Controller, Bush Foundation

$185,842 - $185,842/Yr

Bush Foundation - Saint Paul, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Saint Paul, MN

11-50 employees

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Controller at the Bush Foundation plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's goals by overseeing and coordinating the Foundation's internal controls, budgetary processes, and cash management activities related to the investment portfolio. This position is integral to ensuring that the Foundation's financial operations align with its mission and strategic objectives. The Controller will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and documenting robust internal controls that include proper approvals, separation of duties, and independent reconciliations. This requires close communication and oversight in collaboration with the Finance Director & Treasurer (FD&T). In addition to internal controls, the Controller will manage the annual budget and quarterly forecasting processes, working closely with the FD&T and various Foundation teams to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the budgeting cycle. The role also involves reviewing monthly financial statements, preparing accurate financial reports for management and the board, and monitoring financial performance to identify trends and variances. The Controller will be expected to document and produce meeting minutes for Finance and Audit Committee meetings and assist in preparing related materials. The position also encompasses managing the annual audit process with external auditors, ensuring that all necessary documentation is prepared in advance, and coordinating with the investment team to ensure accurate presentation of investment-related information. Furthermore, the Controller will oversee cash management activities, including operating cash flow projections and communication with the investment team regarding cash needs. Another critical aspect of the role is managing employee benefits and risk management, which includes overseeing insurance renewals, coordinating the annual open enrollment process, and maintaining the Foundation's property and liability insurance needs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the Foundation's core values in all duties and contribute to cross-foundation work that supports the organization's strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and document strong internal controls, including proper approvals, separation of duties and independent reconciliations in close communication with the FD&T.
• Direct accounting processes to ensure that financial transactions and procedures meet organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Research and recommend new policies and procedures including best practices and trends, raising for discussion as needed.
• Manage and coordinate the annual budget and quarterly forecast processes in close partnership with the FD&T.
• Review monthly financial statements and supporting documentation and ensure preparation of accurate and timely financial statements and reports for management and board.
• Manage the annual audit process with external auditors, ensuring all schedules and control documents are prepared in advance of fieldwork.
• Manage capital call and distribution activity in conjunction with the Investment team.
• Manage operating cashflow projections to determine optimal cash transfers to operating checking account from the investment account.
• Manage insurance renewals or bid process and plan design changes for employee benefits.
• Serve as a core member of the Retirement Plan Oversight Committee.

Requirements

• At least seven years of accounting experience, preferably in a large nonprofit or foundation accounting environment.
• Accounting degree/CPA/CMA is desired.
• At least three years of experience or exposure to investment reconciliations, preferably with a complex portfolio including alternative and private investments.
• Strong analysis, critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing accounting systems as an end user or administrator and mastery level understanding of spreadsheets and databases.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage sensitive or confidential information with discretion and integrity.

Nice-to-haves

• Sage 100 knowledge is desirable.
• Salesforce familiarity is desirable.
• Knowledge of benefits and compensation administration experience is desirable.
• Project management skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance
• Generous retirement contributions
• Professional development
• Vacation, sick and holiday leave