Fractional Controller for Nonprofit Company

Job Description

Job Description

Fractional Controller

• Job Title: Fractional Controller
• Status: Part-Time, Interim / Fractional (15–20 hours/week; 12-month contract)
• Location: Light Hybrid (Remote with in-person presence required 1x per week or every other week in Palo Alto / Redwood City, CA)
• Reports To: CEO
• Direct Reports: Staff Accountant, Administrator

Position Summary

The Fractional Controller is an interim leadership role responsible for stewarding the financial resources of our organization in support of its mission. This is a 15–20 hour per week contract position projected for a minimum of 12 months.

This role focuses primarily on financial leadership, accounting, and strategic forecasting. While many day-to-day administrative and facility functions have been removed or reduced for this fractional scope, the role retains high-level oversight of these areas. The Fractional Controller will directly manage a Staff Accountant and an Administrator who will handle the execution of day-to-day accounting, administrative, and facilities tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting Leadership

• Financial Oversight: Serve as the primary financial leader for the organization, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and strong internal controls.
• Team Management: Manage and mentor the Staff Accountant and Administrator, delegating day-to-day transactional accounting and administrative functions effectively.
• Core Accounting: Oversee general ledger functions, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, cash management, and month-end/year-end close processes.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Prepare and monitor the annual operating and capital budgets. Develop financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and multi-year financial plans.
• Compliance & Fund Accounting: Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (U.S. GAAP), donor restrictions, grant requirements, and applicable regulations. Track restricted funds and endowments.
• Audit & Reporting: Coordinate the annual independent audit and IRS Form 990 preparation. Provide clear, timely financial reports and variance analysis to the CEO and the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting required.
• Experience: Proven progressive experience in finance and accounting, including previous leadership experience as a Controller or Director-level financial professional.
• Nonprofit Expertise: Prior experience in a nonprofit organization is required, including deep familiarity with fund accounting, restricted funds, and grant compliance.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting and/or administrative staff.
• Systems: Proficiency with QuickBooks and familiarity with modern HRIS/Payroll systems (Rippling knowledge is a significant plus).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and financial management best practices.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to non-financial staff and board members.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to the organization's mission.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.