Controller

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT SOUTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES REGIONAL CENTER

South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC) is a private, nonprofit organization contracted by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate and fund services for individuals with developmental disabilities across South and Southeast Los Angeles serving thousands of individuals from birth through adulthood. With an $850 million annual budget, and 650 employees SCLARC combines the scale of a major public institution with the heart of a community-based organization.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this is a management position responsible for coordinating and performing complex accounting and budgeting functions. The Controller supervises five staff members and functions related to general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivables, payroll, banking, external audits, and monthly reporting due to DDS.

This is a senior accounting position that requires a seasoned finance professional capable of stepping into a high-accountability role and quickly establishing credibility with executive leadership, the Board of Directors, external auditors, and DDS. The ideal candidate brings a combination of deep technical expertise, strong supervisory ability, and a collaborative leadership style.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following reflects the primary duties and responsibilities of this position. Other duties may be assigned as organizational needs evolve.

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Direct and oversee all day-to-day accounting operations including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and month-end/year-end close processes.
• Ensure timely completion of monthly bank reconciliations resolving any discrepancies.
• Prepare accurate financial statements each month that are shared with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
• Compare, analyze, research and interpret data, statistical records and reports, including year-end, monthly and quarterly closing data and provide projections and monitor functions and expenses.
• Monitor and track outstanding funding allocations and advance balances for open fiscal years.
• Prepare and review account reconciliations and supporting schedules for all balance sheet accounts.

Payroll Oversight

• Supervise the Payroll Accountant and ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll for 650 employees utilizing ADP Workforce and Time and Attendance.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll tax regulations, including withholding, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
• Review and approve payroll journal entries, benefit accruals, and related balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversee annual W-2 and 1099 preparation and filing.

Accounts Payable

• Supervise the Accounts Payable Accountant to ensure all vendor invoices, employee reimbursements (via Concur), and check runs are processed accurately and timely.
• Maintain approval workflows, and internal controls over disbursements.
• Review and approve AP aging reports and ensure timely resolution of outstanding balances and vendor disputes.

General Accountant

• Supervise the General Accountant responsible for completing the monthly state claim to DDS.
• Provide oversight for the accounting of non-DDS grants/contracts.
• Review and monitor the balance sheet account reconciliations.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Serve as the primary staff liaison for the annual independent financial statement audit, coordinating all audit requests, schedules, and PBC deliverables.
• Manage the biannual audit conducted by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), ensuring all required documentation, expenditure records, and supporting schedules are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Lead preparation of the organization's Form 990 in coordination with external tax advisors, ensuring accuracy of financial data, compensation disclosures, and program descriptions.
• Assist with submission of funds to California State Controller’s Office-Unclaimed Property.

Budget & Financial Planning

• Collaborate with the CFO and department directors on the preparation of the annual operating budget and multi-year financial projections.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance across all departments and provide variance analysis and narrative explanations to senior leadership.
• Identify and communicate emerging financial risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Support cash flow forecasting and treasury management functions as directed by the CFO.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, from an accredited institution is required.
• A Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration (MBA), or Nonprofit Management is or CPA licensure (Certified Public Accountant) is preferred but not required.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, with demonstrated advancement into supervisory or management roles.
• Prior experience managing an accounting team of at least three or more direct reports.
• Experience managing financial operations at an organization with a budget of $100 million or greater; experience at the $500 million+ level strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience as liaison for external audits, Single Audits, and Form 990
• Foster a team culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Effective written and verbal communication is essential.
• Experience with the mechanics of accounting financial system. SCLARC utilizes a proprietary, state-built system called Uniform Fiscal System (UFS).
• Advanced proficiently in Microsoft 365 specifically using Excel (pivot tables & VLOOKUP), Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Technologically confident and adaptable with the ability to work across multiple software platforms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is performed in an office setting. The employee regularly uses a computer and standard office equipment. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during audit periods, fiscal year-end close, or board reporting cycles. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.