What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Essential Credit Union?
Controller
POSITION PURPOSE:
Responsible for internal controls which promote the safeguarding of assets, procedures which result in reliable financial records and operational efficiency, and financial reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and regulatory requirements. Manage employees in the Accounting Department. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this area. Also responsible for various budgets and projections, financial analysis and costing information, as well as the management of the institution’s investment portfolio.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES:
- Oversees and directs all day-to-day accounting and finance related activities for the organization; manages the accounting and finance function and establishes guidelines and procedures to ensure that the functions operate in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, and training employees.
- Directs departmental staff in the creation and maintenance of required systems and procedures necessary to maintain proper records and accounting controls. Reviews all general ledger activity for accuracy and completeness.
- Works closely with external auditors and federal credit union examiners to ensure the credit union is following prescribed accounting methods set out in regulation, law, FASB rules, and generally accepted accounting principles.
- Prepare all required and scheduled reports that adequately assess and summarize the financial condition of the credit union
- Assists the Chief Financial Officer in the establishment of the annual budget, as well as monitoring of the budget.
- Analyzes, consolidates, and directs all cost accounting procedures together with other statistical and routine reports.
- Accepts and follows through on other projects as assigned.
- Complete familiarity with the credit union's data processing system including input requirements, output capabilities, system maintenance, upgrading, and general operations.
- Assist the Chief Financial Officer with Asset Liability Management (ALM) and ALCO reporting.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Maintains a positive attitude with employees and members, and remains flexible while focused on accepted practices, policy, productivity and effectiveness.
- Strong knowledge of financial products and services.
- Ensures that the accounting process is maintained to conform to the requirements of the Federal Credit Union Act, State legislation as might be applicable, other Rules and Regulations and Financial Management Standards prescribed and/or recommended for the prudent financial management of the credit union.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from members, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. Ability to effectively present information to top management and peer groups.
- Familiarity with credit union accounting standards and credit union industry terminology.
- Excellent typing and computer skills, including email and core system.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Good attitude and professional, courteous personality conducive to dealing with staff and members.
- Excellent organizational skills, math skills, good reasoning ability and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills.
- Accurate, detailed, self-starter who can exercise independent judgment when addressing problems.
Major Accountabilities:
- Ensure accounting processes are maintained to conform to the requirements of the Federal Credit Union Act, State legislation as applicable, other Rules, Regulations and Financial Management Standards prescribed and/or recommended for the prudent financial management of the credit union.
- Ensures all financial transactions are processed within federal and state regulation which includes incoming and outgoing wires and loan participations.
- Maintains a positive, professional attitude with employees and members, and remains flexible while focusing on accepted practices, policies, productivity, and effectiveness.
- Satisfactorily manage accounting staff for optimal results.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Degree in Accounting.
- Three-five (3-5) years of management experience
- At least five (5) years’ experience in a similar position at a financial institution
- Professional Certification in Accounting preferred.
Physical Requirements
Perform primarily sedentary work on computer or laptop for an average of eight (8) hours per day. Must be capable of climbing/descending stairs in emergency situations. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including telephone, copier, facsimile and calculator. Must be able to work extended hours whenever required or requested by management. Must by capable of regular, reliable, and timely attendance.
Other Requirements
Must be able to perform job functions with supervision and work effectively either on own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various instructions and follow oral instructions. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be able to perform basic mathematical calculations with extreme accuracy. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside of the organization and demonstrate highest levels of customer service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines/requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. Must be able to effectively handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising highest level of discretion on confidential matters.
