Controller

Department:        Treasurer’s Office

SUMMARY

The Controller works with a team of engaged professionals supporting the diverse activities of a worldwide Church with a mission to bless humanity. The Controller is an active participant in the management and general leadership of the Treasurer’s Office. This position reports directly to, and backs up, the Accounting, Audit, and Tax Director, which provides a path for advancement within the Treasurer’s Office.

This position engages with a very broad, interesting range of domestic and international areas of business including publishing, investments, real estate assets, philanthropy, trusts, and other Church activities. The Controller works with fellow managers on projects, such as department personnel development, compensation, budgeting, and policy development, and takes the initiative to identify and resolve accounting related issues across the department. The Controller will bring an understanding of technology-based tools and solutions to streamline and improve the effectiveness of the Church’s accounting processes. The Controller sets an example for the entire Treasurer’s Office and overall Church organization in ethics, professionalism, the Golden Rule, and basic Church standards.

Reporting to the Accounting, Audit, and Tax Director in the Treasurer’s Office, the Controller manages the key functions of general ledger, audit, tax, accounts receivable (AR), and accounts payable (AP), ensuring timeliness and accuracy in all accounting, disbursements and receivable transactions, and the integrity of systems and reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervise the Accounting Manager and the Manager, AP / AR.
2. Develop and implement policies, and procedures in accounting and financial reporting as needed with a continued focus on process improvement: look for opportunities to improve financial reporting efficiencies and effectiveness as well as an orderly accounting system.
3. Manage a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
4. Develop, implement, document and maintain adequate and effective internal controls and separation of duties in general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
5. Oversee timely, accurate, and effective execution of core fiscal operations, including accounting, monthly close by the 10th business day, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and all required external reporting.
6. Ensure adequate staff and other resources are in place to carry out the work..
7. Responsible for accuracy, integrity, and management of general ledger to include proper account reconciliations, reconciliations of external inputs to resulting financial information, and accurate interfaces with external systems.
8. Responsible for procedures and process of accounts payable and accounts receivable systems and all needed internal controls to ensure timely and accurate bill payments and customer billing and payment applications.
9. Ensure that proper processes and controls exist for Procurement’s set up and management of vendor payment and banking data.
10. Produce accurate and timely monthly and yearly financial statements. Review the monthly accounting process closely including analytical review of the monthly operating results to ensure accurate accounting records are maintained.
11. To ensure timely and successful audits, oversee the upfront planning of audits and coordinate the audit work with the Accounting Manager and Manager AP / AR. Serve as primary point of contact for the auditors.
12. Propose improvements in policies and procedures, business operations, and financial decisions based on outcomes of audits and new service needs.
13. Assist with special projects, technical accounting analysis and ad-hoc reporting.
14. Confidentiality: protects financial operations by ensuring strict confidentiality of all financial and business information.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships

Supervisor:  Accounting, Audit, and Tax Director

Supervises:  Accounting Manager; Manager of AP / AR; GL Advanced Accountant and Financial Projects Specialist

Regular Contacts

The position has regular contact with staff and management throughout the department and the organization.  Also has contact with outside firms providing accounting and administrative services for related financial services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience

BA in accounting, business, or finance; CPA and/or Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 7 years of experience in accounting and financial and business management, with a preference for experience in not-for-profit institutions.

Knowledge/Skills

This position requires a strong background in financial systems.  Must have proven organizational skills.  Needs the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be an effective manager and sensitive to the needs of employees.

Technology Skills

Financial systems management, Google Docs, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) skills are required.

Work Environment

This position regularly works in an office environment at The Mother Church in Boston.

Engagement with Christian Science

Membership in The Mother Church required; Primary Class instruction preferred.

Background Checks

This position is required to complete a background check to be hired and annual background checks thereafter.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.