Controller

March 29th, 2021
Controller

Controller

  • Full Time
  • Senior Level
  • Applications have closed
Job Category: Finance
Location: Manhattan
Job Sectors: Community Improvement
Salary Range:

Reports to:  Vice President, Finance

Department:  Finance

Status:  Exempt/Full-time

Position:  Controller

Schedule: 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday

 

Position Summary:

 

The Controller reports to the Vice President of Finance (VPF).  The VPF is responsible for directing the day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions of the Conservancy finance team, including oversight of all accounts payable, accounts receivable, all accounting activities for capital and operating, financial statements preparation, budget balancing, audit, and tax activities.

The Controller serves as one of the liaisons for the Conservancy’s operational banking activities, financial advisors, auditors, and other agencies and control bodies regarding fiscal matters.

The position works with the Conservancy’s senior leadership and the Finance, Investment, and Audit committees of the Board.

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

 

Reports to                             Vice President of Finance

 

Direct reports                                  Assistant Controller

 

Other staff in team              Senior Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable Manager, Senior Accountant, Senior Revenue Specialist

 

Key Relationships               Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees of the Board, Director of Finance, Central Park Conservancy Senior Leadership Team  

 

Other                                      Conservancy’s Bankers, Auditors and Other Agencies and Control Bodies

 

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

Support the CFO, VPF, and other key members of the senior leadership with financial reporting, balancing budgets, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters while ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State, and City Regulations of the Conservancy

 

·       Lead the accounting team in all transactional activities and provide accurate and timely financial reporting and

 

o   Manage all financial, project/program and grants accounting including monthly, quarterly, and year-end reconciliations related to the Conservancy’s endowment and other long-term investments to ensure asset values are appropriately reported.

 

o   Administer all accounting and treasury activities including monthly closings, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, revenue and expense reporting, tax filings, audits, etc.

 

o   Develop key performance indicators and measures with a focus on continuous improvement and transparency for business decision making

 

·       Collaborate with the VPF and Director of Finance on the annual budget preparation and forecasting

 

·       Oversee the annual audit process

 

·       Provide financial management training for the finance team and other staff as necessary and appropriate

 

·       Lead, develop and support the Accounting team ensuring their growth in both technical and soft skill competencies and ensure positive working relationships within the department and with the broader organization.

  

IDEAL EXPERIENCE 

 

Minimum 10 years’ experience in a Controller role in a comparable sized and comparably complex organization.  Non-Profit experience required

 

·       Knowledge of best practices employed in financial, administrative, and operational functions. Background in nonprofit finance and accounting rules, regulations, and reporting requirements (GAAP, FASB, Internal Revenue Code, etc.) preferred. 

 

·       BBA in Finance or Accounting mandatory, CPA and/or MBA is preferred. 

 

CRITICAL CAPABILITIES

 

Strategic Financial Thinking

 

The Conservancy seeks an accomplished Controller, who can provide financial management in a complex and rapidly changing environment by: 

 

·       Supporting the Conservancy’s financial strategy and models; and provide financial reporting that supports identifying and recommending opportunities to senior leadership and the Board that will maintain or improve funding streams; and leveraging the organization’s available resources for maximum programmatic impact;

 

·       Ensuring that all policies and procedures and all internal controls and control owners are well documented and understood throughout the organization; and,

 

·       Leveraging strong finance and accounting skills to develop accounting judgments and financial processes across a complex organization.

 

Communication and Influencing Skills

 

The Controller will be a collaborative, communicative partner who will lead change through engagement, influence, and a strong service orientation. S/he will:

  

·       Be a finance leader who proactively sees opportunities and contributes to the development of systems, policies, and structure to support a world class finance organization;

 

·       Support the VPF in ensuring that the Conservancy is adhering to the financial elements of its strategic priorities and provide financial reporting to support the status reports to senior leadership and relevant committees of the Board; and,

 

·       Have effective interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to engage openly and transparently across a diverse and complex community.

 

 

 

Leadership Skills

 

As an effective manager and team motivator who excels in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, the Controller will develop ideas and solutions to drive the implementation of financial systems, reporting and service that support the priorities of the Conservancy. S/he will:

 

·       Be a leader who sets high standards and encourages ambition and creativity for finance personnel across the organization;

 

·       Lead a financial team through change and growth including realigning roles and responsibilities, increasing expectations, creating a service culture, and developing effective policies and procedures;

 

·       Be a confident manager, coach, and mentor with the ability to attract, develop, and retain a high-quality Accounting team. S/he will set high standards and assess performance against a high bar of excellence; and

 

·       Collaborate with senior leadership and articulate financial position in support organizational priorities; and implement operating and reporting changes in accordance with the Conservancy’s strategic priorities.

 

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 ·      Build deep trust and credibility with the Conservancy’s leadership, Board and staff; 

·      Collaborative and inclusive;

·      Solutions-oriented;

·      Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills; and

·      Passion for Central Park and commitment to the Conservancy’s mission.

Central Park Conservancy

  • 14 E 60th Street
  • New York, NY 10022
  • Phone: 646-795-5691