Controller in Chico, California at The ARC of Butte County

About The Arc of Butte County

The Arc of Butte County is a nonprofit founded in 1962, dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live, work, and thrive. Through programs including adult day services, respite care, supported employment, and independent living skills training, we champion inclusion, independence, and full participation in society. We're looking for compassionate team members who share our commitment to making a meaningful difference.

About the position: As a Controller at The Arc of Butte County, you will manage the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial records and reporting. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will serve as the operational foundation of the Finance Department—overseeing assigned employees and processes related to accounting functions, taxation, grant compliance, audit response, and internal controls.

This role is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who has demonstrated progressive growth in financial and supervisory duties, and is ready to take ownership of a full-cycle finance function. A high-performing individual in this position may have potential growth toward qualifying into senior financial leadership as opportunities arise. The Controller will play a key role in strengthening financial systems, improving processes, and supporting organizational sustainability in a mission-driven environment.

Candidates will receive a copy of our Leadership Expectations document during the hiring process, allowing them to independently assess their fit with our leadership culture.

What You'll Do:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises and supports day-to-day accounting staff, providing guidance, oversight, performance reviews, professional development, and corrective action when necessary.

• Assists with scheduling, performance check-ins, and workload management for finance team members.

• Fosters a culture of accountability, accuracy, and collaboration within the Finance Department.

• Contributes to a psychologically safe, respectful, and mission-aligned work environment.

General Accounting & Financial Operations

• Manages full-cycle accounting including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, and bank reconciliations.

• Leads and executes the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of GAAP-compliant financial statements.

• Prepares and reviews journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries.

• Maintains the chart of accounts and ensures consistent coding across all programs and funding sources.

• Manages cash flow, monitors banking activity, and supports banking relationships.

• Oversees capital asset tracking and depreciation schedules.

• Partners closely with Human Resources to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and proper financial reporting.

Grants & Nonprofit Fund Accounting

• Maintains accurate fund accounting records, tracking restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds in accordance with nonprofit GAAP (ASC 958).

• Prepares grant invoices, draw-downs, and financial reports for submission to funders within required deadlines.

• Monitors grant budgets in collaboration with program managers, identifying variances and supporting re-budgeting as needed.

• Collaborates across departments to ensure accurate billing, reconciliation, and revenue tracking related to services funded through Far Northern Regional Center and other payers.

• Assists with the development of grant budgets for new proposals in partnership with development and program staff.

Audit & Compliance

• Serves as the primary financial contact for the annual independent audit; prepares all audit schedules, supporting documentation, and work papers.

• Ensures compliance with federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) for federal awards, including preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including oversight of Form 990 and required regulatory filings.

• Maintains and strengthens internal control systems, ensuring proper segregation of duties and adherence to financial policies and procedures.

• Supports compliance with grant requirements and contractual obligations.

• Supports Board financial governance and reporting as directed.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Produces monthly financial reports and variance analyses for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

• Supports the preparation of cash flow projections and long-range financial planning under the direction of the Executive Director.

• Assists with the annual organizational budget process, including departmental input and multi-year forecasting support.

• Provides ad hoc financial analysis and supports special projects as requested.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Supports the organization's migration to and ongoing optimization of Sage Intacct.

• Identifies and implements process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency within the Finance Department.

• Maintains and updates financial policies, procedures, and workflow documentation.

• Performs other related duties as requested.

What You'll Bring:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; or the equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.

• 3–6 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 1–2 years in a senior or lead accounting role.

• At least 2 years of progressive experience supervising people in a primary supervision role.

• Nonprofit accounting experience is strongly preferred, particularly in organizations with complex funding or reimbursement models (e.g., regional centers, government funding, or grant-funded programs).

• Demonstrated experience managing the full accounting cycle including month-end close, grant reporting, and audit preparation.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles (ASC 958).

• Experience with audits, tax filings (including Form 990), and regulatory compliance, including federal Uniform Guidance.

• Proficiency with accounting software; experience with Sage 50 or similar desktop-based systems preferred.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and financial modeling.

• Working knowledge of applicable financial practices and procedures, and familiarity with state and federal rules and regulations.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues and leadership.

• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.

• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with a desire to grow professionally.

• Alignment with The Arc of Butte County's Leadership Expectations (shared with all candidates as part of our hiring process).

• CPA license or active candidacy preferred.

FIRST 90-DAY PRIORITIES

• Develop a thorough understanding of current accounting workflows, systems, and close processes.

• Assess the status of grant reporting, compliance obligations, and upcoming funder deadlines.

• Evaluate internal controls and identify gaps or areas for improvement.

• Stabilize and improve the monthly close process for accuracy and timeliness.

• Build strong working relationships with leadership, finance staff, and key program partners.

• Engage in onboarding and assessment planning for Sage Intacct migration.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Timely, accurate, and consistent monthly close process.

• Successful completion of annual audit with no material findings.

• Accurate and on-time grant financial reports submitted to all funders.

• Strengthened internal controls and documented compliance systems.

• Clear, actionable financial reporting delivered to the Executive Director and Board.

• Improved efficiency and accuracy within Finance Department operations.

Perks & Benefits
Benefits may vary based on position and eligibility. Available offerings may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Company-paid basic life insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 3% employer match

• Paid time off, including vacation and paid sick leave

• 11 Paid Holidays plus 1 Floating Holiday

• Paid training and professional development opportunities

Physical Requirements:

• Must pass a post offer pre-employment background check, non-arduous physical, drug/TB screen

• Ability to travel locally to meet with clients, partners, or attend events, if applicable.

• Ability to work in various environments, including office and community settings.

• Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• May require occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs), standing, walking, or assisting individuals with mobility needs, if applicable.

• This full-time, on-site position is based in Chico, CA and requires consistent in-person presence to support leadership, collaboration, and operations. The typical workday is 8 hours, with occasional flexibility to meet organizational priorities. The Arc maintains a pet-friendly culture, so animals (such as the office cat) may be present, and employees may be exposed to pet allergens through animals, donated items, or community environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Arc of Butte County is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring individuals based on their qualifications and experience, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability, or other protected status.

Acknowledgement
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be added, removed, or modified at any time based on organizational needs.

Employee Name: _______________________________
Employee Signature: ____________________________
Date: ___________________