Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

Monterey College of Law seeks a detail-oriented and mission-driven Controller to join its finance team and assist its Chief Financial Officer in overseeing and directing the financial operations of the non-profit law school. MCL is a community-based law school with an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million, dedicated to providing a high-quality, accessible legal education to students who will become practitioners committed to professional excellence, integrity, and community service.

The Controller will play a key role in safeguarding the College's financial integrity and supporting sound stewardship of its resources in service of that mission.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Supervise personnel conducting day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and bank and credit card reconciliations.
• Apply nonprofit accounting standards to ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Assist the CFO in developing, monitoring, and achieving the College's annual operating budget, including variance analysis and forecasting.
• Support preparation for and coordination of the annual independent audit, including preparation of audit schedules, supporting documentation, and liaison with external auditors.
• Assist with preparation of the College's Form 990 and other required non-profit tax and regulatory filings, working with outside accountants and other professionals as needed.
• Maintain internal controls over financial transactions, ensuring compliance with College policies, generally accepted accounting principles, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Oversee cash management functions, including collections, monitoring cash flow, bank deposits, and reconciliation of operating and restricted accounts.
• Support the Manager of Student Finance and other professionals in conducting financial aid operations and related student financial records in coordination with the Registrar and Business offices.
• Monitor grant, scholarship, and restricted-fund accounting, including balance tracking, managing expenditures against budgets, and preparing financial reports for funders as required.
• Assist with the maintenance of the College's accounting software and financial systems, including troubleshooting, process improvements, and data integrity.
• Supervise journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for month-end and year-end close processes in a timely manner.
• Assist the CFO in the preparation of materials for the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees, including financial reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Support human resources and payroll functions as they intersect with finance, including benefits administration, payroll tax filings, and 403(b)/retirement plan reporting.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those specific to non-profit and higher education institutions.
• Assist with insurance renewals, vendor contract review, and procurement processes as needed.
• Perform other finance and accounting duties as assigned by the CFO/COO, President & CEO, or Vice President & Dean.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible accounting or controller-level experience, ideally within a non-profit, educational, or professional services organization.
• High degree of discretion and integrity in handling confidential financial, employee, and…