Controller

Date Posted	November 17, 2025
Industry	General Accounting, Finance
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$130,000-$180,000
Website	https://www.cmadocs.org/

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a multi-entity trade association, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance across all accounting functions. This role manages the financial reporting, budgeting, and audit processes for seven distinct but related entities, including the main association, affiliated 501(c)(3), PACs, and for-profit subsidiaries. The Controller develops and maintains strong internal controls, maintains efficient financial systems and procedures, and supports strategic decision-making by providing timely and insightful financial analysis. This position plays a key leadership role in supporting executive management, liaising with external auditors, and ensuring adherence to GAAP, regulatory requirements, and best practices in nonprofit and association finance. The Controller will be involved in supporting and/ or leading presentations to the board, finance, and/or audit committees and will work closely with the senior leadership team.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Strategy and Planning

• Serve as the strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer
• Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with programmatic and strategic objectives.
• Analyze and report financial data to the Chief Financial Officer, providing insights to guide decision-making.

Financial Management and Operations

• Oversee core day-to-day financial operations, including timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting in compliance with GAAP and all regulatory requirements.
• Manage cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity and alignment with organizational reserves and planning needs.
• Maintain strong internal controls, lead reconciliations, internal audits, and proactively identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Lead preparation and submission of all regulatory filings, including IRS Forms 990, 990-T, 1120, 1099, 4720 and other federal/state requirements.
• Lead preparation and submission of all political regulatory filings, including FPPC and other federal/state requirements.
• Manage the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Improve accounting systems, policies, and procedures to support efficient, compliant, and scalable operations.
• Present financial updates to subsidiary boards and committees as requested.
• Provide tailored financial oversight and support for unique entity needs, including PACs, 501(c)(3), and for-profit subsidiaries.

Team Development/Leadership and Staff Capacity Building

• Lead and support the finance team (team of seven), ensuring clear roles, priorities, and accountability.
• Set and monitor performance and development goals; conduct regular check-ins and annual performance reviews.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and access to professional development resources to strengthen team capacity and growth.
• Oversee staff training on financial systems, compliance standards, and operational processes.
• Partner with senior leadership to support program goals, strategic initiatives, and financial decision-making.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration required.

• Certified Public Accountant (California license) is required.

• Minimum of 10 years of financial experience.

• Supervisory experience, minimum of 5 years.

• Experience with associations, non-profit organizations, PACs, and for-profit entities.

• Experience with intercompany accounting and consolidation.

• Experience with activity-based costing and cost accounting is a plus.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal control procedures.

• Experience with Sage Intacct and QuickBooks Online is a plus.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with all levels of personnel.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, adhering to deadlines.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to evaluate and improve processes.

• High value of ethics and reliability.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION:

Position requires operation of normal office equipment, computer, printers, photocopier, fax machines, multi-line phone, mobile communications tools, team, and project management applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel required to attend Association meetings and other functions.

Apply

https://www.cmadocs.org/careers/controller