Description

Position:  CONTROLLER

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Status: Full Time/Exempt

Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid)

Apply ASAP

OVERVIEW

Be the Backbone of Accounting & Financial Excellence for an Innovative, Deeply-Rooted Community Anchor Organization

Are you a seasoned accounting leader who finds purpose in precision and inspiration in impact? The Unity Council, a cornerstone of social equity and economic empowerment in the Bay Area, seeks an experienced, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Controller to oversee, elevate, and maintain strong accounting and financial operations centering accountability and compliance. The Controller should be equally adept in technical accounting and problem-solving as they are in financial strategy. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role within the finance team, reporting directly to the CFO, leading a team of accounting professionals, and collaborating across the organization to ensure financial accuracy, timely reporting, and robust internal controls during a period of significant change and growth. The Controller will ensure that financial results align with the mission, navigating a complex and robust revenue model that supports life-changing programs in affordable housing, workforce development, education, and community services.

WHO WE ARE

With over 61 years of experience serving Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood, The Unity Council is a mission-driven nonprofit Social Equity Development Corporation dedicated to building vibrant, inclusive communities. We empower more than 11,000 individuals and families each year through free programs offered in five languages, giving people the tools and resources they need to achieve their education, career, and financial goals. Our diverse team of nearly 350 skilled professionals delivers services spanning early childhood education (Head Start and State-Funded Preschool), youth mentorship, career training, housing support, senior services, food services, and cultural events. By promoting social equity and quality of life across Oakland and Contra Costa County, we transform lives and strengthen communities every day.

Supported by a nearly $50 million annual budget and diverse funding streams, we have reinvested over $100 million in community assets like the nationally recognized Fruitvale Transit Village, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable growth. We operate dynamic subsidiaries in social enterprise, real estate development, and senior housing, providing team members with diverse career pathways in a professional, innovative environment. Our collaborative culture values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we support staff development and community engagement.

As part of our team, you’ll work alongside passionate colleagues committed to making a lasting impact in the community, with abundant opportunities to grow your career in an innovative, purpose-driven organization. Learn more about The Unity Council at www.unitycouncil.org.

THE CONTROLLER OPPORTUNITY

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller will play a pivotal role in securing and strengthening our legacy as they mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of reported financials, and ensure that reported results comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Controller will oversee our accounting operations, as well as those of our affiliate organizations, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets. Leading and developing an accounting department with six direct reports, the Controller will also oversee all compliance and post award management for government (federal and state) contracts and private grants. Importantly, the Controller must be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous and deadline-oriented workplace.

In this hands-on role that blends data, analysis, communication, and strategic thinking, the Controller will serve as a key member of the finance leadership team directly supervising general accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and reconciliations while ensuring the organization is audit-ready, GAAP-compliant, operating with strong internal controls, and driving timely and accurate reporting that enables data-informed decision-making. This is not just about keeping the books—it encompasses big-picture thinking and roll-up-your-sleeves practicality. As the accounting heartbeat of our organization, the Controller will have the opportunity to help ensure strong financial stewardship and strategic alignment to sustain the mission and empower the community for generations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE CONTROLLER 

Financial Oversight & Compliance 

• Publish complete and timely financial statements and dashboards to company executives, shareholders, and the board.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Oversee all financial activities, transactions, and reporting including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll processing, tax filings, and general ledger functions ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Develop and implement financial controls and procedures to ensure compliance with all financial regulations and best practices.
• Analyze financial data and trends to provide key insights and recommendations for improving financial performance.
• Recommend benchmarks for the measurement of company financial performance goals.

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls 

• Comply with all local, state, and federal tax filings and reporting requirements.
• Maintain a comprehensive system of accounting records.
• Maintain a system of controls and policies over all accounting transactions.
• Maintain an organized and orderly filing system for all accounting documents.
• Supervise accounting transaction-processing operations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, managing the annual financial statement an
• Single Audit processes. Partnering in Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning.

Partnering in Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Partner with the CFO and Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial initiatives.
• Collaborate to maintain an adequate system of budgets and controls created to mitigate risk.
• Support the budgeting and forecasting process, working closely with department heads to develop accurate and realistic financial plans.
• Account for any budget variances and report significant discrepancies to management.
• Ensure that accurate and timely invoices are prepared in accordance with contract agreements with funders and actively monitor the collection of accounts receivable to maintain healthy cash flow.
• Coordinate with colleagues to prepare the company's annual report.

Partnering in Grants & Program Financial Management

• Coordinate with colleagues to maintain financial records for each program, grant and project so that funder reports and requirements are met.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on the financial activity of individual programs to program managers.
• Partner with peers to maintain a system of pre and post grant award management.
• Follow cost allocation principles and maintain current and accurate allocation methodology.

Team Leadership & Departmental Strategy 

• Serve as a thought partner to the CFO and cross-functional peers supporting strategic planning, change management, our Welcoming Workplace Initiative, and more to contribute to a joyful culture and deepening program impact.
• Create an organizational structure within the accounting department to facilitate the achievement of the department's short-term goals and long-term objectives.
• Supervise and support accounting staff through coaching, goal setting, and professional development.
• Manage and mentor junior personnel in the accounting department. Other responsibilities as assigned.

Other responsibilities as assigned.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Caring for our employees and their families is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to providing competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support our team’s well-being, now and into the future. The annual salary range for the Controller is $140,000 – $180,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits offered include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance and short-term disability; a 403(b) Retirement Plan with a company match up to 5%; a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a Commuter Benefits Program; and a Wellness Program. Recognizing the importance of rest and personal time, we work in a flexible hybrid environment with team members on site 2-3 days a week and time-off policies include paid vacation, sick leave, float time, and bereavement leave.

Requirements

OUR IDEAL CONTROLLER

The ideal Controller is an experienced accounting professional with extensive nonprofit experience who is ethical, collaborative, and an effective communicator. The Controller will understand how sound financial and accounting management fuels transformation internally and in the community. The Controller will lead with a client-service mindset, skillfully balancing technical rigor with a human-centered, mission-driven approach. They will bring integrity, discipline, and a steady presence, thriving in complexity while leading with compassion.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE CONTROLLER

The Controller will bring many of the desired experiences and abilities and other related skills:

• Relevant Education & Certification: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Management/Administration, or a related field with a CPA or CMA preferred and an advanced degree a plus or experience in excess of the minimum.
• Relevant Accounting & Finance Expertise: Deep knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, Single Audit (Uniform Guidance) compliance, with Head Start experience a strong plus. Experience managing accounting for complex revenue streams, including federal and state grants, rental income, real estate development fees, and fundraising.
• Relevant Accounting & Finance Experience: 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting and financial responsibility in similar sized organizations with 5+ years of experience specifically in nonprofit settings preferably inclusive of Head Start and/or Real Estate finance, including affordable housing financing, tax credit, HUD, and tax-exempt bond structures.
• Mission Alignment & Commitment: Background in early childhood education, preferably, or affordable housing and/or community-based organizations with demonstrated commitment to promoting social equity and enhancing quality of life strongly preferred.
• Complex Project Management Experience: Experience with small and large scale project management.
  Technical Fluency: Successful demonstration of system implementation and use of multiple system platforms with experience with payroll and accounting systems such as ADP, Sage Intacct, Yardi, QuickBooks, or other similar tools.
• People Management Acumen: Proven ability to recruit, hire, manage, develop, and mentor competent accounting teams into a strong and effective team culture; Capable of restructuring and strengthening the accounting team, as needed.
  Clear & Compelling Communication Style: Effective communicator with the ability to translate complex accounting and financial information at the appropriate level for diverse audiences with ease who can use data for storytelling and decision making.

THE CONTROLLER APPLICATION PROCESS

Ready to help shape the future of a vibrant, community-focused anchor institution that serves thousands of individuals and families every year and offers dynamic growth opportunities? We are partnering with Walker & Associates Consulting – a woman of color-owned strategic management consulting and executive search firm promoting equitable community impact – to facilitate this search. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references (references will not be contacted without your advance notice) to unitycouncil@walkeraac.com. Use the subject line: Controller Application. Please submit PDF or Microsoft Word files only, preferably in one combined file. Resume review begins immediately and note that pre-employment requirements include a background check and fingerprints (DOJ, FBI, and CACI). Questions or Nominations? Questions or Nominations? Contact Jeannine N. Walker at jwalker@walkeraac.com.

The Unity Council is an equal opportunity employer deeply committed to promoting a welcoming workplace. We encourage people of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply and applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.