Controller Kupu - 4.4 Honolulu, HI Job Details Full-time $120,000 - $140,000 a year 8 hours ago Qualifications Federal Acquisition Regulations General ledger reconciliation Accounting systems Cost Accounting Standards Preparation of internal financial performance reports Audit report preparation Spreadsheets Managing budgets in an accounting role Financial statement analysis Corporate tax return preparation Team development Recruitment and selection Bachelor's degree GAAP Financial regulatory audit coordination Compliance reporting for grants Financial compliance audits Managing accounting teams Mentoring Overseeing payroll Recruiting Accounting and finance experience Financial statement interpretation Productivity software Financial forecasting analysis Data-driven decision making Staffing management General management Audit support Data analysis software Full Job Description Position Overview Kupu's Controller plays a vital role in ensuring the organization's financial health and accountability by overseeing multiple aspects of financial operations, reporting, and leadership. This position is ideal for a leader who thrives on collaboration and is genuinely driven by Kupu's mission and those we serve. Additionally, the Controller is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating Kupu's accounting and financial reporting operations, leading a team of accounting professionals, leading project-based initiatives, overseeing all external audits, and collaborating closely with other departments to support Kupu's mission-driven initiatives. The Controller reports to and supports the CFO in the areas of treasury, Board reporting, analysis, and planning. Program Goals Kupu's accounting and finance department supports all Kupu programs and administration. The department provides financial reports to program heads, head of organizations, Kupu Board of Directors, and funding partners, plans budgets and forecasting, conducts strategic planning, oversees expense allocation, and is the liaison with our outsourced human resources and payroll provider. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Is a leader at Kupu and positively builds culture including conducts oneself with aloha Conducts oneself with integrity, credibility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kupu's mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who is responsible for the oversight of the accounting function of Kupu. Serves as a role model for Kupu's culture, mission, and CHOSEN Values Leads the accounting team by hiring and training candidates, providing direction, verifying accuracy of work, and giving constructive, development-oriented feedback Provides positive leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; creates and promotes a positive and supportive work environment Leverages strengths of the accounting team members, helps to clarify roles and responsibilities Develops and implements training programs to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals Defines and implements key performance indicators and strategic objectives for the department and, as appropriate, the entire organization; facilitates measurement of those objectives, reporting results to the executive team Communicates with the board of directors upon CFO's absence Financial Management Develops and designs workflow plans that ensure timely processing of accounting transactions and closing entries In collaboration with executive leadership, develops, implements, operates, maintains, and controls the essential operating systems, information, and financial business of the company Directs all aspects of accounting operations, overseeing all transactions related to general ledger, receivables, payables, payroll, and financial reporting Supports strategic thinking, planning, and coordination as it relates to financial management and oversight Financial Reporting Oversees the accumulation of all financial data necessary for accurate, timely and complete internal and external financial reporting Oversees the preparation of various regulatory reporting, including tax filing and returns, and government reporting Prepare and review financial statements, reports (including single audit report), and analyses, ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), funding requirements (including 2 CFR Part 200), and organizational policies Provide timely and accurate financial information to the CFO and senior leadership Budgeting and Forecasting Leads the organization's financial forecasting processes and supports annual budget development in partnership with the CFO and program leadership Oversees cash management activities, including short-term cash flow projections and liquidity planning Monitors financial performance against budget and forecast, investigates significant variances, and provides recommendations to management Ensures budgets and forecasts are supported by accurate financial data and aligned with accounting policies, grant requirements, and organizational assumptions Partners with the CFO on long-range financial planning, scenario analysis, and strategic financial initiatives Internal Controls and Compliance Documents, assesses, and advises on internal controls for various accounting cycles and grant compliance Ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational laws, regulations, guidelines, and best practices, including but not limited to tax laws, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), federal acquisition regulations (FAR), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) In conjunction with the Compliance team, ensures financial compliance with award requirements, including oversight of proper spending, financial reporting, and maintaining proper registrations and organization filings In conjunction with the CFO, develops and maintains systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets of the organization and oversees federal awards and programs Manages the external audit process and oversees preparation of the GAAP financial statements and footnotes Process Improvement Researches upcoming changes to GAAP and determines the impact on Kupu's financial statements, reporting and accounting processes Maintains knowledge of developments & trends in finance & administration including technological advances. Facilitates implementation of new systems and major improvements of existing systems Drafts and implements policies and best practices to support the achievement of objectives and required standards
Cross-functional Collaboration:
Oversees payroll operations, including internal controls and workflow processes for timely, accurate and compliant processing. Assists in managing the relationship with payroll service providers as needed Oversees cross departmental communication to ensure efficient and accurate financial data exchange and alignment with organizational goals Project Management Leads project planning, execution, and monitoring phases, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Oversees projects, allocates resources, and provides direction to meet project objectives and deliverables Other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization Leadership & Staff Development Directly supervise assigned staff (for example: Accounting Manager, Payroll Manager), including assignment and prioritization of work, performance management, coaching, professional development, and evaluation Establish work priorities, allocate assignments, and adjust workflow based on organizational deadlines Review the quality, completeness, and timeliness of staff work and determine when additional review, correction, training, or escalation is necessary Provide guidance on complex, unusual, or high-risk accounting matters while maintaining appropriate managerial oversight rather than routinely performing the underlying work Participate in recruitment, selection, performance management, disciplinary recommendations, promotion, and other employment matters concerning assigned staff, consistent with organizational policy and delegated authority Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback. Develop staff capabilities through coaching, delegation, and professional development Maintain appropriate staffing coverage and continuity for critical functions Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented Accounting and Finance team environment Process Improvement & Financial Systems Evaluate processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls Identify opportunities to automate or streamline repetitive accounting processes Participate in Finance department projects and organizational initiatives General Responsibilities Maintain current knowledge of applicable accounting standards, regulations, grant requirements, and best practices Participate in organizational meetings, training, and professional development activities Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned that are consistent with the position's scope and organizational needs
CHOSEN VALUES & ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
All employees are expected to demonstrate and uphold Kupu's CHOSEN Values and contribute to a workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability, collaboration, stewardship, and service. The Accounting Manager is expected to model these values through responsible stewardship of organizational resources, ethical decision-making, respectful communication, effective leadership, and a commitment to supporting Kupu's mission. As a member of the Finance and Accounting team, this position is entrusted with confidential financial and organizational information and is expected to exercise discretion, integrity, and sound professional judgment at all times. Minimum Qualifications 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, with 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial role Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field Proven ability to prepare financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Successful track record with Federal funding (2 CFR Part 200), single audit, and 990 preparations Capacity to translate financial terms into understandable concepts for program decisions Solid experience coordinating audit activities, financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting, analysis, general ledger functions, and payroll Experience recruiting, mentoring, training, and managing an accounting team Experience in grant accounting as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants Self-motivated with an ability to follow through and complete assigned projects Proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data for strategic decision-making Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite, including an advanced proficiency in Excel Preferred Qualifications Preferred CPA and/or Master of Accounting Experience or interest in environmental conservation and/or professional and youth development Experience with Nexonia and Sage Intacct or similar expense/accounting software Experience with restricted funds and grant accounting Experience with federal awards and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) Experience supporting OIG investigations, Single Audits and other governmental grant audits Experience supervising and developing accounting professionals Experience with accounting system implementation or process improvement Experience working in an organization with multiple funding sources and complex grant requirements Physical & Communication Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position Ability to work for extended periods at a computer and perform sustained activities involving reading, reviewing, analyzing, entering, and communicating financial information Frequent and repeated use of computers, monitors, keyboards, mouse/pointing devices, telephones, calculators, printers/scanners, video-conferencing platforms, and other standard office technology Read, interpret, compare, and analyze detailed financial statements, accounting records, reports, spreadsheets, policies, contracts, grant requirements, audit materials, and other business documents Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully in person, by telephone, video conference, email, written correspondence, and other electronic communication methods Communicate complex financial and accounting information to individuals with varying levels of financial knowledge and to adjust communication appropriately for staff, managers, executives, auditors, vendors, funders, and other stakeholders Actively participate in meetings, discussions, presentations, training sessions, and collaborative problem-solving activities Ability to listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, provide constructive feedback, and appropriately explain or defend accounting recommendations Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial, employee, vendor, grant, donor, and organizational information Attention to detail and concentration when performing financial analysis, reviewing records, reconciling accounts, and meeting time-sensitive reporting requirements Occasionally lift, carry, push, or move office materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds Travel occasionally for organizational meetings, training, audits, professional development, or other departmental-related activities
DISCLAIMER
This PD is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. Duties, responsibilities, and expectations may be modified or assigned as organizational needs evolve.