Controller
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Controller will have primary responsibility over the day to day operations of a finance team of 3-4 people. This role requires extensive cross-department collaboration to be successful. As the lead of the finance function, the Controller sets the tone for transparency and clarity, modeling best practices for effective and efficient stewardship of Foundation funds.
- Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize transparency, clarity, and protection of organizational assets
- Create an environment of trust and productivity within the Finance team that transcends across the organization in a collaborative manner
- Lead the annual budgeting process; support thecreation of budgets, variance analysis, and forecast with continuous processimprovements and communication to respond to requests
- Identify and/or facilitate training of staff inaccounting and financial concepts across the organization
- Provide leadership and coaching toward achievingmonthly, quarterly, and annual finance goals and deliverables
- Implement consistent accounting policies,practices, and procedures across all programs using best practices
- Owns the annual audit and tax return filing;manages timeline and deliverables to completion
- Support and collaborate with development teamswith grants and contract budget creation, and reporting
- Serve as liaison with Development and Operations to guide the transition from application to activation
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics required; CPA and/or MBA designation is strongly preferred
- 7-10 years of accelerated finance and accounting experience; ideally in both nonprofit, CDFI or lender environment
- Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills
- Exceptional management and supervisory skills; must be an empowering mentor that embraces integrity and ethical practices by providing accurate, responsive, detail-oriented financial results and goals
- Possess a high level of personal integrity, good judgment, and maturity
- Outstanding analytical and organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to prioritize competing and multiple priorities with a calm demeanor and sound judgment
- Possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Highly engaged, mission-driven, and results-oriented
- Ability to build a high-performance team through delegation of responsibility and authority while challenging, motivating, stretching, and supporting senior leadership
- A collaborative and flexible leadership style, with a strong service mentality
- Technically proficient in database and accounting computer application systems; Microsoft Office, Google Suite, QuickBooks Online
Please use subject line “Controller” to email a thoughtful cover letter explaining your interest in the position and organization, along with your resume to: humanresources@cafarmlink.org. No phone calls please.
California FarmLink invests in the prosperity and well-being of farmers, ranchers, and fishers who have limited access to financial resources. FarmLink envisions a healthy food system where farmers and ranchers have opportunities to build wealth and conserve natural resources. We strive for equitable access to opportunity, resilient working landscapes, fairness and accountability, and learning from small farmers and ranchers from all walks of life. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), FarmLink has established one of the nation’s most robust economic engines to support farmers of color and invest in the success of small farms, ranches, and fishing businesses in California.
FarmLink is a growing, fast-paced organization made up of energetic professionals dedicated to making change in their communities. We strive to foster a collaborative, team-oriented workplace that supports innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to small business development. FarmLink seeks people inspired by a passion for issues of sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and social equity in California agriculture.
We believe that in order to advance a vision for a more inclusive, equitable food and farming system, we must likewise strive for a work environment that is supportive, transparent, and positive. We value curiosity, open communication, collaboration, and continuous learning from each other and the clients we serve. Each new addition to our team is a valued opportunity to bring new perspectives and approaches to meeting our mission, and we intentionally seek professionals with diverse life experiences that bring new points of view to help improve our services to the community.
California FarmLink offers a generous benefits plan, including health insurance after 30-60 days (depending on start date), employer contribution to a 403b retirement plan, paid vacation, and a family-friendly and flexible work environment. California FarmLink maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal-opportunity employer. We seek candidates who represent the diversity of the communities we serve and strongly encourage you to apply.
Posted: April 9, 2026
