Financial Controller

Temporary Controller

Location: Santa Barbara, CA – Onsite

Assignment Length: Approximately 2 Months, could be a full-time hire depending on the candidate

Employment Type: Temporary

Compensation: $45–$60/hour, DOE

Position Overview

A local nonprofit is seeking an experienced, hands-on Temporary Controller to support the organization's accounting and finance operations during an approximately two-month transition period.

This position will be responsible for a broad range of day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, month-end reconciliations, account management, budgeting, payroll oversight, and audit support.

The Controller will also assist with supporting payroll processes for approximately 120 employees.

The former Controller will be available during the interim period to provide historical knowledge and assist with a smooth transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting and financial operations
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Perform and review month-end account reconciliations
• Manage general ledger accounts and ensure transactions are accurately recorded and classified
• Prepare journal entries and assist with the month-end close
• Monitor cash and account activity and resolve discrepancies
• Assist with organizational budgeting, forecasting, and budget-to-actual analysis
• Prepare financial reports and provide information to leadership as needed
• Oversee and support payroll processes for approximately 120 employees
• Assist with the transition and implementation of payroll processes into Paylocity
• Maintain accounting records and financial information in QuickBooks
• Support annual and/or financial audit activities, including preparing schedules, documentation, and responding to auditor requests
• Maintain appropriate accounting procedures and internal controls
• Ensure financial activities are handled in accordance with nonprofit accounting practices
• Work collaboratively with organizational leadership, staff, outside partners, and the former Controller during the transition
• Research and resolve accounting, reconciliation, payroll, and reporting discrepancies as needed

Qualifications

• Previous nonprofit accounting experience required
• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, Finance Manager, or similar senior-level accounting professional
• Strong hands-on experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and month-end close
• Demonstrated experience performing bank and balance sheet account reconciliations
• Experience with budget preparation and budget-to-actual reporting
• Previous experience supporting financial audits
• Strong QuickBooks experience required
• Payroll experience required; experience supporting a workforce of approximately 100+ employees preferred
• Paylocity experience strongly preferred, particularly implementation or payroll conversion experience
• Solid understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Ability to quickly learn existing processes and step into a transitional accounting environment
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership and staff