Controller at Inland Counties Legal Services Inc. – Riverside, California

Job Title: Controller
Department: Executive (Accounting)
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000
Location: Riverside Hybrid in office/remote work
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary
The Controller serves as a key financial leader within the organization and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all accounting and financial reporting activities. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller oversees the organization’s day-to-day accounting operations and provides strategic financial guidance to support the organization’s mission of delivering high-quality civil legal aid services.
This position manages an established accounting team—including the Accounting Supervisor, Grant Accountant, Payroll Accountant, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable Specialist, and Billing Specialist—and oversees functions such as the general ledger, grants management, payroll, accounts payable, billing, and fund accounting. The Controller ensures adherence to GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, and applicable funder and regulatory requirements across a portfolio of extensive governmental grants, private philanthropy, and pro bono program funding. ICLS currently utilizes a hybrid work environment with most staff working remotely each day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aspects of accounting operations, including accounts payable, cost allocation, payroll, general ledger, billing, and financial reporting.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure the timely preparation of accurate and complete financial statements.
• Maintain and continuously improve internal control systems, accounting procedures, and financial policies.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, federal and state grant cost principles, and nonprofit financial regulations.
• Collaborate with program and grants management staff to monitor grant budgets, ensure compliance with award terms, and prepare required financial reports.
• Support the CFO in the development of annual budgets, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Coordinate annual financial audits, funder audits and reviews, and the preparation and submission of IRS Form 990.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to senior management and the Board of Directors, assisting in decision-making and organizational planning.
• Partner with development and program staff to ensure accurate reporting and stewardship of donor contributions and pro bono support.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, fostering professional growth, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Remain informed of developments and best practices in nonprofit accounting, financial compliance, and internal control management.
• Provide supervision and guidance related to filing and document retention onsite in compliance with ICLS policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management, including supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting, governmental grant management, and cost allocation methodologies.
• Direct experience managing compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance and coordinating annual financial audits.
• Strong proficiency with nonprofit accounting systems (e.g., MIP Fund Accounting, Sage Intacct, or comparable platforms) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical capabilities, with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to integrate with, and support current organizational cohesiveness while in a hybrid work environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of civil legal aid, including equity, access to justice, and public service.

Core Competencies

• Financial leadership and ethical stewardship.
• Analytical problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Clarity in financial communication across diverse audiences.
• Accountability, integrity, and confidentiality.

The recognition of our common humanity is the first step in fostering a diverse environment. The sum of our unique differences is greater than our individual parts. Our unique stories and experiences allow us to better solve the challenges that our community faces. Staff approach professional relationships with humility across the spectrum of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and/or limited English proficiency with a willingness to consider unique perspectives. Inland Counties Legal Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.