Controller for Nonprofit

Compensation Range: $170,000 to $200,000 annually plus excellent benefits.

***This position is ON-SITE in our DTLA HQ office***

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

PACE was founded in 1975 to provide job training and placement services for the Asian Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles. PACE has since expanded into a variety of service areas, all tailored to meet the growing and changing needs of the multi-ethnic communities in Los Angeles County. Now, in addition to job training and employment services, significant PACE programs encompass: business development; early childhood education (Head Start); financial education and asset building; housing and rehabilitation services; weatherization and energy-conservation programs; and affordable housing development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year with our wide scope of services with approximately 400+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation of being responsive to community needs and is known for creating innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. Visit our website to learn more about our organization: https://pacela.org/

POSITION SUMMARY

PACE is seeking a highly skilled and mission-aligned CONTROLLER to oversee the organization’s financial operations. This is a key leadership role pivotal in shaping and driving the the Fiscal Department for the organization. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Controller is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with funding requirements, sound internal controls, and strong fiscal management across the organization. The Controller will lead the finance team, work closely with department heads, and play a critical role in supporting PACE’s long-term financial health.

This role is ideal for an experienced finance leader who is detail-oriented, mission-driven, and eager to help build financial infrastructure in a growing nonprofit. It is a great opportunity to build a fulfilling career while making a real difference to uplift and empower communities. This position will be required to work on-site in our DTLA office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll oversight.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and present timely and accurate financial reports to the COO, Executive Leadership, and Board of Directors.
• Maintain accounting records in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Direct the annual budgeting process and assist program managers with departmental budgets.
• Monitor budget performance and provide analysis, projections, and recommendations.
• Develop multi-year financial forecasts and cash flow management tools.

Grants & Contracts Management

• Oversee accounting and reporting of federal, state, local, and private grants and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance and other funder requirements.
• Coordinate with the Development and Program teams on budget proposals and reporting.

Audit & Compliance

• Lead the preparation for the annual financial audit, federal Single Audit and contract audits.
• Maintain and enforce internal controls, fiscal policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local financial regulations.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor finance and accounting staff.
• Foster collaboration between Finance and other departments to strengthen cross-functional planning.
• Provide training and support to non-financial staff on budgeting and financial literacy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive nonprofit financial management experience, including leadership and supervisory roles.
• Expertise in nonprofit fund accounting, grant compliance, and audit preparation.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, and financial regulations for nonprofit organizations.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., MIP, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to PACE’s mission and values; experience in culturally diverse, community-based organizations preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary range from $170k to $200k annual (commensurate with experience)
• Affordable and robust Medical, Dental, Vision, and life insurance plans for employee plus family with generous employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must satisfactorily pass background and employment/reference check
• Must have reliable transportation
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately.
• This position is ON-SITE in our DTLA office.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• All applicants MUST apply on our website by uploading a resume AND completing our online application to be considered: See link to apply: https://pacela.org/about/work-at-pace/
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position has been filled. We will only be reaching out to candidates who have been selected to move forward in the process.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The working conditions and physical demands of this position will be those that must be met to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. The physical environment the incumbent will work in is typically an office environment with moderate noise levels that would be expected in that type of work environment. Representative physical demands of the job include: normal vision and hearing, standing for extended periods, sitting for extended periods, kneeling and stooping, manipulating objects with hands, reaching overhead, and occasionally lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.