Organization Context:

The San Joaquin Community Foundation is one of the region’s largest grantmaking organizations, which stewards more than $30 million in charitable assets and annually gives out millions of dollars in grants to support local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation inspires to promote leadership, promote philanthropy, and build resources to address the needs of San Joaquin County. Its lodestar is to create access and opportunity for all by promoting equity and supporting community connectivity. Our vision is to see San Joaquin County be a place where there are no barriers to bright futures.

Position Description:

The Controller is a senior leader on the San Joaquin Community Foundation (SJCF) core team, responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and stewardship of all financial operations across SJCF and its related entities. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Controller leads the accounting function, manages and develops a finance team, and ensures compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in fund accounting.

This role serves as the Foundation’s chief accounting officer and is responsible for safeguarding financial health, maintaining strong internal controls, and providing clear, timely financial reporting to executive leadership and the Board. The Controller partners closely with the CEO, Executive Director, and Board committees to support sound fiscal governance and long-term sustainability. This position regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance.

Core Responsibilities:

Accounting Leadership & Fund Stewardship (30%)Own and oversee all accounting functions across SJCF and its related entities.Lead and manage the accounting team, providing direction, coaching, performance management, and professional development.Maintain accurate fund accounting for donor-advised, restricted, unrestricted, endowment, scholarship, and fiscal sponsorship funds.Ensure appropriate allocation, tracking, and reporting of funds in accordance with donor intent and organizational policy.Establish and maintain accounting systems and documentation that support transparency, scalability, and operational efficiency.Financial Reporting & Close Management (20%)Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.Ensure all balance sheet and income statement accounts are reconciled and properly documented.Prepare and present monthly financial reports for executive leadership and the Board.Develop clear financial dashboards and summaries that translate accounting data into actionable insights.Compliance, Audit & Internal Controls (20%)Design, implement, and enforce strong internal controls and accounting policies.Lead the annual independent audit process, serving as primary liaison to external auditors.Coordinate preparation of Form 990 and other required regulatory filings.Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.Continuously assess financial risk and strengthen systems to mitigate exposure.Financial Planning, Budgeting & Cash Flow (20%)Lead annual budgeting processes in partnership with the Executive Director, CEO, and department leaders.Develop cash flow projections and financial models to support short- and long-term planning.Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis and recommendations.Support strategic financial planning related to reserves, endowments, and long-term sustainability.Board & Committee Partnership (5%)Serve as financial liaison to the Treasurer and Board Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.Prepare materials, financial reports, and analysis for committee and Board meetings.Provide technical guidance on fiduciary responsibilities and financial governance best practices.Organizational Collaboration & Leadership (5%)Build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, vendors, auditors, and external partners.Collaborate cross-functionally with Development, Programs, Operations, and People & Culture to ensure financial alignment and accountability.Perform other duties as necessary in support of SJCF’s mission and evolving organizational needs.

Additional Duties

Perform other duties as necessary to promote and support the mission of the San Joaquin Community Foundation and evolving organizational needs.

Skills and Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.CPA license strongly preferred.Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.Experience: 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit fund accounting.Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience managing accounting or finance teams.Demonstrated experience overseeing audits and Form 990 preparation.Experience working with Boards and Finance/Audit Committees.Experience in community foundations, philanthropic institutions, or multi-entity nonprofit organizations strongly preferred.Technical Skills: Nonprofit fund accounting and GAAP compliance.Financial reporting and close management.Budget development, cash flow forecasting, and financial modeling.Accounting systems and ERP platforms (e.g., QuickBooks or comparable systems).Advanced Excel and financial analysis tools.Internal controls design and audit coordination.Knowledge: Nonprofit accounting standards and regulatory compliance requirements.Fund accounting structures, including donor-advised and endowment funds.Financial governance and fiduciary oversight.Audit processes and risk management practices.Best practices in financial stewardship within philanthropic organizations.

Compensation & Benefits:

At San Joaquin Community Foundation we use market data and compensation best practices to determine pay. Alongside our competitive non-profit pay scale we offer a generous benefits package. All SJCF staff receive a generous annual wellness fund stipend to promote healthy lifestyles, creativity, and work-life balance. Includes provisions or reimbursement for Medical, Dental, Vision, and retirement plan contributions.

This role offers a starting pay scale of $122,400- $154,800 per year independent of location. Placement within this range is determined by our compensation philosophy, which prioritizes competency and experience over credentials.

During the interview process, candidates will have the opportunity to showcase key core competencies, including: project management, strategic thinking, cultural competence, and problem solving. Following the interview, our assessment of these competencies will guide final salary placement within the specified pay scale.

As we continue refining our evaluation processes, we reserve the right to review and potentially adjust pay after 90 days in the role, based on additional insights.

The San Joaquin Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, ethnic background, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. People of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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