Controller

Job Description

Job Description

To Apply
Please submit a resume to View email address on ziprecruiter.com by October 15, 2026. Please be sure to include the position title in the subject line of your email. 

Polynesian Voyaging Society Overview 

The Polynesian Voyaging Society perpetuates voyaging and wayfinding traditions to ignite the light of ancestral knowledge and forge values-aligned, inclusive relationships that catalyze policies and practices to aloha honua. 

Position Summary & Role 

The Controller will have overall responsibility for the strategic planning, implementation, managing and running of all finance activities of Polynesian Voyaging Society. These tasks include business financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and risk management. Responsible for all accounting functions such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and reconciliation and cash control. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities 

Strategy, Planning and Management 

● Support and advise the executive leadership team. 

● Maintain access and maintenance of accounting software. 

● Assess and evaluate financial performance of the organization regarding long-term operational goals, budgets and forecasts. Provide insight and recommendations to both short-term and long-term growth plans of organizations. 

● Create and establish yearly financial objectives that align with the organization’s plan for growth and expansion. 

● Select and engage consultants, auditors and investors. 

● Implement policies and procedures as deemed appropriate by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors. 

Financial Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting 

● Prepare and present quarterly financial budget and actual reports, including profit and loss, balance sheet, income statement and cash flow. 

● Provide financial information related to grants/restricted funds. 

● Develop and manage reports to track and monitor in-kind services. Coordinate with other departments to ensure reports are updated with accurate information. On a quarterly basis update accounting software with in-kind information. 

● Review and analyze monthly financial results and provide recommendations. 

● Develop and maintain monthly operating budget and annual organizational budget for organization and programs. 

● Manage financial planning and analysis. 

● Participate in conference calls with office staff and executive leadership. 

Accounting, General Ledger, Administration and Operations 

● Review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls, SOC compliance and financial procedures. 

● Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial management reporting data for federal funders, foundations, investors and organization’s Board of Directors. 

● Provide financial planning for all grants and contracts proposals. 

● Prepare and communicate weekly, monthly, and annual financial statements. 

● Prepare and timely file all local, state and federal tax returns. 

● Function as key point of contact for external auditors. Manage, prepare and support all external audits. 

● Prepare bimonthly payroll with external payroll company. Monitor employee vacation accrual rates and balances. 

● Collaborate with advancement team to support compliant grant implementation and reporting, and accounts receivable. 

Financial Management 

● Manage and maintain cash flow planning process and ensure funds availability. 

● Manage and maintain cash, investments, and asset management. 

● Maintain outstanding banking relationships and strategic alliances with vendors and investment partners. 

● Maintain access to regulatory certificates, such as tax clearances and certificates of insurance. 

Cash Management 

● Manage and maintain cash and accounts payable, ensure checks are signed, oversee wires and ACH payments. 

● Manage and maintain all receivables and provide guidance relating to the collection of funds. 

Other tasks as needed. 

Desired Skills, Qualities and Experience 

The Controller must have at least three years experience in accounting and/or finance-related positions. Desired skills and qualities include proficiency with: 

● Quickbooks Online 

● Microsoft Office, especially Excel 

● Google Workspace 

● Adobe 

● Policy writing 
Respect for and basic understanding of traditional Pacific seafaring and a firm grasp of “waʻa culture” in the Pacific seafaring community is preferred. 

Relationships 

The Controller reports to the CEO. The Controller works closely with the Finance Committee, other members of the Board, as well as all employees. 

Salary Range: 

$75,000 to $85,000/year based on experience and skills.