Controller (Non Profit)

Position Title: Controller Reports To: Executive Director Location: Lake Elsinore, CA (Remote or Hybrid) Status: Part-Time or Fractional About The Happier Life Project (THLP) The Happier Life Project is a peer-led recovery nonprofit building an inclusive, community-powered model for healing and reintegration. We serve individuals and families impacted by substance use, incarceration, trauma, and mental health challenges—meeting people where they are and walking with them toward a self-defined happier life. With deep roots in Riverside County, we’re expanding our impact through the creation of a permanent, multi-tenant Recovery Campus—offering integrated support services, peer workforce development, and community-based revenue generation. Why We Need You: Our team has grown. Our funding sources are expanding. We need structure. We need clarity. And we need someone who can see around corners. This isn’t a "keep the books running" gig—it’s a chance to build the financial backbone of an organization doing meaningful work. What You’ll Own: Strategic Finance & Structure Establish and maintain internal financial controls and processes. Assess current financial systems; recommend improvements. Design or optimize financial tracking for multi-grant reporting. Accounting & Reporting Oversee general accounting (with external bookkeeper or software). Create monthly and quarterly reports for leadership and Board. Assist with annual audit prep and filing requirements (990, etc.). Grant & Fund Management Track and report on restricted vs. unrestricted funds. Ensure compliance with grant reporting and budget usage. Create simple, understandable dashboards for program leads. Cost Optimization Evaluate vendors and make cost-saving recommendations. Partner with the team to implement more efficient financial tools or platforms (think QuickBooks, Divvy, Ramp, Bill.com, etc.). Advisory & Collaboration Serve as financial thought partner to the Executive Director. Translate financial data into strategic insights. Occasionally present to the board or finance committee. Who You Are: Experienced nonprofit finance professional (Controller, Director of Finance, or high-level accountant). You understand the nuances of restricted funding and multi-grant budgeting. You’re a systems thinker who loves to clean up inefficiencies. You balance strategy with hands-on execution. You communicate complex financial concepts in plain English. Bonus: You’ve worked with small orgs or start-up nonprofits and helped build financial structure from scratch. Preferred Tools: QuickBooks, Excel, Bill.com, Divvy and grant tracking software.