Controller / VP of Finance

Company Overview

NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit dedicated to offering free education, support services, and advocacy that help improve the lives of people impacted by mental health conditions.

Role Summary

The Controller / VP of Finance is a senior leadership role that blends hands-on accounting oversight with high-level financial planning. This person will safeguard the accuracy of financial reporting, manage core accounting functions, ensure adherence to nonprofit regulations, and work closely with executive leadership on sustainability, grants, and long-range planning. The position calls for a practical, mission-oriented finance leader with strong nonprofit accounting experience who can contribute both operationally and strategically to organizational growth and performance.

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Direct all core accounting activities, including general ledger management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and monthly and annual closing.
• Prepare financial statements accurately and on schedule in line with GAAP and FASB requirements for nonprofits.
• Oversee net asset reporting, including resources with and without donor restrictions.
• Maintain effective internal controls and sound financial policies.
• Coordinate the annual audit and act as the main point of contact for outside auditors.

Grant and Fund Accounting

• Supervise the tracking and reporting of grants, contracts, and restricted funding.
• Ensure compliance with donor limitations, government funding rules, and grant terms.
• Develop grant budgets, financial reports, and reimbursement submissions.
• Work with program teams to ensure funds are allocated and used appropriately.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Analysis

• Lead the organization’s budgeting and forecasting cycles.
• Deliver variance analysis and financial guidance to leadership and the board.
• Create financial models that support program growth and long-term sustainability.
• Monitor and report on key financial and program performance indicators.

Strategic Finance and Leadership

• Collaborate with the President/CEO and leadership team on financial strategy and sustainability planning.
• Contribute financial insight and scenario planning to support fundraising efforts.
• Present financial updates and reports to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee.
• Assess potential new programs, partnerships, and funding sources.

Cash Flow, Compliance, and Risk

• Track cash flow, liquidity, and working capital needs.
• Manage banking partnerships and investment accounts.
• Align funding timelines with operational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with IRS rules, including Form 990, and relevant federal and state obligations.
• Oversee compliance with Uniform Guidance when federal funding is involved.
• Maintain policies that support fraud prevention and financial risk control.

Systems, Process Improvement, and Team Leadership

• Improve financial systems, reporting processes, and automation tools.
• Strengthen controls and workflows to support growth and transparency.
• Ensure data quality and accessibility for informed decision-making.
• Lead, coach, and develop finance and accounting team members.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Work cross-functionally with program, development, and operations teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a desk and computer for extended periods.
• Capability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Ability to move between different departments or areas within a location.

Additional Requirements and Conditions

• This role reports directly to the President/CEO.
• A background check will be required after a conditional offer because of work with vulnerable populations and county contractor obligations, and satisfactory results are required before a final offer is issued.
• Questions about the background check requirement may be directed to HR@namisd.org.