Controller

Carole Robertson Center for Learning (the Center) seeks to hire a visionary, seasoned, strategic, and process-minded Controller. Under the leadership of the Vice President of Finance, the Controller’s primary responsibilities will be to undertake all aspects of financial management, corporate non-profit accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecasts preparation, financial risk management, as well as development of internal control policies and procedures. As the number-two executive to the Vice President of Finance, the Finance Controller will be involved in supporting presentations to the governing Board finance committee and will work closely with the senior leadership team.

The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations of a budget including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. The Controller will ensure that the Center has the systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and conduct flawless audits. The Controller will work closely with program leaders and their staffs, not only to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures but also to explore how the finance function can support program operations.

In addition, this position will partner with the Vice President of Finance, senior leadership, and the human resources (HR), information technology (IT) and (program) operations staff to enhance and better integrate finance, HR, IT and operations functions.

A. POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
B. JOB TYPE: First/Mid-Level Officials and Managers
C. POSITION REPORTS TO: Vice President of Finance
D. POSITION LOCATION: 1111 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60612

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MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS

• Coordinate all audit activity.
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of the Center’s financial status.
• Execute and coordinate month end close process and log task completion
• Assist senior and mid-management leadership in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the Vice President of Finance in engaging the Board’s finance committees around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants.
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with the program vice presidents; continuously collaborate with program vice presidents to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines.
• Serve as a catalyst for change and growth – inspiring others to think entrepreneurially and inject new ideas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Vice President of Finance.

COMPETENCIES

• Change Capacity—ability to pivot and respond to increasingly unpredictable and disruptive situations by leading in the development and implementation of processes, tools and techniques used to advance desired organizational outcomes.
• Results-Proven Track Record—demonstrable ability to exceed goals with a bottom-line orientation; evidence of the ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; high level of business acumen including successful P&L management; the ability to balance the delivery of programs against the realities of a budget; and problem solving, project management, and creative resourcefulness.
• Strategic Vision and Agility—ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the organizational plan.
• Capacity Building—ability to effectively build organization and staff capacity, developing a top-notch workforce and the processes that ensure the organization runs smoothly.
• Leadership and Organization—exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; a team builder who has experience in scaling up organizations; ability to connect staff both on an individual level and in large groups; capacity to enforce accountability, develop and empower top-notch leaders from the bottom up, lead from the top down, cultivate entrepreneurship, and learn the strengths and weaknesses of the team so as to put people in a position to succeed.
• Action and Results Oriented—enjoy working hard and looking for challenges; able to act and react as necessary, even if limited information is available; not afraid to take charge of a situation; can overcome resistance to leadership and take unpopular stands when necessary.
• General Management—thorough understanding of finance, operations, systems, and human resources; broad experience with the full range of business functions and systems, including strategic development and planning, budgeting, business analysis, finance, information systems, and human resources.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Minimum Master’s Degree from accredited college/university in business, or non-profit management required.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in management within the non-profit and social services sector.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience overseeing operational growth, strategy, and development in complex structural environments.
• Previous experience leveraging the strengths of the current finance team members, help to clarify roles and responsibilities and develop and implement training programs to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements (including compliance requirements related to federal funding and Single Audits)
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures. Evaluate procedures for opportunities to improve control processes
• Experience using Fund EZ a accounting software plus.
• Experience with single audits and OMB requirements a plus.
• Proven leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the Center’s mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the Vice President of Finance.
• Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is essential.
• Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software.
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly.
• Keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus. simple reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, Board or other outside partners.
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers.
• Ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills.
• Strong financial acumen in the creation and monitoring of budgets including procurement activities.
• Unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates passion, humility, integrity as a leader.
• Exudes a positivity, compassion, and care in every facet of the role.

Carole Robertson Center for Learning is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. Carole Robertson Center for Learning evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally protected characteristics.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should
call (312) 243-7300 ext. 226 with their request.

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