Controller

Point Blue Conservation Science (Point Blue) is searching for an experienced Controller. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a hands-on finance professional, with in-depth experience in complex non-profit finance, to provide financial leadership at a time when Point Blue is poised for significant growth and global impact.

Point Blue is a growing and internationally renowned nonprofit with over 160 staff and seasonal scientists. Point Blue advances conservation for wildlife and people through science, partnerships and outreach. Our scientists work closely with wildlife and habitat managers, private landowners, ranchers, farmers, other scientists, major conservation groups, and federal, state, and local government agencies and officials. We understand that real solutions come from working together. For more information, please visit

POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the CFO, Point Blue’s Controller will lead all day-to-day accounting operations of a $30+ million budget and supervise a team of 3-4 staff members. Functional responsibilities include managing the GL and the financial close (including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll), grant accounting, cash flow management, audit preparation and managing banking and vendor relationships. The Controller works closely with the Program staff and senior management and supports the Finance and Audit committees of the Board. They will be responsible for implementing systems and procedures that ensure appropriate internal controls, and risk management to conduct flawless audits and support effective program implementation.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Finance and Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all accounting and reporting systems to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the financial data and compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards. This is a hands-on accounting role which requires a close knowledge of Point Blue’s business flows to manage the day-today operations of approving accounts payable, coding cash receipts, revenue recognition, overseeing payroll, time and labor allocations, generating and posting journal entries and reconciling balance sheet accounts.
• Closely monitor and manage the utilization and reporting of restricted funds to optimize utilization while strictly adhering to donor intent. Collaborate closely with the Grants & Contract Team to facilitate invoicing reimbursable agreements and collection of receivables and payments to vendors and subcontractors.
• Manage the monthly and annual close cycles to generate timely, accurate and relevant internal and external financial statements.
• Consistently analyze financial data and clearly communicate financial results to help managers make optimal decisions.
• Maintain internal control safeguards for revenue receipts, payments, and program budgets to protect the organization from the risk of errors, fraud and security breaches.
• Coordinate the preparation for the single audit, 401(K) Plan audit and IRS 990 filings. Be the primary liaison with the external auditors through the audit process.
• Manage all programs, project and grant accounting; ensure all expenditures consistent with approved grant and program budgets compliant with the federal, state and local grant agreements and regulatory requirements such as the OMB Uniform Administrative Requirements.
• Manage the accounting for reserves, donor-restricted funds and develop cash flow forecasting models to maintain financial stability and manage seasonal and long-term cash needs.
• Manage the annual NICRA submission and negotiation.
• Assist the CFO and senior management in the budgeting and planning process; mediate financial and program priorities, analyze variances and trends, and develop metrics to monitor and report on progress against annual and long-term goals.
• Educate and support program staff in understanding Finance and accounting.
• Support the CFO in engaging the Board’s audit and finance committees, to understand the organization’s budget and financial performance trends and establish appropriate financial policies.
• Manage all Point Blue financial policies and procedures and maintain appropriate records and up-to-date documentation.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the CFO or CEO.

Team Leadership

• Manage schedules and workload to meet deadlines, while holding the team to the highest standards for data integrity.
• Leverage the strengths of the current finance team and implement training programs to maximize individual potential and organizational priorities.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communication within the team and staff at all levels of the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
• Collaborate with the CFO, and senior leadership to better integrate finance in all administrative and programmatic aspects of the organization.

• Work closely with the CFO to streamline current systems and leverage new information technology and products to maximize staff productivity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a commitment to Point Blue’s mission.
• Prior nonprofit financial experience with a successful record of accomplishment in a senior financial management role for at least 7 years . In depth knowledge of nonprofit accounting and grants management experience is essential. A CPA certification is a plus.
• Recognized success in developing systems to manage accounting and finance operations that promote high levels of collaborations with program and administrative staff.
• Must be detail oriented and willing to step in to support any accounting task.
• An accessible, visible and flexible management style that inspires trust and confidence in staff and brings out their best in the finance staff.
• Active listening skills and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to all levels in the organization.
• Keen analytic skills and demonstrated resourcefulness in problem solving.
• Technology savvy with experience in selecting and implementing financial systems.
• Proficiency in EXCEL is required, familiarity with accounting systems like Momentive MIP and Payroll processing is highly desirable.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
$103,100.00-$148,757.00 Annually , depending on experience and internal equity. This full-time position receives a generous benefits package including employer paid medical and dental coverage, and 401k match.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE:
This is a full-time hybrid position based at our Petaluma, California headquarters in beautiful Sonoma County.

WORKING CONDITION/PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is hybrid, with approximately 2–3 days per week working from home and 2–3 days per week on-site at our Petaluma headquarters.
• Regularly sits at a desk or computer workstation
• Frequently move about the office to collaborate with colleagues
• Visual capacity to work with/at a computer station for extended periods.
• Occasional weekend and evening responsibilities

We comply with the ADA and consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for employees to perform essential functions.

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.