promote, support, and improve early childhood development for children prenatal through age 5 and their families.

Commitment to Diversity:
First 5 Santa Clara Country is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We believe that diversity enriches our community and enhances our ability to innovate and thrive. We are dedicated to creating a culture that celebrates differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and other dimensions of diversity. We recognize that diverse perspectives lead to better solutions and stronger relationships. Through ongoing education, training, and intentional efforts, we strive to eliminate bias and discrimination in our policies, practices, and interactions.  We are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth, advancement, and recognition to all members of our community. 

We currently seek a strong and experienced Controller, who is the key, right hand financial position to the Executive of Finance and Operations and provides leadership and expertise in the areas of day-to-day finance operations and management of the Finance team. This role is responsible for implementing systems and procedures that ensure appropriate internal controls, resulting in clean audits and support effective program implementation. Nonprofit experience not required.  This is a hybrid role, working two days in the office. 

Job Summary 

The Controller, under the direction of the Executive of Finance and Personnel oversees the activities of the Finance Team, ensuring proper execution of required functions. This role is responsible for the implementation of appropriate financial controls in order to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) legal requirements, and internal processes. This role directs and manages the entire accounting and financial reporting functions.  This position is an extremely collaborative position, reaching between departments frequently, and requires strong financial leadership skills. 

Essential Functions 

• Responsible for month-end, quarter-end and year-end close.  

• Responsible for internal and external financial reporting and packages.  

• Maintains accounting system for updates and new setups.   

• Performs monthly account analysis and balance sheet account reconciliations.    

• Reviews weekly check runs and biweekly payroll.   

• Reviews annual 1099s, 1096 and W-2s.   

• Reviews any processing, reporting and reconciliation for deferred compensation and retirement plan.    

• Main contact and responsible for managing the fiscal year end audit. Provides auditors with schedules and information for the annual report.   

• Prepares state annual report, state matching fund annual report, county required reports and government.  

• Is an integral member in budgeting and the forecasting team.  

• Manages, supports and develops accounting staff.   

• Develops accounting policies and procedures to ensure adequate internal controls.     

• Directs and manages the entire accounting function.  Oversees the day-to-day activities in all aspects of accounting.  Ensures that the agency’s financial records are maintained in compliance with agency policies, GAAP and GASB standards.   

• Monitors all business practices to ensure adequate internal controls and to reinforce the compliance of rules, regulations and procedures. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, 

• Other tasks as assigned. 

How to apply: 
Potential applicants are encouraged to visit FIRST 5’s website [www.first5kids.org] to better understand our history, programs, and services.  FIRST 5 is a local public entity with about 50 employees.

For information on FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, including more information on employee benefits and our company culture, visit our website at www.first5kids.org.

All applicants will receive an acknowledgment that their application has been received within 14 days from the closing date. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted within seven (7) days of the closing date. 

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrates diversity and inclusivity. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. FIRST 5 Santa Clara County strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 
 

Education and Work Experience:

• Experience: 3+ years in a Controller position within a fast-paced and dynamic environment, OR significant public accounting experience auditing nonprofit or governmental organizations at the Audit Manager or Supervising Senior level.   A minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience. 

• Technical Accounting Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of GAAP and GASB and operational accounting processes and procedures. 

• Communication Skills: The Controller must have exceptionally good communication skills both in written and verbal form, be extensively collaborative and be adept in communicating sensitive financial information and instructions to collaborating personnel. The Controller will also need exceptionally good communication skills in drafting reports and recommendations for senior finance management and leadership, which will be used in critical decision-making that will affect the Agency’s direction. Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial information also required.  

• Technology: Highly skilled in technology and possess exceptionally good computer skills. Highly familiar with dynamic accounting software. Exceptionally good MS Excel, MS Office, MS Outlook, and PowerPoint skills are necessary for the creation of engaging and easy-to-understand financial documentation, reports, and recommendations for senior finance management and leadership. Familiarity with and previous use of SAGE MIP for Nonprofits is a plus. 

• Interpersonal Skills: The Controller will be results-oriented and have a passion for change implementation and management, work comfortably in a fast-paced and fast-evolving environment, be open and welcoming to change, have strong analytical and organizational skills, be self-motivated and proactive, require minimal supervision, have strong leadership capabilities, work comfortably in a highly collaborative setting, and remain calm and composed. 

• People Skills: Candidates for this position must be capable of forming strong and meaningful relationships with others. Must possess the ability to inspire trust and confidence in others, enabling colleagues and senior management to trust the Controller’s insights and follow the Controller’s directives. 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, or related field, CPA certification highly desirable, but not required.  

Physical Requirements:

The ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally, and the capability to sit and stand for extended periods, bend stoop, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity. Will require participation in FIRST  5 related community events and working some evenings and weekends.

Work Requirement:

• The work is performed in a typical office setting which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

• Some travel, primarily within the county and state to attend various meetings.  

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation. 
• Fast-paced, diverse and dynamic environment.