Controller/VP of Finance

Company Description: NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental illnesses.

Primary Responsibilities/Function: The Controller / VP of Finance is a key leadership position responsible for both day-to-day accounting operations and strategic financial stewardship and planning. This position ensures the integrity of financial reporting, oversees all accounting operations, ensures compliance with nonprofit regulations, and partners with executive leadership to guide financial sustainability, grant management, and long-term planning. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, mission-driven finance leader with deep nonprofit accounting expertise and the ability to operate at both operational and strategic levels, while partnering with executive leadership to drive financial strategy, scalability, and business performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Management

• Oversees all accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and month-end/year-end close.
• Ensures accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit (FASB) standards.
• Manages net asset classifications (with/without donor restrictions).
• Maintains strong internal controls and financial policies.
• Leads annual audit and serve as primary liaison with external auditors.

Grant & Fund Accounting

• Oversees tracking and reporting of grants, contracts, and restricted funds.
• Ensures compliance with donor restrictions, government funding requirements, and grant agreements.
• Prepares grant budgets, financial reports, and reimbursement requests.
• Partners with program teams to ensure proper allocation and spending.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Leads organizational budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Provides variance analysis and financial insights to leadership and board.
• Develops financial models to support program expansion and sustainability.
• Tracks and reports on key financial and programmatic KPIs.

Strategic Finance Leadership

• Partners with the President/CEO and leadership team on financial strategy and sustainability.
• Supports fundraising strategy with financial insight and scenario planning.
• Provides financial reporting and presentations to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee.
• Evaluates new programs, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Monitors cash flow, liquidity, and working capital.
• Manages banking relationships and investment accounts.
• Ensures alignment between funding cycles and operational needs.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with IRS regulations (including Form 990) and applicable federal/state requirements.
• Oversees compliance with Uniform Guidance (if federal funding applies).
• Maintains policies for financial risk management and fraud prevention.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Implements and improves financial systems, reporting tools, and automation.
• Strengthens financial processes to support organizational growth and transparency.
• Ensures data accuracy and accessibility for decision-making.

Leadership & Team Development

• Leads and mentors finance and accounting staff.
• Builds a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with program, development, and operations teams.

Accountability: Reports to President/CEO

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to access various departments of a given location.

Minimum Requirements:

Including linguistic and cultural skills, education, experiences, licenses and certifications

• Bachelor''s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (MBA preferred).
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 8-15+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including nonprofit experience.
• Strong experience with fund accounting, grant management, and donor-restricted funds.
• Experience working with or presenting to a Board of Directors.
• Reliable and consistent transportation.
• Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, QuickBooks Online, Ramp) and web navigation.
• Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities
• Ability to balance hands-on execution with strategic thinking.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and executive presence.
• High attention to detail with a process-improvement mindset.
• Solid knowledge of GAAP, accrual accounting, audit preparation, fixed asset accounting, budget preparation, and current accounting best practices experience.
• Highly skilled in both verbal and written interpersonal communication.
• Enjoy building and maintaining collaborative relationships with staff.
• Successfully lead self and others through a process and adhere to timelines.
• Strong organizational, time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently while working collaboratively with others.
• Maintains a high level of integrity, confidentiality, ethical standards, and assumes personal responsibility for scope of position.
• Recognition of the importance of documentation; proven ability to maintain complete and accurate records in both the cloud and office.
• Flexibility for occasional work outside of regular work hours as situations may require.
• Reliable and consistent transportation and attendance.

Due to our work with vulnerable populations and county contractor requirements, applicants will be required to undergo a background check following a contingent offer of employment and must receive satisfactory results prior to a final offer of employment. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please feel free to reach out to HR@namisd.org.