Controller

$90,000 - $115,000/Yr

YMCA - Hartford, CT

Full-time - Manager

Hartford, CT

Social Assistance

About the position

The Controller position at the YMCA of Greater Hartford is a vital role that supports the organization's mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This position is responsible for managing the overall accounting function of the YMCA, which includes overseeing general ledger postings, reconciliations, and financial reporting. The Controller will supervise payroll operations and ensure the preparation of complete and accurate monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Additionally, this role will assist in the preparation of the annual operating budget and train staff on approved accounting policies and procedures throughout the organization. In this leadership position, the Controller will hire, train, and manage accounting personnel, including those involved in accounts payable and payroll. The role requires maintaining an accounting system that accurately records and reports all operations, transactions, assets, and liabilities of the YMCA across all funds. The Controller will also be responsible for preparing reconciliations of all banking, investment, and financial asset accounts on a monthly basis, as well as generating financial statements required by management, the Board, and outside agencies. The Controller will oversee grant reporting and ensure compliance with State of Connecticut Day Care Grants. This position will work closely with external auditors to compile information for the IRS Form 990 tax return and lead the annual independent audit process. Building and maintaining key relationships with auditors, investment advisors, banks, and vendors is essential. The Controller will monitor investment activity and coordinate asset allocation changes with external investment management consultants, while also managing operating cash flow to ensure timely payments to vendors and project cash flow requirements throughout the year. Conducting special internal audits, accounting studies, analyses, and cost studies as required will also be part of the responsibilities, along with providing recommendations for improvements. Collaboration with IT staff is necessary to ensure that computer and software systems provide accurate information and adequate internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall accounting function, including general ledger postings, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Supervise payroll operations and ensure accurate financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP.
• Hire, train, and manage accounting personnel, including accounts payable and payroll staff.
• Maintain an accounting system for proper recording and reporting of all operations, transactions, assets, and liabilities.
• Prepare reconciliations of all banking, investment, and financial asset accounts on a monthly basis.
• Generate financial statements required by management, the Board, and outside agencies.
• Oversee grant reporting and compliance with State of Connecticut Day Care Grants.
• Compile information for the IRS Form 990 tax return in coordination with external auditors.
• Lead the annual independent audit and resolve issues with external auditors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with auditors, investment advisors, banks, and vendors.
• Monitor investment activity and coordinate asset allocation changes with external investment management consultants.
• Manage operating cash flow and ensure timely payments to vendors.
• Conduct special internal audits, accounting studies, analyses, and cost studies as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent.
• Understanding of and experience in GAAP.
• Five years of experience or more in a supervisory accounting role.
• Experience in a nonprofit environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of banks, banking systems, and cash management.
• Expertise with computerized accounting systems.
• Ability to develop and use spreadsheets and standard business software systems.
• Excellent spreadsheet skills are critical.
• CPA or similar accounting certification preferred but not required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a nonprofit environment is preferred.