Company Description
Job Title: Controller
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Accounting Manager, Accounting Manager
Hiring Salary Range: $155,000 - $175,000
The Bainum Family Foundation is working to create a society where all children thrive. Centuries of racist policies and practices continue to disrupt every aspect of development and well-being for Black and brown children throughout the United States. At the Bainum Family Foundation, we aim to change these unjust conditions. That’s why our work revolves around supporting key partners. There is tremendous power, expertise and lived experience within every community. We seek to build on these strengths by working alongside communities experiencing racial and economic disparities to create lasting systems change for the well-being of children and families. Today, the foundation focuses on Early Childhood and what children need for a strong start in life. Our Legacy Programs support other issues important to the Bainum family. Visit us at bainumfdn.org.
The Children’s Equity Fund (CEF) is a 501(c)(4) organization that works to advance policy changes that combat the racial and economic inequities experienced by young children, families, early childhood educators, and communities. CEF believes effective, sustained policy change occurs when there is broad-based support from policymakers with diverse perspectives and different party affiliations. CEF collaborates with individuals and organizations that are aligned with the organization’s goals, regardless of political party, and builds grassroots support and the political will for policies that promote the well-being of all children, families, and communities.
CEF focuses on five policy areas that support child and family well-being: early learning; mental health and well-being; health; family economic security; and housing stability. The organization also supports efforts to create a healthy democracy and robust civic engagement. The organization engages in direct lobbying and political/policy campaigns in support of more equitable policies in these areas and funds other 501(c)(4) organizations to advance these goals. CEF is seeking to build its internal capacity to more impactfully engage in its work and create positive change for those who have been systematically excluded from power, resources, and opportunities because of poverty and racism.
The Bainum Family Foundation and the Children’s Equity Fund are affiliated independent legal entities, working in pursuit of common outcomes. The Children’s Equity Fund shares staff (as well as office space, equipment and other resources) with the Bainum Family Foundation.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is who we are and what we do. It is not separate but at the heart of our work and a core part of our culture expectations. We are committed to driving change that centers communities and results in equitable societies, starting with a commitment to equity and inclusion for our staff. Specifically, we have committed to center racial equity and strive to become an antiracist organization. Our team is expected to demonstrate and uphold our core values, our culture expectations, and our commitment to DEI in every facet of their work. The Foundation strongly encourages and seeks applications from all qualified individuals whose racial, socioeconomic, ability status, and other individual dimensions allow them to bring unique and diverse perspectives to our work.
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting process, including the annual audit, compliance audits, ongoing accounting operations, investment accounting, accounts payable, grant compliance, payroll and internal controls of the foundation and that of the Children’s Equity Fund (CEF) – its sister 501(c)4 organization. The Controller oversees and monitors the Foundation’s and CEF’s annual budget and develops financial and other reports for management and the Board of Directors. This position interprets and applies technical accounting guidance and advises on financial and tax matters affecting the Foundation and CEF. The Controller manages systems and processes related to this work and provides guidance on key financial and operational best practices.
The work of both the Foundation and the Children’s Equity Fund (CEF), is structured through a portfolio of interconnected initiatives, this person may be assigned to any of the Foundation or CEF’s initiatives based on initiative cycles and evolving organizational needs. All staff play a role in learning and purposefully managing knowledge to further both organizations’ Missions and Visions. Therefore, we expect all staff to gather, care for, use and openly share knowledge in ways that advance equity, support shared learning, and amplify community expertise.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Finance:
- Oversee and manage all aspects of the Foundation’s and CEF’s accounting operations, including accounting for the Foundation’s investment portfolio, general ledger maintenance, monthly close, financial reporting and other general accounting matters; and maintain the Foundation’s financial records and ensure accuracy of the Foundation’s general ledger and tax reporting.
- Ensure accuracy, integrity, completeness, and communication of the Foundation’s and CEF’s financial policies, including periodic review and update of existing policies as deemed necessary for new, evolving, and existing programs/services.
- Stay apprised of current authoritative accounting pronouncements, tax and compliance legislation, and accounting trends and practices; develop and implement new processes and procedures as required to comply with new guidance and/or best practices.
- Work with the accounting team to prepare financial reporting package; and prepare documentation and reports for periodic Board of Directors’ meetings. This includes the preparation of written internal and external reports and communications such as: monthly financial statements, board reports, presentations, briefing materials, and internal memos.
- Govern the preparation of the Foundation’s and CEF’s annual tax return, state and other tax and informational returns and estimated tax payments and extension filings.
- Manage cash flow and generate periodic cash payout analysis for distribution to VP of Finance.
- Lead the annual budgeting process; develop standardized budgeting and forecasting processes and complete budget packages for Foundation leadership and board members. Work closely with VP of Finance to design and produce an accurate and complete budget to be presented in a professional format including high-level analysis as well as detailed account information.
- Act as the Foundation lead for all IRS compliance.
- Oversee the development of or changes to accounting, budgeting and reporting software and systems that may integrate with Human Resources, Operations, Grants Management and other systems as appropriate.
- Supervise payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Oversee treasury and payment processing for the Foundation and CEF, ensuring adequate internal controls and safeguards to Foundation assets.
- Oversee the administration of the Foundation’s expense reporting system and credit card program.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, templates and training materials for staff and other partners, as appropriate.
- Participate in presentations for various Board of Directors’ and committee meetings.
- Ensure all key financial processes are updated and documented regularly.
- Assume other special projects and responsibilities as assigned.
Leadership:
- Oversee the efficiency and effectiveness of the Finance team:
- Supervise accounting staff and external auditors
- Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement consistent with the foundation’s core values and culture expectations
- Mentor and develop staff using a collaborative approach
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set team objectives, establish priorities and conduct performance reviews according to established policies and practices
- Lead and manage staff toward significant and sustained operational results and improvements in dissemination of information within the organization
- Train other team members and peers as appropriate
- Serve as the finance representative on various cross-organizational working groups and committees and participate in leadership meetings that inform strategy and shape the future of the foundation’s work.
- Champion and facilitate the increase in interdepartmental collaboration toward building meaningful synergy.
- Represent the Foundation and the Finance function in a positive and professional manner to both internal and external stakeholders as needed.
Qualifications
FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the functional and technical knowledge and experience needed to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equivalent combinations of work experience and training that provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will also be considered.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Business, Business Administration, or other relevant field of study; MBA and/or CPA Preferred.
- A minimum of 6 years’ relevant work experience in managing finance and accounting; at least 2 years should be at a controller level or manager-level position in the non-profit sector or equivalent.
- Sophisticated knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices and principles as relevant to nonprofit entities or family foundations, including grants management.
- Acumen in maintaining accurate financial records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing and operational use.
- Ability to perform high-level as well as detailed analysis; hands on approach as needed and appropriate to get the work done.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and knowledge of accounting software, preferably Sage Intacct.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described below are representative of the requirements by an employee for the successful performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may occur to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly be required to talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to sit and use their hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position will be performed in a hybrid workplace with a mix of in-office and remote work. The in-office work environment is typical of an office setting. The noise level is usually quiet. Remote work requires logging onto your computer at home during work hours, responding to emails, and participating in video calls and meetings throughout the day; therefore, access to high-speed, reliable internet is crucial. The Foundation provides all required equipment and supplies to undertake the tasks of the job at home, including laptop, monitors, and other accessories, which are shipped to the employee’s home.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
