Controller at Orange County… · Santa Ana

Position Summary & Purpose:

The Controller is responsible for the overall financial management of the Orange County Council, including accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and stewardship of Council assets. This position ensures the integrity of the Council's financial records while providing timely financial analysis and strategic support to executive leadership and the Executive Board.

The Controller oversees all accounting functions, supervises accounting staff, coordinates the annual audit, ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards, and serves as a trusted financial advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (Scout Executive), Treasurer, Finance Committee, Executive Board, auditors, banking partners, and department leaders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership

• Direct all accounting and financial operations.
• Maintain the general ledger and oversee month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Monitor cash flow, investments, reserves, and financial performance.
• Develop forecasts and support long-range financial planning.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard Council assets.

Accounting and Budget Administration

Oversee all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, cash management, bank reconciliations, fixed assets, investments, journal entries, and account reconciliations.

Coordinate the annual operating budget, monitor departmental spending, analyze budget variances, and provide financial recommendations to leadership.

Financial Reporting and Nonprofit Accounting

Prepare financial reports for executive leadership, the Executive Board, and Finance Committee, including budget-to-actual analyses, cash flow reports, investment summaries, and capital project reporting.

Ensure accurate accounting and reporting for:

• Restricted and unrestricted contributions
• Endowments and capital campaigns
• Grants and fundraising activities
• Camp operations and program revenues
• Membership dues and donor-restricted funds

Maintain compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and donor restrictions.

Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management

Lead the annual financial audit by preparing schedules, coordinating auditor requests, and implementing recommendations.

Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS nonprofit reporting requirements, Form 990 reporting, grant requirements, state charitable reporting, and Council financial policies.

Support organizational risk management through internal control reviews, financial risk assessments, insurance renewals, and business continuity planning.

Payroll, Assets, and Board Support

Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure accurate payroll accounting, payroll tax reporting, benefit reconciliations, retirement plan accounting, and leave liability reporting.

Maintain financial records for Council properties, camps, vehicles, equipment, and capital assets, including depreciation schedules.

Serve as staff liaison to the Executive Board, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Investment Committee by preparing financial reports and supporting materials.

Leadership

• Supervise and develop accounting staff.
• Establish efficient accounting procedures and internal processes.
• Crosstrain staff and promote continuous process improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and foster professional development.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.

CPA preferred but not required.

Experience

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with financial statement preparation, budgeting, audits, Board reporting, and fund accounting.

Knowledge

Strong knowledge of:

• GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles
• Fund and grant accounting
• Internal controls
• Budget development and financial reporting
• Payroll accounting
• Microsoft Excel and financial management systems

Skills

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and nonprofit accounting software.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership, staff, volunteers, auditors, and Board members.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• Experience with nonprofit fund accounting and donor-restricted funds.
• Experience supporting volunteer boards and Finance Committees.
• Familiarity with fundraising operations and grant administration.
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge, Sage Intacct, MIP Fund Accounting, or similar nonprofit accounting systems.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit, use a computer, stand, walk, present, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and effectively speak and hear. The employee is sometimes required to stoop, kneel, bend, or crouch. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel periodically to Council camps and facilities.
• Ability to attend evening Board and Finance Committee meetings as needed.

Core Competencies

The successful Controller will demonstrate:

• Unquestioned integrity and ethical judgment.
• Strong stewardship of charitable assets.
• Commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Collaborative leadership.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Continuous process improvement mindset.
• Exceptional customer service in support of staff, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Scouting America, Orange County Council is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status.