Controller Assistant Controller Jobs in California

The CalMHSA Way:

• Curiosity
• Innovation
• Grounded in Mission
• Ownership
• Clarity

SUMMARY: The Assistant Controller is responsible for fiscal duties and work in support of accounting processes, under general supervisor of the CFO. Ultimately, the Assistant Controller will have a strategic approach focused on long term success. The Assistant Controller completes work that involves verifying, auditing, classifying, processing, tracking, posting and reconciling, accounts payable, tax matters, a variety of billings and payments, reimbursements, accounts receivable, public grants, trust accounts and customer payments. The Assistant Controller will need a keen understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures and will be responsible for resolving a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways.

This position will have unrestricted access to confidential information concerning CalMHSA and CalMHSA’s customers and vendors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

• Oversee accounting operations including A/R, A/P, GL, and Project Accounting; ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and in compliance with applicable accounting standards and organizational policies.
• Have financial oversight of contract management; collaborate with legal and programs teams to address contract-related financial matters.
• Oversee revenue recognition, reconciliation, and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance with GASB standards, and determining correct restriction of net asset balances.
• Develop, implement, and oversee ERP-based accounts receivable tracking schedules to enhance efficiency and financial accuracy.
• Oversee proper recording and reconciliation of government revenue sources (e.g. fees, grants).
• Manage cash receipts processing, review invoices, and generate accounts receivable aging reports for member counties.
• Assist in managing the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing process; prepare, review, and post journal entries while ensuring accurate reconciliation of general ledger accounts and audit-ready financial statements.
• Ensure adherence to government accounting principles, grant requirements, and regulatory guidelines for revenue collection and reporting.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance vendor requirements; maintain vendor and customer master address books, W-9 and authorization forms.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to accounting staff, fostering a high-performing team that ensures operational efficiency and compliance with financial best practices.
• Assist CFO/Controller with various external audits.
• Assist CFO/Controller in development and documentation of business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls; develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard public funds and prevent fraud.
• Analyze revenue trends, variances, and financial risks to provide strategic insights and recommendations.
• Monitor changes in financial regulations and update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Serve as the point of contact for CalMHSA staff on various accounting software matters.
• Manage the preparation of revenue-related financial statements, reports, and analyses for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely collection and allocation of revenues across various departments.
• Assist CFO/Controller in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and other required regulatory filings.
• Prepare and provide recurring financial and various ad-hoc financial reporting packages and analysis to internal and external stakeholders. Manage processes to accurately compute various state and federal reports.
• Provide training and guidance to team members on government accounting policies and revenue-related financial processes.
• Stay informed on evolving legislative changes affecting Joint Powers Authority (JPA) accounting practices; conduct research and oversee the implementation of new GASB statements and financial reporting requirements.
• This position will have access to various applications that house confidential information, including county records, employee demographic and private behavioral health information; ensure that access is used responsibly, maintaining the integrity and security of systems while preventing accidental or malicious misuse.
• Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures; resolves a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways.
• Uses strategic financial accounting skills with a focus on long-term success.
• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to organizational success.

QUALIFICATIONS:An acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and skill may be considered.
Education:Requires a BS/BA in finance/accounting .CPA or CMA is a plus.
Experience:

• 10 years of similar qualifying Fiscal Accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role supervising 3+ accounting team members.
• Assistant Controller level experience in accounting regulations and practices, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), strong knowledge of GAAP, and governmental financial regulations and general ledger functions, preferably in JPA and non-profit/public sector.
• 3 years of experience with hands-on revenue recognition, including grant accounting and tax revenue reporting.
• 4 years as a senior user with Sage Intacct.
• Experience researching and implementing legislation affecting JPA accounting practices and procedures.
• Experience in building ERP based AR tracking schedules.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Government Finance & Accounting Knowledge & Skills:

• Familiarity with compliance requirements for government contracts, federal/state funding, and regulatory reporting.
• Knowledge of internal controls, audit procedures, and risk management in governmental financial operations.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a governmental or public sector environment.
• Ability to effectively provide guidance and/or train on government accounting policies and revenue-related financial processes.
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize theoretical mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Demonstrate the ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Knowledge and experience in GASB principles, practices and terminology of general fund and governmental accounting. (preferred not required)

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to collaborate across departments, including finance, legal, and program management teams.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present complex financial information to stakeholders, including government contacts and auditors.

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, financial modeling, and accounting software.
• Systematic and administrative experience with accounting software/systems (e.g. SAP, QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage) technology integration to streamline processes.
• Must be highly technology savvy.

Leadership & Management:

• Ability to supervise, mentor, and coordinate the work of finance and accounting professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a cooperative and collaborative work environment.?
• Able to provide and document timely and effective performance feedback to applicable team members.
• Must be able to work a full-time schedule to manage a team of full-time team members.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess processes and data to inform decision-making.?
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges and driving optimization.?

Personal Attributes:

• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates initiative, independence, and resourcefulness in executing responsibilities.?
• Adaptable to dynamic work environments and capable of working in-office settings.?
• Confidentiality and integrity focused.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; use phone and headset; use hands, arms, fingers to type; answer phones; write; use calculator; demonstrate strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; demonstrate clear vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; and drive a motor vehicle on public roads and highways.
SENSORY DEMANDS - The incumbent must spend long hours in intense concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
MENTAL DEMANDS - There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant pressure. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.
REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE – Varies depending on business needs; however, company normal business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday – Friday