Controller, Business, Financial Manager

Please be aware of recruiting scams!

All legitimate communication from our recruitment team will come from an official calstart.org email address via email. We will not text you about a role you have not applied to or shown interest in. We will not perform any interviews via text or Zoom chat.

CALSTART does not ask for any fees or personal information such as social security numbers or bank details during the recruitment process.

CALSTART is a mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all.

For over 30 years, CALSTART’s mission has been to develop, assess, and implement large-scale, zero-emission transportation solutions to mitigate climate change and support economic growth. CALSTART works with businesses, organizations, governments, and communities to create real-life impact toward clean air and equitable access to clean transportation for all. CALSTART provides scientific, technical and policy support for regulatory development and clean technology and infrastructure acceleration.

CALSTART is seeking a Controller to play a key role in managing the financial health and operational resilience of our organization. Reporting to the CFO, this position will lead systems development, financial reporting, cash flow management, and risk oversight while ensuring compliance with government contracts and federal regulations.

The Controller will oversee accounting staff, drive the budgeting process, coordinate annual audits, and partner with operations teams to monitor project performance and funding. This role requires both a strong technical foundation in accounting and compliance as well as excellent leadership and communication skills to collaborate across a multidisciplinary organization.

This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven finance professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is motivated by building systems, strengthening compliance, and supporting the financial infrastructure behind CALSTART’s clean transportation mission.

This is a hybrid role. The requirement will be to be in the office in person in Pasadena, CA one day a week, with occasional needs for two days a week depending on workload.

• Systems: Accounting systems development and maintenance; administer, maintain and upgrade agency ERP systems; design, maintain and enforce systems of internal controls; maintain and promulgate accounting policies and procedures; in conjunction with IT, document agency IT system policies and procedures.
• Accounting and Reporting: Review financial statements for consistency, reasonableness and GAAP compliance; quarterly review of general ledger and reconciliations; review job ledger and reconciliation between job cost and general ledger; oversee project postings and reporting accuracy.
• Managing staff: Staff development; setting goals and monitoring performance.
• Risk Management: Assist the CFO in documenting agency risk assessment; coordinate annual insurance policy renewal activities.
• Cash Flow Management: Maintain banking relationships; monitor cash availability; reconcile funding advances and cash for operations.
• Government and Other Funding Sources: Design and maintain process for monitoring project status; meet with operations staff regarding project status; coordinate with project managers on project status; assist in RFP processes related to funding and procurement; administer funding source platforms; prepare NICRA; SAM renewal.
• Contracts: Attend project kickoff meetings to ensure proper contractual treatment; work with contracts to classify instruments (vendor vs. subrecipient) and ensure procurement policy compliance.
• Budgeting: Initiate and manage annual agency budget process; compile data; assist departments with budgets; prepare annual budget for Board; perform budget analysis.
• Audit: Manage auditor procurement; schedule and coordinate annual audits; provide financial statements and notes; provide data for Form 990 and related filings; monitor funding agency audit activities; perform ad hoc duties as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting…