Controller

Controller

Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid – at least two in-office days/week)

Reports to: Head of Finance

Salary range: $150,000 – $170,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Who We Are:

The ILRC is a nationally recognized nonprofit headquartered in San Francisco with staff in Washington, D.C., Texas, Southern California, the Central Valley, and Washington State. Since 1979, our mission has been to educate, support, and empower immigrants, community organizations, and legal practitioners to build a more just, inclusive, and democratic society. Our team is passionate, collaborative, and committed to equity and innovation in all we do.

The Opportunity:

The Controller is a key operational finance leader responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of ILRC’s accounting operations. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Controller leads the day-to-day accounting function for a $20M+ multi-state nonprofit organization and directly manages the Senior Accountant, Accountant, and Finance Coordinator.

This role ensures strong internal controls, GAAP-compliant financial reporting, audit readiness, and efficient financial processes that support ILRC’s mission and growth. The Controller partners closely with the Head of Finance to provide reliable financial data, strengthen systems, improve workflows, and support cross-departmental collaboration.

The Controller is both a technical expert and people manager, someone who thrives on building strong systems, mentoring staff, and translating complex financial information into clear insights for organizational leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Operations Leadership

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, re-grants, and cash and investment accounts.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly and year-end closes.
• Maintain and continuously strengthen internal controls and accounting policies.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Manage accounting for restricted grants, contracts, and re-granting programs.
• Oversee cash flow management and monitor liquidity in partnership with the Head of Finance.

Financial Reporting & Audit

• Prepare accurate monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Provide project and department-level reporting to support program and grant management.
• Lead preparation for the annual audit and serve as primary liaison to external auditors.
• Coordinate annual Form 990 preparation and other required tax and regulatory filings.
• Monitor evolving accounting standards and proactively implement required changes.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as system administrator and internal expert for Sage Intacct and related financial systems.
• Identify opportunities for automation, workflow efficiencies, and improved reporting capabilities.
• Develop and document accounting policies and procedures to support clarity and consistency.
• Support financial system integrations and cross-functional data alignment.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop the Senior Accountant, Accountant, and Finance Coordinator.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Establish clear goals and performance expectations aligned with department priorities.
• Build cross-training plans to strengthen team resiliency and coverage.

Organizational Partnership

• Collaborate with program and development teams to support grant budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
• Provide clear and accessible financial information to non-finance staff.
• Support insurance renewals and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.
• Partner with the Head of Finance to support Board reporting and financial analysis as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge of the organization’s collective bargaining agreement as it relates to payroll and financial compliance.

Required qualifications and skills:

The successful candidate will have strong experience in financial accounting in organizations of our size. Candidates must have demonstrated a strong focus on internal controls and must be a clear role model for financial ethics. The ILRC operates in a team environment, and the effective controller will successfully accomplish goals through the collaboration and cooperation of others.

Specific requirements include:

Required

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in nonprofit accounting.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience managing and developing staff.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
• Experience leading annual audits and managing external auditor relationships.
• Expertise in financial systems (Sage Intacct strongly preferred) and advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to strong internal controls and financial integrity.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.

Preferred

• An accounting, finance or business degree
• CPA strongly preferred
• Experience in multi-state nonprofit organizations.
• Experience working in union-represented environments.
• Experience supporting grant-funded organizations with complex funding structures.

Who You Are

• A detail-oriented and systems-minded accounting leader.
• A collaborative manager who develops talent and builds trust.
• Steady, organized, and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Committed to equity, transparency, and ethical financial stewardship.
• Motivated by supporting a mission-driven organization advancing justice for immigrant communities.

Compensation/Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $170,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

The ILRC offers excellent benefits, medical/dental/vision insurance, EAP sessions, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care, vacation, and sick leave. The ILRC also sponsors a retirement plan contribution upon fulfillment of eligibility. Additionally, we offer an annual professional development stipend of $2,500 and, from 2024 – 2027, an annual wellness stipend of $2,500. ILRC also offers a sabbatical program: employees are eligible to apply for an 8-week sabbatical after five years of service and a 12-week sabbatical after ten years of service.

Applications:

To ensure consideration of your application, please submit a cover letter explaining your qualifications, salary requirements, and a current resume. Select candidates will be asked to complete an exercise at some point during the process.

The ILRC is an equal opportunity employer and does not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious beliefs, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and other similar state laws and local ordinances, ILRC will also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records.

The ILRC offers excellent benefits, medical/dental/vision insurance, EAP sessions, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care, vacation, and sick leave. The ILRC also sponsors a retirement plan contribution upon fulfillment of eligibility. Additionally, we offer an annual professional development stipend of $2,500 and, from 2024 – 2027, an annual wellness stipend of $2,500. ILRC also offers a sabbatical program: employees are eligible to apply for an 8-week sabbatical after five years of service and a 12-week sabbatical after ten years of service.