What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Controller position at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill?
Position: Financial Controller
Status: Full Time, Salaried
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience.
Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States from 1805 until 1910, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.
Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States from 1805 until 1910, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.
Department Summary
The office of the Controller and the Accounting Department is responsible for all the financial aspects of SVPH including financial reporting, maintaining bank and credit institution relationships, cash management, budget preparation, payroll approval, employee benefit payment oversight, and coordination of the annual audit and necessary tax returns.
The Human Resources Department at SVPH supports and oversees recruitment, onboarding, professional development, payroll and benefit management processes to ensure a positive work environment for all SVPH employees.
Position Summary
Position Summary
The Financial Controller is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The Controller works closely with the Shaker Village Board of Trustees’ Treasurer and members of the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees as well as all department managers to provide accurate and timely financial reports, interprets complex financial data, and provides input and advice on financial strategies and cash flow administration. The Controller manages the accounting department staff and is responsible for the overall financial oversight of the institution.
Additionally, this position oversees the human resource functions of the organization, utilizing these responsibilities for the proper financial planning and continued integration of the outsourced payroll system, proper employee benefits selections and payments, and all timely administration of the organization’s regulatory and governmental reporting.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Responsible for oversight of day-to-day finance and accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets, prepaid accounts, credit card expense reporting, endowments, and monthly reconciliations to ensure timely and accurate financial information with appropriate internal controls.
- Prepare timely and accurate financial reports monthly, quarterly, and annually in accordance with GAAP as well as provide other financial information to the Board of Trustees, the CEO and other members of the management team as appropriate to inform decision making.
- Reconciliation of event revenue and preparation of control procedures for event registration.
- Payroll review and approval.
- Vendor management from a finance perspective.
- Track and ensure compliance with grant and other funding restrictions and regularly provide information to appropriate staff regarding the status of restricted grants.
- Maintain banking relationships and serve as primary liaison with financial institutions.
- Prepare cash flow projections.
- Manage annual budgeting process, based upon most recent data and information available and conducting analysis to present budget scenarios for Management and Board discussion and approval.
- Maintain accurate records of Endowment status.
- Lead annual audit process, ensuring year-round compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Review and manage, and establish as needed, internal systems and controls, and financial procedures to ensure the integrity of financial information and reporting.
- Ensure both employee and employer contributions to the company’s 401k Plan are made accurately and employee vesting is updated in a timely manner.
- Evaluate and administer risk management and insurance policies.
- Oversee contract management, lease agreements, and contractual policies and procedures as needed.
- Establishes performance expectations for accounting and human resources staff and provides continuous coaching to each staff member.
- Other duties as assigned by Management.
Responsibilities for all members of the SVPH Senior Leadership team:
- Coordinates with the colleagues to ensure that SVPH maintains a focus on overarching strategies and goals outlined in the scorecards of individual departments.
- Plans and coordinates the work of outside vendors and contractors as required, ensuring compliance with accounting and legal standards as set by SVPH.
- Partners with the Accounting Department to accurately and efficiently process all accounts payable according to SVPH policies and procedures.
- Ensures stewardship of SVPH monetary resources by creating/receiving accurate estimates and adhering to the requirements of the SVPH budget.
- Promotes the sustainable use of all resources, including natural, monetary, human and additional physical resources to ensure the longevity of SVPH and the most minimal environmental impact possible.
- Is familiar with and assists in training staff in SVPH crisis management/emergency procedures.
- Provides vital input in short and long-term strategic and operational planning for the financial and human resources functions.
- Appropriately represents the organization, its Board and the President/CEO to guests, volunteers and donors.
- Supports a culture of philanthropy at SVPH, in partnership with the Development Office, by prioritizing and estimating expenses for physical needs to the site, communicating the mission and non-profit status of the organization through stories of impact, and ensuring that all work is documented for tax rebate purposes.
- Supports a culture of communication and cooperation among all SVPH departments.
- Updates job knowledge for him/herself and staff team by remaining aware of new compliance standards and regulations; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
- Accomplishes human resource strategies in partnership with the HR Department by determining roles; communicating and enforcing values, policies, and procedures; implementing recruitment, selection, orientation, training, coaching, disciplinary, and communication programs; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions; planning and reviewing compensation strategies.
- Accomplishes marketing and communications mission by completing additional tasks as assigned and related results as needed.
Skills and Qualifications
- Minimum of 3-5 years successful financial management experience in positions with increasing responsibilities in a nonprofit.
- High level knowledge of GAAP for non-profit accounting.
- Working experience in overseeing the functions of a human resources department, as well as assisting that function to grow in responsibilities and added value for the rest of the organization.
- Experience conducting month-end and year-end close, cost allocation, revenue recognition, budget creation and management, cash management and management of restricted grants.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to extract meaning from numbers and present analysis clearly and concisely.
- Demonstrated experience and expertise with Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Proven skills in managing staff and ability to build and support effective teams.
- Effective communication skills with experience in public speaking and leading group/staff trainings.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to form strong relationships with staff in a supportive and confidential role.
- Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
- Highly motivated and highly organized and able to juggle competing priorities and handle many tasks at the same time.
- Proven flexibility and comfortable with change.
- High level of integrity and professionalism.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting is preferred, with work experience in managing others in the financial and HR fields. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.
- Experience in successfully leading small business teams, and prioritizing workflows.
- Experience in developing skill and culture building professional development resources.
- Experience in coaching direct reports.
Mental and Physical Requirements
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Maintain concentration with time pressures and interruptions.
- Sit, stand or walk for a considerable length of time.
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Environment and Conditions
- Moderate to low noise associated with an open office environment.
- This position will require availability by phone or email outside of typical working hours.
- Depending on the time of year, this position is expected to be available for some special events outside of typical work hours.
- May be required to attend seminars or special programs related to work.
