Why would I want this job?

Position Summary

The Controller functions as the Chief Accounting Executive responsible for organizing, directing, and controlling the work of the accounting personnel in collecting, summarizing and reporting financial data for the use of management, auditors, and compliance with New York State (NYS) and other regulatory authorities. This role is responsible for all aspects of accounting (including internal and external financial reporting), internal controls and financial accounting systems, and ensuring the accurate recording and reporting of the Organization’s financial information on a monthly and annual basis. The Controller has direct supervision of the Assistant Controller, the Accounts Receivable Manager, and the Accounts Payable Manager. This is a “hands-on” position that requires managerial skills coexistent with the ability to be detail-oriented. The Controller is the technical accounting subject matter expert, who will develop, implement, and maintain documented accounting policies and procedures.

What would I be doing?

Responsibilities

  • Share oversight with the CFO, of the Finance Team; Accounts Receivable – 6, Accounting – 3, Accounts Payable – 1, Procurement – 3, Payroll – 4, Financial Planning & Analysis – 2, and a Finance Manager – 1.
  • Manage Cash and Investments Portfolio of approximately $75M; serve as primary point of contact with NYS Treasury team and banking relationship (currently, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.).
  • Review and deliver accurate monthly/annual Financial Statements, analysis to budget, and full year forecast for select income and expense items.
  • Manage completion of the audited Annual Financial Report, including the Management Discussion & Analysis, footnotes and schedules.
  • Provide technical accounting leadership ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) including implementation of required new pronouncements from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
  • Prepare & analyze monthly Cash forecasting.
  • Coordinate the relationship with the outsourced internal audit function including preparation for the annual risk assessment and support the multiple internal audit assignments as needed. Manage Finance-specific internal audit requests.
  • Manage the relationship with the external audit firm, direct the annual planning process, and support the Assistant Controller to coordinate all phases of audit testing. Coordinate with auditors to prepare annual management representation letter, ensure compliance, and review with CFO/CEO.
  • Support the Board Audit Committee by coordinating the external auditor’s presentation of the annual audit plan, engagement letter, audit results, annual report presentation, and Internal Audit’s review of the annual Procurement Report.
  • Coordinate and review actuarial annual valuation for ongoing OPEB liability.
  • Ensure timely and accurate filings with NYS agencies (multiple deliverables – Public Authorities Reporting Information System (PARIS)).
  • Oversight and review of monthly close; assess, identify and implement best practice business process changes.
  • Ensure proper maintenance of and provide analytical insights around general ledger chart of accounts to optimize use of NetSuite Planning & Budgeting/Hyperion system to enhance financial performance.
  • Review and approve vendor non-purchase order payments and customer refunds.
  • Review capital expenditures versus budget and monitor process.
  • Serve as the steward of the control environment, maintain key internal control framework, develop/document process improvements, oversee periodic testing, and lead related education and information updates to leadership. Coordinate annual Internal Control Compliance Certification to the NYS Comptroller with Internal Controls Officer (Internal Auditor).
  • Work closely with 3rd party financial systems helpdesk service provider and IT staff to maintain data integrity.
  • Oversee monthly review of self-insured worker’s compensation liability, claims activity, related payments, and annual audit.
  • Direct event/project allocation methodologies.
  • Responsible for review and accuracy of revenue recognition, deferred revenue, and customer deposits.
  • Review of fixed asset ledger, construction in progress, GASB96 software license intangible assets and related depreciation.
  • Monitor and provide management reporting, budget/forecast input, and GASB94 accounting consideration for non-Event income generating contractual arrangements.
  • Coach, develop & mentor all direct reports and staff.
  • Any other duties or ad hoc reports assigned by the CFO.

What would make me qualified?

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, master’s degree preferred.
  • CPA required, audit experience preferred.
  • Financial system implementation experience preferred.
  • 10-15 years of “hands-on” professional experience managing teams with proven experience as a Controller; Treasury related experience – cash management, investments, and banking operations preferred.
  • Technical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Government Accounting Standards (GASB), including experience implementing accounting standards and preparing audited financial statements with MD&A and footnotes.
  • Knowledge of the COSO Internal Control Framework and experience designing, implementing, and evaluating internal controls.
  • Experience presenting to the Audit Committee of a company’s Board of Directors.
  • Advanced proficiency with Oracle NetSuite.
  • Proficiency with Hyperion financial planning & analysis software.
  • Advanced Excel proficiency.
  • Experience effectively collaborating cross-functionally with all company department teams.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing, including the ability to explain complex financial issues to a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to manage, motivate and train a professional staff, including development of a team-based work environment.
  • Ability to identify, research and reach effective conclusions to problems encountered in an accounting, auditing or similar background.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to present ideas and information clearly.
  • Will be both detail-oriented and “hands-on” while also being able to contribute at a conceptual and strategic level.
  • Ability to manage multiple, deadline-driven assignments.
  • Ability to work efficiently and proactively, with excellent attention to detail.