Agricultural Institute of Marin
AIM seeks an experienced Controller to oversee the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the organization’s financial operations and reporting. The Controller leads day-to-day accounting functions, ensures compliance with applicable regulations and grant requirements, and supports organizational leadership with timely, accurate financial information. This role partners closely with the COO, CEO, Board Finance Committee, and program leadership to strengthen internal controls, support budgeting and grant management, and ensure AIM’s financial systems scale effectively with organizational growth. The Controller is expected to be both strategic and hands on, with a collaborative management style and strong attention to detail. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Accounting Leadership: Oversee all day-to-day accounting activities with the Senior Bookkeeper and Accounting & Office Coordinator, including accounts payable/receivable, cash management processing, farmers market stall fee invoicing, bank reconciliations, general ledger management, and monthly financial close cycles, including all journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses. Ensures all transactions are in accordance with GAAP. Financial Systems and Technology: Maintain and optimize QuickBooks Online and related workflows to support accurate reporting and forecasting. Process and reconcile transactions from third party payment and donation platforms, including but not limited to Stripe, Manage My Market, Bloomerang/QGiv, and Bill.com. Improve efficiency through automation and documentation of accounting processes where appropriate. Budget Management: Work with the COO, CEO, and Finance Committee to manage the preparation and implementation of the Board-approved annual budget. Collaborate with programs and fundraising staff to create and monitor budgets for the capital campaign, fundraising events, and grant proposals. Provide guidance on budget management and support to co-workers in other departments within the organization. Fund Accounting: Manage accurate tracking of farmers market stall fee income, program income, and restricted and unrestricted funds in Quickbooks Online; proactively identify grant spending needs, underspend, or reallocation opportunities in conjunction with programs leadership and development. Collaborate with program and development teams to lead grant budgeting, fund allocations, release of restricted net assets, and reporting compliance. Financial Reporting: Prepare and review all required periodic and annual financial statements (including Balance Sheets, Statements of Activities, and Cash Flows) in full conformity with GAAP. Audit Management: Manage the annual external financial audit, preparing all necessary schedules, documentation, and serving as the primary point of contact for the independent auditors. Tax and Regulatory Compliance: Oversee the accurate and timely preparation and filing of annual tax returns (IRS Form 990) and other required government filings (e.g., IRS Form 5500 and CA RRF-1). Board Support and Reporting: support the CEO in engaging the Board’s audit and finance committee by supplying the appropriate information which feeds the organization’s budget and financial performance trends and establishes appropriate financial policies. Policy and Procedures: Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies and procedures to ensure efficient financial operations, internal controls, and compliance with audits, applicable laws, and grant requirements. Team Leadership and Management: Manage, train, mentor, and evaluate the performance of the Senior Bookkeeper and Accounting & Office Coordinator, fostering a culture of high execution, accuracy, and compliance. Collaboration: Collaborate with directors and managers to ensure financial fluency and understanding of budgets and grant obligations. Collaborate with the COO and leadership team to better integrate finance in all administrative and programmatic aspects of the organization. Educate and support farmers markets and program staff in understanding Finance and accounting. Internal Controls: Establish, document, and strictly monitor internal controls to safeguard organizational assets, prevent financial irregularities, and ensure financial integrity across all markets, programs, and departments. Perform additional duties as requested by the COO or CEO.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field, or equivalent professional experience Minimum 6 years of nonprofit financial operations experience, with 3+ in a Controller or supervisory role Proven success managing complex funding streams (earned income, federal/state grants, private foundations, donor restrictions) Deep knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and audit processes Technical fluency and competency with QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Excel Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills — especially with non-finance audiences Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences Ability to manage and mentor a team Strong time management and organizational skills and ability to prioritize in an environment with competing demands High level of integrity, responsibility, and commitment to the mission of the organization The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination. STRONGLY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS CPA or advanced degree Familiarity with other third-party payment and donation platforms, including Bill.com/Divvy, Bloomerang/QGiv, Stripe, Clover, and Shopify Sincere interest in local food and agriculture SKILLS TEST REQUIREMENT Selected candidates must complete live in-person Quickbooks Online and non-profit accounting skills test PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS This position requires the employee to work in an office environment. This position requires prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
FULL-TIME STAFF BENEFITS Four Kaiser Plan options with AIM covering 100% of employee premium for Gold, 90% for Platinum, 100% + employer paid H.S.A Contribution of $233/month for Silver HDHP or Bronze HDHP. Employer paid $25,000 Life/AD&D coverage Voluntary Principal dental & vision; Spot Pet wellness & Insurance plan discount Paid sick leave (up to 30 days) Paid vacation (2 weeks in first year, 3 weeks years 2-5, 4 weeks after 4 years) 12 paid holidays per year Hybrid work schedules permitted after completion of 180-day introductory period Employee assistance program 401K with 2 % employer match Professional training opportunities Dog-friendly office, fun and dynamic team environment.
Apply here: https://aimarin.bamboohr.com/careers/40 Please submit a resume and cover letter by January 12th for priority consideration.