Controller

ABOUT RITTER CENTER:

For over 40 years, Ritter Center has been dedicated to preventing and resolving homelessness and improving the health, dignity, and well-being of people living in poverty in Marin.

When you join Ritter Center, you join a highly trained staff that combines national clinical best practices with a whole-person care approach to solving each person’s medical and mental health, housing, and food needs.

We are growing to meet the needs of our community. We are looking for staff who are ready for a career with a mission-driven organization, want to be valued, have diverse experience, and have compassion. If this sounds like you, we would love to have you join us!

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CURRENT OPENING:

Controller

Full Time, Exempt

Annual Compensation $130,000-$150,000 annual salary plus a competitive benefits package. View details on our website

All positions at Ritter Center require a background check and Livescan fingerprinting.

Ritter Center is currently recruiting a Controller for our Finance/Accounting Team. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Chief Financial Officer based in San Rafael, CA; the role operates out of the Administrative Offices.

Please find the full job description below.

Position Description:

The Controller is responsible for the overall management, accuracy, and efficiency of Ritter Center’s accounting operations. This role ensures the integrity of financial reporting, leads the month-end close process, and establishes strong internal controls and scalable processes to support organizational growth.

The Controller serves as the operational leader of the accounting function, translating strategic direction from the CFO into effective day-to-day execution.

This is a highly hands-on role in a developing environment. The Controller is expected to operate across all levels of the accounting function - from transactional accounting and resolving day-to-day issues, to leading the close process, managing audits, and driving process improvement and system enhancements. Success in this role requires a willingness to step in wherever needed to ensure the department operates effectively and delivers timely, high-quality outputs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Close

• Own and manage the monthly close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled and supported monthly
• Maintain integrity of the general ledger and financial systems
• Set and uphold close timelines, deliverables, and accountability across the team

Team Leadership & Accountability

• Directly supervise and develop accounting staff, including workload planning and performance management
• Establish clear expectations for output, timelines, and quality of work
• Identify and address underutilization, inefficiencies, or skill gaps within the team
• Build a culture of ownership, responsiveness, and continuous improvement

Process Improvement & Systems

• Evaluate and redesign accounting workflows (AP, payroll, credit cards, reconciliations, etc.) for efficiency and scalability
• Lead selection and implementation of new systems and tools
• Standardize documentation, procedures, and internal controls across all accounting functions
• Reduce manual work, duplication, and bottlenecks through process and system improvements

Grant & Fund Accounting

• Oversee grant accounting, including tracking, reporting, and compliance with funder requirements
• Ensure accurate allocation of expenses across grants, programs, and funding sources
• Review and support preparation of grant invoices and financial reports
• Partner with program, development, and finance leadership to ensure alignment between financial data and grant activity

Audit & Compliance

• Lead preparation for annual financial audit, Single Audit, and other external reviews
• Serve as primary liaison with auditors and regulatory agencies
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, FQHC requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Strengthen and maintain internal control environment

Cash, Payroll & Payables Oversight

• Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and appropriate allocations
• Oversee accounts payable, including approval workflows and payment timing
• Monitor cash activity and ensure timely and accurate recording of all transactions
• Ensure appropriate controls over client funds and other sensitive financial activities

Financial Reporting Support

• Support the CFO with internal financial reporting, board reporting, and analysis
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of financial data used for budgeting, forecasting, and external reporting
• Assist in development and maintenance of financial dashboards and reporting tools

Other Duties

• Maintain organized and compliant accounting records and documentation
• Participate in leadership, staff meetings, and cross-functional initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory responsibility
• Strong knowledge of GAAP; fund accounting and grant compliance experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience improving processes, strengthening controls, and implementing systems
• Experience with ERP systems, AP automation tools, and payroll systems
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, healthcare, or FQHC preferred, but not required
• Track record of improving underperforming or inefficient accounting functions strongly preferred
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Per our Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) requirements, employment at Ritter Center requires compliance with being able to produce a negative TB test prior to the start of employment, as well as being vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless applying for an exemption) per the August 5th, 2021 State Public Order for Healthcare Facilities, providers and employees.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with ability to set expectations and drive accountability
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and completeness
• Process-oriented mindset with ability to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

Software Experience:

• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar)
• Experience with accounts payable automation tools and workflow-based approval systems
• Experience with payroll systems and related integrations with the general ledger
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including ability to analyze and manipulate data (e.g., pivot tables, lookups)
• Experience with reporting, budgeting, or financial planning tools
• Ability to quickly learn and optimize systems and technology

Employment Practices:

Ritter Center is an Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment or in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.