Controller

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<div class="isg-job-description“>The Role
Reporting to, and working with, the Chief Revenue Officer, the Controller is responsible for overseeing auditing, accounting, and financial compliance matters of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.  The Controller will ensure accurate and timely accounting records and reports, while considering the adequacy and efficiency of procedures and internal controls.  This position will oversee the work of professional direct reports, including general accounting, accounts payable, and payroll functions.  The Controller works across all departments, building close relationships to, ensure proper accounting for the Council.  This includes compliance with all appropriate accounting standards and not-for-profit accounting requirements.
The Controller will be a seasoned and mature leader with at least 7 to ten years of broad finance and operations experience, ideally beginning in audit, followed by experience gathering and evaluating financial information. They will ideally have experience managing finance (accounting, budgeting, internal controls, and reporting) for a complex non-profit organization with multiple funding sources, including government (federal and state) awards and an affiliate structure with diverse program areas delivered nationally.
The position is Chicago-based and requires three days per week minimum in the office at our Downtown Chicago location.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
General

• Demonstrate commitment to the Council’s vision, mission, and values.
• Responsible for the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of the organization.
• Supervise assigned staff, by selecting staff, assigning jobs, training staff, coaching, developing, counseling, addressing appraisal and recognition, and recommending staff salary, promotions, and disciplinary actions.

Accounting Management

• Recommend to the CRO accounting policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the accounting records while maintaining or improving internal controls and efficiency of staff.
• Determine the financial, tax and operational impact of policy and procedures.
• Supervise the recording and reporting of transactions.
• Ensure best use of the Counsel’s financial systems, including reporting and user support
• Work with the finance team to ensure the monthly close is completed and detailed reports reviewed in a timely manner.
• In coordination with the Chief Revenue Officer/SVP, analyze monthly departmental and Council-wide financial reports for deviations from budget and emerging trends.
• Supervise the preparation of audit and tax return schedules in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. Serve as the principal liaison to external auditors and tax return preparers. Recommend changes to these service providers as warranted.
• In partnership with the Chief Revenue Officer/SVP, manage banking relationships and oversee treasury management functions including management of short-term investments.
• Assist in the preparation of reports to the Board of Directors and management.
• Review payroll and accounts payable processing.
• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll and compliance to payroll laws.
• Monitor cash balances and schedule inter-fund transfers to ensure short-term cash needs are met.
• Provide accounting information to other departments as requested.
• Ensure compliance with a broad range of rules and regulations.
• Ensure appropriate compliance for business licenses, state registrations and lobbying regulations.
• Ensure tax compliance with UBIT and other requirements.
• Partner with the Development team to ensure accurate and appropriate treatment on private and corporate gifts and sponsorship agreements.

Budget and Long-Range Planning

• In partnership with the Chief Revenue Officer/SVP and senior leadership, lead the preparation of the annual budget and forecasts; reports significant budget differences to management.
• In partnership with Chief Revenue Officer/SVP and senior leadership, assist in the development of annual plan in alignment with organization strategy and targets.
• Partner with the Chief Revenue Officer/SVP in long-range financial modeling and forecasting.
• Provides financial analysis, with emphasis on capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.

Reporting and Annual Filings

• Serves as primary liaison with external auditors, providing information for the annual audit.
• Execute the preparation of financial regulatory reports, including the IRS Form 990 and any other reporting essential to contracts or grants.

Risk Management/Internal Controls/Compliance

• Monitor debt outstanding, calculate accrued interest, and initiate the transfers of funds to be available for payments.
• Ensure compliance with all debt and bond covenants.
• Work with staff to ensure appropriate monitoring of grant status, projects, restricted contributions, and contracts, including compliance with financial requirements.
• Ensure continued compliance with solicitation registration.
• Ensure compliance with required lobbying/advocacy requirements.
• Ensure compliance with financial grant requirements.
• Performs internal reviews and audits.
• Works with the Development team to ensure financial compliance with donor agreements.
• Ensures compliance with all financial requirements of 501c3 status.
• Reviews agreements for UBIT and other tax implications.
• Support the activities of Board Committees.

Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (MA/MBA preferred) in business, finance, management, accounting, or relevant field.
• Seven years or more of related experience required.
• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designation preferred.
• Experience with legal, audit, compliance, budget, and resource development.
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis, risk management, and forecasting methods.
• Hands-on experience with accounting and financial management software (e.g., MIP).
• Ability to explain financial terms in simple language.
• Familiarity with the way non-profit organizations are structured.
• Proven effectiveness leading professionals in finance and accounting.
• Familiarity with Human Resources related laws, regulations, and practices.
• Knowledge of payroll reporting and processing of payroll taxes.
• Expertise in MS Excel.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council

 

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