Controller

Holston Conference Of The United Methodist Church Fdn. - Alcoa, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Alcoa, TN

About the position

The Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a dedicated and experienced Controller to oversee the accounting staff and ensure seamless operations in various accounting functions. This role encompasses responsibilities such as managing accounts payable, receivable, and payroll, while working closely with the Conference Treasurer. The Controller will assist in the preparation of comprehensive financial statements, regulatory reporting documents, and audit information, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of accounting practices and procedures. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of multiple state payroll laws and will be committed to upholding financial stewardship within the organization. In this position, the Controller will ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other financial systems. The role requires the development and enforcement of internal control systems, policies, procedures, and workflows to facilitate timely closing of books. The Controller will also be responsible for the efficient management of the accounting team, which includes evaluating performance, developing skills and competencies of subordinate staff, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the department. Key responsibilities include preparing key management reports for conference leadership, assisting with apportionment processing and reporting, preparing financial statements, verifying financial records and transactions, analyzing cash flow, reviewing budgets and forecasts, and developing paperwork for regulatory reporting. The Controller will manage daily and monthly cash reporting and bank reconciliations, coordinate annual closing and audit processes, and assist directly with the annual audit, ensuring that all audit checklists are completed in a timely manner. Additionally, the Controller will respond promptly to requests for information from conference staff and local church leadership, ensuring clear and accurate communication to support their needs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other financial systems.
• Develop and enforce internal control systems, policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure timely closing of books.
• Manage the accounting team, including evaluating performance and developing skills and competencies of subordinate staff.
• Prepare key management reports for conference leadership and assist with apportionment processing and reporting.
• Prepare financial statements, verify financial records and transactions, analyze cash flow, review budgets and forecasts, and develop paperwork for regulatory reporting.
• Manage daily and monthly cash reporting and bank reconciliations.
• Coordinate annual closing and audit processes and assist directly with the annual audit.
• Respond promptly to requests for information from conference staff and local church leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or related field is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• 5 to 7 years experience in accounting or related experience is required.
• Previous supervisory experience is strongly desired.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, cost accounting and cost control principles and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is required.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations is required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including high level of proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with Shelby Next accounting system or similar software is preferred.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• High attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Deep knowledge of, and commitment to, The United Methodist Church and how it functions at the local church, district, conference and general church levels is highly desirable.