We’re Hiring!Temporary Assistant Controller
Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to: Controller

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: This is a temporary, part-time, hourly position.

• This position is for a minimum of 24 hours a week, with flexibility for additional hours as needed and mutually agreed upon.
• This is a hybrid position, with regular onsite work a minimum of one day per week.
• Days in office are typically Wednesday and/or Friday.
• Days and hours of work may vary according to the needs of The Marine Mammal Center.
• Travel is not expected for this position.

Compensation Range: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Controller is responsible for managing The Marine Mammal Center’s accounting operations on an interim basis, with a primary focus on oversight of the general ledger, accounting management, internal auditing controls, and supporting financial systems and processes. This role ensures the integrity and accuracy of financial data through timely month-end closings, preparation for external audits, and coordination of annual tax return filings. The Assistant Controller leads the finance team in day-to-day operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. They collaborate closely with internal staff and leadership to provide timely financial information and support, ensuring consistency and clarity in communications and deliverables. This role is critical in maintaining and strengthening internal controls, optimizing accounting systems and procedures, and supporting risk management efforts to ensure audit readiness and operational continuity allowing our Controller to focus on critical new systems implementations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Deep commitment to the mission and strategic priorities of The Marine Mammal Center.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial operations, with the ability to apply accounting knowledge to support organizational goals.
• Solid analytical and critical thinking skills to assess financial information and recommend process improvements.
• Working knowledge of non-profit GAAP accounting principles, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Proficient in general ledger management, journal entry preparation, reconciliations, and financial reporting best practices.
• Demonstrated experience using and maintaining financial systems and platforms, such as Financial Edge, Adaptive Insights, and Paylocity.
• Experience supporting financial system implementations or upgrades.
• Familiarity with tracking budgets, reconciling accounts, and managing financial data.
• Strong understanding of internal control procedures, particularly within the payroll cycle.
• Working knowledge of federal, multi-state, and local payroll tax compliance.
• Experience supporting compliance and reporting for federal, state, and local government grants and cooperative agreements.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and monitoring departmental or organizational budgets.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion in handling sensitive financial data.
• Provides excellent internal customer service by responding promptly and helpfully to staff and external partners.
• Capable of guiding and supporting team members, fostering collaboration, and contributing to a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and across departments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial data clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and video conferencing tools (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which may include staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, respect for others, and a collaborative mindset in all interactions.
• Willingness to support and engage in The Marine Mammal center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• This position requires a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; and 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including accounting and payroll management. Nonprofit sector experience is preferred.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and marine mammal hospital environment. Movement between buildings occurs via outdoor pathways.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment and performs tasks involving repetitive motion (e.g., typing, mouse use).
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods using a computer.
• Ability to work in an open office environment that may include frequent interruptions and background noise.
• Occasional ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Limited exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• May involve smells associated with animals and the care of animals.

General Ledger & Accounting Management: 50%

• Supports the integrity and accuracy of financial data and ensures compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards through oversight of accounting and reporting systems.
• Manages day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, coding of cash receipts, revenue recognition, payroll processing, time and labor allocations, journal entries (standard and non-recurring), and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversees the monthly close process to ensure timely and accurate financial statements, with a goal of closing the books and distributing financial reports within 10 days of month end.
• Coordinates and prepares for year-end close, including the development of audit schedules, footnote support, variance analyses, and documentation needed for the annual external audit and tax return filings.
• Maintains and reinforces internal control procedures related to revenue receipts, disbursements, and program budgets to minimize financial and operational risks.
• Prepares monthly bank and revenue reconciliations and quarterly balance sheet reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy and accountability.
• Monitors cash balances in the organization’s bank accounts and reports on cash flow as needed.
• Support preparation for the annual single audit and IRS Form 990 filings. May serve as a liaison with external auditors during the audit process.

Internal Auditing Controls, Processes & Systems: 20%

• Assists in the development, implementation, and maintenance of internal controls to support a growing and evolving organization, ensuring alignment with best practices and compliance requirements.
• Identifies operational and financial process issues, evaluates potential solutions, and supports implementation of improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and internal accountability.
• Oversee the day-to-day functionality and accuracy of accounting systems; supports ongoing system enhancements and maintenance.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external vendors to assist with the implementation and integration of new financial systems or tools, ensuring proper documentation and training.
• Provides financial systems and process support during budgeting and forecasting cycles, including preparation of supporting documentation and reconciliation of data.

Financial Analysis: 20%

• Supports the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Assists in variance analysis by comparing actual results to budget/forecast and providing explanations for key deviations.
• Prepares supporting schedules and financial data for management reports, board materials, and audit documentation.
• Collaborates with program and department managers to provide financial insights and reports to support operational decision-making.
• Supports the annual budgeting and forecasting process by compiling data, updating models, and performing reconciliations.
• Provides analytical support for cost allocation, grant tracking, and restricted fund reporting.

Other Duties as Assigned: 10%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.