Controller at Jewish Family Service LA (JFS)

We all face challenges and transitions in our lives, and when we do, we must be able to count on the strength of community for support. For the people of Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) is that trusted source of support. We are a comprehensive network of services that welcomes individuals and families of all ages and identities to our full spectrum of care. Our highly trained staff and volunteers work closely with individuals and their loved ones to problem-solve and guide them on their paths to safety, security, wellness, and fulfillment. 

JFSLA staff share in our mission and work towards our goals with the highest level of responsibility, professionalism, and integrity. JFS demonstrates our commitment to our staff by offering a comprehensive benefits package and a nurturing environment.

JFSLA is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness.  In recruiting for our team, we seek the unique contributions that individuals can bring from all backgrounds. We strive for a diverse team in order to better serve our clients and ensure our excellence as an organization in identifying, designing and delivering solutions.

Be part of our commitment and join our family. For more information on our philosophy and services, please tour our website www.jfsla.org 

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller will be responsible for oversight of finance, general ledger accounting and reporting activities. The Controller will be involved in supporting presentations to the board of directors, finance and audit committees, as well as internal presentations and reports for finance, resource development and program staff.  

The Controller will lead day-to-day finance operations of an annual budget of approximately $51 million and supervise a team of 7 staff members including functional responsibility over general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. The Controller will ensure that JFS continuously has the financial systems, policies and procedures in place to maintain exceptional monthly financial statement clarity and integrity and conduct flawless audits. The Controller will work with program leadership to ensure alignment of finance with program operations. The Controller will provide training and support to program staff regarding finance and accounting procedures and review financial variance analysis on an ongoing basis. 

The Controller will be responsible for closing the monthly financials of the organization in a timely manner, conducting variance analysis to show discrepancies from budget, and prepare monthly board and internal presentation materials summarizing financial performance. The Controller will also lead our cash flow, balance sheet, and cash management activities. The Controller will help lead the preparation of grant financial budgets and periodic reporting for certain foundations and other grants. The Controller will also help lead the annual organization budget process, and be the central point person for our organization’s annual financial audits.

In addition, the Controller will partner with human resources (HR) and information technology (IT) staff to enhance and better integrate finance, HR, and IT functions. The Controller will also be involved in maintaining the organization’s banking, financing, auditor, program and other key financial relationships as well as evaluating financing and strategic financial alternatives for the organization in the ordinary course of operations. The Controller will also support the financial development and growth of JFS’ homecare agency, JFS Care.

Qualifications:                                      

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced finance professional with at least 10 years of finance and accounting experience, with extensive experience in fund accounting, gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders. Experience in a complex non-profit that has multiple programs and multiple government grants is a plus but is not required.

Other qualifications include:

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to JFS’ mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker and team-player (within a finance team of 18) who will own the responsibility for the financials of the organization.
• Minimum of a BA in a related field (finance, accounting, business); MBA and/or CPA preferred but not required.
• 5 years of increasingly responsible management experience, a portion of which includes oversight and development of staff.
• Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining the team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly.
• A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants.
• Keen analytical and problem-solving skills which allow for strategic data interpretation leading to complex reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board and/or outside partners.   Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with a focus on attention to detail.
• An independent strategic thinker with good judgment, sensitivity and common sense.
• Technology savvy with advanced knowledge and/or the ability to rapidly learn accounting and reporting software; exceptional Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) skills.
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance staff.
• Culturally sensitive and able to work with a multicultural client/customer population
• Ability to work as part of a team and maintain professional boundaries
• Must be able to pass criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to beginning employment

Responsibilities/Essential Functions: 

Finance and Accounting Leadership

• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership and program and resource development staff and management abreast of JFS’ financial status, as needed.
• Help lead the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results monthly with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the work of the Board through providing regular, timely and accurate information and reports.
• Continuously monitor and update our finance & accounting policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with program directors to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and maintain finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines.
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with the finance, resource development and program staff.
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with budgets; develop financial reporting materials for certain government, corporate and foundation grants.
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.
• Coordinate all audit activity.
• Serve as the organization’s liaison with key personnel at funding sources and monitoring agencies, developing effective relationships. 
• Support the CFO in engaging the board and audit and finance committees around issues and trends related to our financials.
• Provide timely financial guidance and reports, where applicable, to JFS Care staff.

• Foster a culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth while establishing clear performance standards.
• Leverage strengths of the other finance team members, help to clarify roles and responsibilities and develop and implement training programs to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with finance staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
• Other related duties as assigned.

 Jewish Family Service is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.