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Controller
Job Location:
Job Location:
Novato, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 200000 - 250000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
1 October 2026 (21 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
29 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is an independent nonprofit research institution in Novato California focused on understanding the biology of aging and extending healthy years of life. The Institute conducts complex multidisciplinary science supported by diverse funding sources including federal grants (NIH ARPA-H DoD) state corporate and foundation funding.
This funding environment requires rigorous financial management strong internal controls and expertise in GAAP Uniform Guidance grant compliance and audit readiness. The Controller works closely with Finance Grants faculty and program leaders and other administrative functions to support the Institutes mission and operations. We are seeking a candidate with integrity beyond reproach.
We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where diversity of identity experience and background are welcomed valued and supported.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) the Controller is the senior accounting leader and second-in-command within Finance. The role oversees day-to-day accounting and financial operations for an organization with an annual budget of approximately $62.6 million and supervises a six-person finance team responsible for accounting accounts payable accounts receivable and payroll.
The Controller is responsible for accurate and timely financial reporting strong internal controls audit and regulatory compliance grants and program accounting and the continued development of effective financial systems and processes. The Controller also supports the CFO with Board Finance and Audit Committee matters and partners with senior leadership Grants HR IT and program leaders on financial planning and operational decision-making.
The successful candidate will bring sound judgment high integrity strong people leadership and a practical approach to modernizing finance operations including the thoughtful use of automation and AI-enabled tools while maintaining appropriate controls and human review.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Accounting Reporting & Controls
Oversee the general ledger accounts payable accounts receivable payroll financial close and related accounting systems and workflows.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly quarterly and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
Maintain effective internal controls and safeguards over revenues expenditures assets and program and grant activity.
Lead annual financial statement audits Single Audits under Uniform Guidance and grant-related audits; coordinate with external auditors and other professional advisors.
Oversee required tax and regulatory reporting including payroll and other applicable federal state and local filings and compliance requirements.
Planning Grants & Financial Operations
Partner with the CFO and Institute leadership on annual budgeting forecasting cash flow planning variance analysis and financial decision support.
Oversee project program and grants accounting in partnership with the Grants team; monitor spending against budgets and funding requirements and support financial reporting to government corporate and foundation sponsors.
Support faculty lab core and program leaders with financial analysis and practical guidance that improves operational and financial decision-making.
Monitor invested assets in accordance with established policies and investment guidelines and support other financial analysis as assigned by the CFO.
Represent the Institute as appropriate in relationships with auditors bankers legal counsel brokers and other external partners.
Leadership Systems & Process Improvement
Lead coach and develop the finance team; clarify roles strengthen accountability and build an effective service-oriented function.
Support the CFO in preparing for and engaging with the Boards Finance and Audit Committees.
Partner with HR IT Grants and other functions to improve cross-functional processes data integrity and systems integration.
Evaluate and implement finance technology automation and AI-enabled tools that improve close reconciliation reporting and analysis while preserving strong controls and appropriate human oversight.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency reduce cost strengthen controls and increase the quality and usefulness of financial information.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree in accounting finance or a related field required; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience including leadership responsibility; experience in a complex nonprofit research higher education healthcare or similarly grant-funded environment strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with financial reporting audit coordination budgeting and forecasting general ledger accounts payable and receivable payroll and internal controls.
Strong working knowledge of GAAP and experience with federal grant compliance and Uniform Guidance; experience with government corporate and foundation grants strongly preferred.
Experience selecting implementing or improving financial systems and using automation or AI-enabled tools to increase efficiency while maintaining appropriate controls.
Strong analytical organizational problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.
Demonstrated integrity discretion sound judgment and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders faculty staff Board members and external partners.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The anticipated salary range for this position is $200000 to $250000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on relevant experience qualifications internal equity and other job-related factors. The Buck Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental vision and basic life insurance.
LOCATION & TRAVEL
This position is expected to work onsite Monday through Friday at the Buck Institute in Novato California. Travel is limited.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This role primarily involves standard office work including prolonged sitting computer and keyboard use verbal communication and the ability to move about the workplace. The position may occasionally require lifting pushing or pulling up to 25 pounds.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities duties or requirements. Scheduling flexibility may be required to accommodate changing business needs.
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is an independent nonprofit research institution in Novato California focused on understanding the biology of aging and extending healthy years of life. The Institute conducts complex multidisciplinary science supported by diverse funding sources including federal grants (NIH ARPA-H DoD) state corporate and foundation funding.
This funding environment requires rigorous financial management strong internal controls and expertise in GAAP Uniform Guidance grant compliance and audit readiness. The Controller works closely with Finance Grants faculty and program leaders and other administrative functions to support the Institutes mission and operations. We are seeking a candidate with integrity beyond reproach.
We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where diversity of identity experience and background are welcomed valued and supported.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) the Controller is the senior accounting leader and second-in-command within Finance. The role oversees day-to-day accounting and financial operations for an organization with an annual budget of approximately $62.6 million and supervises a six-person finance team responsible for accounting accounts payable accounts receivable and payroll.
The Controller is responsible for accurate and timely financial reporting strong internal controls audit and regulatory compliance grants and program accounting and the continued development of effective financial systems and processes. The Controller also supports the CFO with Board Finance and Audit Committee matters and partners with senior leadership Grants HR IT and program leaders on financial planning and operational decision-making.
The successful candidate will bring sound judgment high integrity strong people leadership and a practical approach to modernizing finance operations including the thoughtful use of automation and AI-enabled tools while maintaining appropriate controls and human review.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Accounting Reporting & Controls
Oversee the general ledger accounts payable accounts receivable payroll financial close and related accounting systems and workflows.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly quarterly and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
Maintain effective internal controls and safeguards over revenues expenditures assets and program and grant activity.
Lead annual financial statement audits Single Audits under Uniform Guidance and grant-related audits; coordinate with external auditors and other professional advisors.
Oversee required tax and regulatory reporting including payroll and other applicable federal state and local filings and compliance requirements.
Planning Grants & Financial Operations
Partner with the CFO and Institute leadership on annual budgeting forecasting cash flow planning variance analysis and financial decision support.
Oversee project program and grants accounting in partnership with the Grants team; monitor spending against budgets and funding requirements and support financial reporting to government corporate and foundation sponsors.
Support faculty lab core and program leaders with financial analysis and practical guidance that improves operational and financial decision-making.
Monitor invested assets in accordance with established policies and investment guidelines and support other financial analysis as assigned by the CFO.
Represent the Institute as appropriate in relationships with auditors bankers legal counsel brokers and other external partners.
Leadership Systems & Process Improvement
Lead coach and develop the finance team; clarify roles strengthen accountability and build an effective service-oriented function.
Support the CFO in preparing for and engaging with the Boards Finance and Audit Committees.
Partner with HR IT Grants and other functions to improve cross-functional processes data integrity and systems integration.
Evaluate and implement finance technology automation and AI-enabled tools that improve close reconciliation reporting and analysis while preserving strong controls and appropriate human oversight.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency reduce cost strengthen controls and increase the quality and usefulness of financial information.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree in accounting finance or a related field required; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience including leadership responsibility; experience in a complex nonprofit research higher education healthcare or similarly grant-funded environment strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with financial reporting audit coordination budgeting and forecasting general ledger accounts payable and receivable payroll and internal controls.
Strong working knowledge of GAAP and experience with federal grant compliance and Uniform Guidance; experience with government corporate and foundation grants strongly preferred.
Experience selecting implementing or improving financial systems and using automation or AI-enabled tools to increase efficiency while maintaining appropriate controls.
Strong analytical organizational problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.
Demonstrated integrity discretion sound judgment and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders faculty staff Board members and external partners.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The anticipated salary range for this position is $200000 to $250000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on relevant experience qualifications internal equity and other job-related factors. The Buck Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental vision and basic life insurance.
LOCATION & TRAVEL
This position is expected to work onsite Monday through Friday at the Buck Institute in Novato California. Travel is limited.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This role primarily involves standard office work including prolonged sitting computer and keyboard use verbal communication and the ability to move about the workplace. The position may occasionally require lifting pushing or pulling up to 25 pounds.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities duties or requirements. Scheduling flexibility may be required to accommodate changing business needs.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
