Controller

Controller

Organizational Background

Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded by Amah Mutsun Tribal Band (AMTB) to protect Tribal sacred sites and to promote Indigenous stewardship of lands within Amah Mutsun traditional territory and the adjacent Awaswas stewardship area through research, conservation, restoration, and education.

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is comprised of the descendants of Indigenous people taken to Missions San Juan Bautista and Santa Cruz. Amah Mutsun's ancestors were forcibly removed from their lands and confined in missions during Spanish colonization. Today, the descendants of those few who survived Euro-American colonialism are working to revitalize their Indigenous culture and heal from the legacy of historic trauma. In pursuit of these goals, AMLT supports the Tribe’s work to renew their sacred obligation to care for Mother Earth and all beings; to reconnect Tribe members with Indigenous culture, history, and territory; and to teach non-Indigenous allies about and involve them in actively caring for our living world.

AMLT’s Core Programs and Approaches include:

• The Native Stewardship Corps, a work training, cultural relearning, and conservation fieldwork program for Tribal members.
• The Native Plant Program, in which Native stewards and volunteers work together to propagate native plants for land stewardship/restoration projects, Tribal cultural uses, and other purposes.
• The Cultural Burning Program is working to train a team of Tribal practitioners to renew and implement cultural burning land stewardship systems.
• The Coastal and Ocean Stewardship Program, which aims to connect with, monitor, protect, and enhance a diverse suite of coastal resources, such as shellfish and kelp forests.
• The Sacred Land Defense Program protects sacred sites from development and other impacts that could harm these places.
• Research and Education Programs that promote Indigenous perspectives in resource management, including the Coastal Stewardship Summer Camp for tribal youth.
• Land Ownership and Cultural Easements for protection and care in perpetuity.

AMLT has grown dramatically over the past several years, and we expect the number, breadth, and depth of these programs and supporting staff will continue to expand.

Position Summary

The Controller will lead AMLT’s day-to-day financial management, ensuring the organization’s fiscal health, accuracy, and compliance as it continues to grow in size, scope, and impact.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO), and working closely with the Executive Director (ED), and program leadership, the Controller will oversee all accounting operations, develop and maintain internal controls, ensure timely financial reporting, and guide staff in sound financial practices. The Controller will also play a key role in strengthening AMLT’s financial systems, supporting grant compliance, and providing clear, actionable financial insights to leadership and the Board.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced nonprofit finance professional who is detail-oriented, systems-savvy, and mission-driven. The Controller will supervise the Lead Accountant, Staff Accountant, and Accounting Assistant, fostering a collaborative, high-performing finance team.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Manage all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, cash flow management, and reconciliations.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for leadership, staff, Board, and funders.
• Lead the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and oversee annual audits.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard AMLT’s assets.
• Develop and manage the organization’s cash flow forecasting and monitoring.
• Partner with program staff to ensure accurate budget tracking, grant compliance, and timely grant/contract reporting.
• Oversee restricted/unrestricted fund tracking and proper revenue recognition.
• Work with the DFO to prepare annual organizational and program budgets; monitor performance against budget and advise on adjustments.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor the Lead Accountant, Staff Accountant, and Accounting Assistant, providing training, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven team culture.
• Ensure staff are cross-trained to provide coverage for key financial functions.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and enhance financial systems and tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of financial data.
• Oversee accounting software administration and ensure integration with other organizational systems.
• Implement process improvements that align with AMLT’s values and long-term sustainability goals.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable nonprofit, federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee timely filing of all tax returns, payroll reports, and compliance documents.
• Monitor and manage organizational risk related to financial practices.
• Work with the DFO to maintain banking, investment, and vendor relationships.

Board & Leadership Support

• Prepare and present clear, accessible financial reports to the Board Finance and Audit Committees.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Partner with the DFO and ED in long-term financial planning and sustainability strategies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive nonprofit finance/accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, and fund accounting.
• Proven experience managing audits, budgets, and grant compliance.
• Proficiency with accounting software (Sage Intacct preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a finance team.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and integrity.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.

Preferred:

• CPA license or equivalent advanced credential.
• Experience with land trusts, conservation organizations, or Indigenous-led nonprofits.
• Familiarity with federal and state grant regulations, particularly for environmental or cultural projects.
• Experience with multi-entity or fiscal sponsorship arrangements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $115,000 – $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Option to enroll in employer-supported medical, dental, and vision insurance,
• 15 days personal time off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate for work-related travel.

Work Location & Travel

This is a remote position, but candidates must be able to travel occasionally throughout AMLT’s stewardship area, encompassing southern Santa Clara County, northern San Benito County, southern San Mateo County, Santa Cruz County, and northern Monterey County.

Equal Opportunity

Amah Mutsun Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against people of different genders, races, religions, or creeds. AMLT is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Members of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Please complete the application, submit a resume, and a cover letter. AMLT actively seeks those with strong tribal connections, preferably with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band (AMTB) or another indigenous organization to fill this role. Please share your experience with the AMTB or other indigenous organizations, and how this connection will help you succeed in this role, and why you are drawn to the mission of AMLT.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.