Controller Details

Controller

Girl Scouts Of Greater Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA

Employment Type : Full-Time

GSGLA Values

Our core values represent how we behave on a day-to-day basis. These values are the specific behaviors that are expected, encouraged, and rewarded within our GSGLA culture.

• INTEGRITY: We do what we say we are going to do. We strive for our highest quality work and commit to doing what’s right even when it’s difficult.
• CLARITY OF PURPOSE: We commit to and stay focused on the goals and priorities of GSGLA and hold ourselves responsible for keeping the girl at the center of everything we do.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: We accept personal responsibility for our work, and we hold others accountable. We can be relied upon and can rely on others. We commit to mutual understanding and mutual problem solving and embrace the necessary tough conversations.
• RESPECT: We practice respect by caring for the worth of ourselves, others, the environment, property and policies. We listen well and honor diversity in ideas without judgements.

Position Summary

The Controller is an integral member of the Finance Department and is responsible for managing all accounting activities, financial reporting, auditing, forecasting, budgeting and risk management for the organization. The Controller is a key member of the Council’s Senior Management Team and works closely with Executive/Senior Management and staff across all departments and functions. The position manages the Finance & Risk Management Department, emphasizing and modeling core values of integrity, clarity of purpose, accountability, and respect, and directly supervises the Financial Planning & Analysis Supervisor, Purchasing/Inventory Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Accounts Payable Supervisor and Accounts Receivable Supervisor and Risk Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management - Understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), advanced financial and accounting concepts, financial metrics as they relate to the overall health of the organization, and ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret financial statements and related information.

• Reviews financial transactions (e.g., payables, general ledger entries, chart of accounts, grants, and restricted donations) for accuracy and to ensure they have been recorded in the proper period.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls and financial policies to monitor and safeguard assets.
• Oversees cash flow planning, transfers of funds, and banking relationships to ensure availability of funds as needed.
• Monitors financial reports at the appropriate level to ensure they are in line with organizational goals and budget.
• Provides financial consultation to Fund Development Team for grant funding, such as preparing or reviewing budgets, reports, or evaluation.
• Manages the auditing engagement by organizing and providing requested documentation, ensuring timely completion and approval.
• Along with the CFAO, supports the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board around fiduciary responsibilities and provides information/recommendations.
• Prepares Dashboards and calculates trends and metrics of initiatives and special projects (e.g., cookie sales, special events, and fundraising) to identify problems or opportunities.
• Develops forward-looking, predictive models and activity based financial analysis to provide insight and direction for operations and business plans.

Financial Reporting - Ability to prepare, comprehend, analyze, and interpret financial statements and commentary according to GAAP.

• Prepares monthly finance statements to ensure they are timely and accurate.
• Prepares financial information for internal and external audiences (e.g., Board, Board committees, donors, SMT, staff) to verify that it is relevant, timely, and accurate for decision making.
• Prepares federal, state, and local tax and information returns from staff or third-party vendors to ensure they are timely and accurate.
• Oversees the annual financial audit and 403(b) audit and other audit activities; coordinates issuance of annual financial statements, compilation of tax returns including Form 990, and writes responses to the auditor’s management letter.

Investments - General understanding of how the market operates; working knowledge of investment strategies, different types of investments, current market conditions, and economic projections.

• Manages investment activity with external investment manager and finance/investment committee to make sure the investment manager stays within the investment strategy/policy.
• Monitors and stays informed of market activity in conjunction with CFAO and Finance/Investment committee in order to monitor investments and the performance of investment managers.
• Monitors operating reserves to align with investment strategy and council needs.
• Responsible for fixed assets accounting and related depreciation calculations.

Budget Planning – Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and modeling.

• Manages the development of budget templates, tools, processes, and training for managers.
• Works with CFAO to develop budget assumptions with Senior Management.
• Oversees budget development by collecting and compiling departmental budget requests, reviewing with CFAO and managers to select and cut items to ensure budgets balance fairly across all departments and align with council strategy.
• Works with CFAO and HR Director to determine personnel factors that will affect the operating budget.
• Works with CFAO and relevant directors to determine fixed asset needs and funding options that will impact the preparation of the capital budget.

Risk Management - Ability to understand, analyze, and identify risk strategies (e.g., internal controls, insurance, contracts, policies, and procedures); knowledge of GSUSA policies, as well as laws and regulations at the national, state, and local level that impact the council.

• Manages risk and compliance by arranging for internal and external audits and tax and information filings.
• Reviews vendor contracts and agreements to reduce operational and reputation risk for the council.
• Manages the process of vendor approval for first-time vendors, through multi-level approvals and timely review.
• Recommends changes to organizational practices based on the risk management assessment.
• Anticipates, analyzes, and provides recommendations concerning strategy to minimize potential exposure for the organization and secure appropriate insurance coverage.
• Develops/documents internal control framework which includes policies and procedures to minimize risk.
• Participates in interviews with auditors regarding organizational risk management and internal procedures along with CFAO and CEO.
• Establishes contingency plans to address enterprise-wide risks (e.g. internal and external).
• Manages the process on annual insurance renewals with the Risk Manager and Risk Coordinator and ensures the organization is sufficiently protected and all assets are appropriately accounted for.
• Meets with CFAO regularly to discuss overall financial performance, budgeting, address problems, and questions (e.g., threats to the budget).

• Represents the Risk department on the Return to Work Task force, staying abreast of new orders, regulations and laws as released by the state, county and CDC.
• Applies laws, regulations, and GSUSA policies to council policies and procedures (e.g., ownership of assets, records retention, document destruction, and whistle blower protection).
• Monitors compliance with internal controls and all financial policies and procedures by council staff (e.g., regarding assets, inventory, and payroll) and key volunteers.
• Oversees or advises on collections management practices to ensure they are in compliance with Fair Debt Collections Practices and state laws and regulations.

Staff Management & Development

• Oversees the hiring, training and supervision of staff including staff performance reviews, and planning performance goals.
• Guides department staff to enhance skills, achieve strong and purposeful relationships with constituents and promote professional growth.
• Ensures the finance staff provides courteous, professional and knowledgeable customer service.
• Assigns work, clarifies expectations and monitors/evaluates progress of assignments on an on-going basis. Offers support when individuals are confronted with problems.
• Encourages and supports cross functional work with all departments to maximize success in achieving the Council’s strategic priorities.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and make decisions.

Administration/Management

• Develops strong working relationships with CFAO, Senior Management Team members, Budget Managers and staff.
• Effectively coordinates with Human Resources on all staffing, benefits and payroll-related matters.
• Actively participates in GSUSA Council Finance activities and events.
• Works in partnership with other operational and organizational functions to support organizational mission, goals and strategic priorities. Aligns objectives and plans with other council initiatives and projects and represents the finance function on the management team.

Skill, Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required or significant experience in lieu of education
• CPA strongly preferred (active or inactive status)
• Minimum of 8 years progressive experience in accounting with a minimum of 5 years in a nonprofit organization
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role as Director of Finance/Controller
• Previous supervisory and managerial responsibilities
• Demonstrated leadership, collaborative, management, and interpersonal skills
• Possess team-building skills
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Natural problem-solver and keen ability to successfully troubleshoot
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Advanced Excel skills required
• Hands-on experience with nonprofit accounting software; Abila MIP experience a plus
• Ability to project a high level of professionalism while networking in the public arena.
• Ability to speak passionately and with conviction about the organizational mission and its importance.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and some weekends
• Ability to travel throughout the jurisdiction.

Additional Organizational Requirements

• Subscribe to the principles of the Girl Scout Movement.
• Possess a positive attitude with strong work ethic, integrity and honesty
• Must be flexible, adaptable and willing to thrive in an ever changing/fast-paced environment.
• Develop and maintain sensitivity to employee diversity in the workplace.
• Behave in ways that demonstrate respectful treatment of other employees, volunteers and girls.
• Practice pluralism and be inclusive with the services provided.