Controller

Company Description

Mariners Church is a biblically-centered, non-denominational church located in Southern California focused on inspiring people to follow Jesus and fearlessly change the world. Mariners is listed as one of the top 20 largest churches in America by Outreach Magazine. We are a community of ordinary people from all walks of life courageously trusting God to do the extraordinary. Simply put, we trust God to do what we can’t—heal, transform, renew, forgive, provide and sustain. Through the redemption story of each believer, God is glorified, lives are changed and communities are impacted in a significant way. Come and be part of a new season of growth as Mariners Church responds to God’s call in launching new congregations.

Job Description

The Controller serves as the leader of the Accounting Department and a strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer. While the role includes responsibility for core accounting operations and compliance, its primary focus is ensuring that financial reporting, systems, and processes are aligned with the vision and long-term direction of the church.

This position requires more than technical accounting expertise. The Controller is expected to lead and develop the accounting team, strengthen internal processes, and continuously improve the accuracy, clarity, and efficiency of financial reporting. The role emphasizes oversight, review, and departmental leadership rather than routine transactional execution.

In partnership with the CFO, the Controller will evaluate and refine reporting structures, internal controls, and workflows so that financial information is reliable, timely, and structured in ways that support executive decision making, ministry expansion, and organizational sustainability across a complex, multi-location environment. Success in this role means building a department that is accurate, scalable, efficient, and forward-looking, while maintaining strong compliance and stewardship standards.

Responsibilities:

Department Leadership

• Lead and develop the Accounting Department, establishing clear standards for accuracy, accountability, and excellence.
• Provide oversight of all accounting operations, ensuring appropriate delegation of transactional work while maintaining ultimate responsibility for results.
• Build a culture of ownership, clarity, and continuous improvement within the department.

Financial Reporting and Oversight

• Oversee the preparation and publication of timely and accurate monthly and annual financial statements.
• Ensure quality control over financial transactions and reporting processes.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes to ensure reliability and efficiency.
• Lead and manage the annual financial statement audit process, serving as the primary liaison to external auditors and ensuring timely, accurate, and complete audit deliverables.

Budgeting and Analysis

• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the annual budget and monitor performance against plan.
• Partner with the CFO to interpret financial results and provide insight into trends, risks, and operational drivers.
• Develop reporting formats and financial views that support leadership discussions and informed decision making.

Systems, Controls, and Process Improvement

• Develop and strengthen internal control policies and accounting procedures.
• Evaluate and improve workflows, systems, and reporting structures to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Ensure banking, cash management, and financial account oversight are aligned with strong stewardship practices.
• Research technical accounting issues and implement appropriate guidance to maintain compliance.

Strategic Partnership

• Partner with the CFO to align financial reporting and systems with the long-term vision and growth strategy of the church.
• Support financial modeling and analysis related to expansion, multi-campus operations, and capital initiatives.
• Contribute to building a finance function that not only records the past but equips leadership to plan for the future.

Qualifications

• Proven working experience as a Controller.
• 7-10 years of experience in accounting and finance.
• Bachelor’s degree; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Knowledge of non-profit accounting principles and procedures.
• Implemented accounting software and process improvements.
• Must have U.S. work authorization without employer sponsorship and complete a background and credit check.

Additional Information

• Love Jesus and call themselves Christians.
• Embrace a high biblical standard of personal conduct and lifestyle.
• Agree to and adhere to the church's statement of faith and leadership commitment. 
• Attend Mariners Church.

We believe the total combination of your pay, benefits, and opportunities aligned with your calling will ensure that you and your family are provided for. The following items are just a sample of the things we offer for full-time employment:

• Health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
• 403b Retirement Saving Plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid time off to serve
• Discounts at the Mariners Cafe and Bookstore
• Tuition discount for Mariners Church Preschool 
• Opportunity to attend ministry events and conferences
• Working alongside a community of supportive, like-minded believers