Controller for SMART program

*****UPDATED DEADLINE: Friday, October 17, 2008*****

SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) is seeking a Controller to manage the day to day accounting and financial planning activities.

SMART is a dynamic non-profit that partners with hundreds of schools across the state to deliver proven literacy support to K-3 children. Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families. Our vision is an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed.

The successful candidate must have a passionate commitment to helping Oregon’s children read and have experience in financial planning, budget management, and risk management. The Controller ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and implements policies, procedures that conform to generally accepted accounting principles and processes that support the strategic direction of SMART. Please see job description below.

For more information please visit our website at www.getsmartoregon.org. To apply please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements via email at [email protected] or fax (503)937-4859, ATTN: Human Resources. Application deadline is October 10, 2008.

Job Description

Position Title: Controller

Status: Exempt

Position Summary: The Controller has primary responsibility for managing the day-to-day accounting functions at SMART. The Controller also manages or assists with special projects on an as-needed basis, and liaises with other departments and area offices. This is a hands-on position, requiring an ability to handle day-to-day accounting duties, as well as the financial planning activities for the organization. The Controller is accountable for financial planning, budget management, and risk management. The Controller ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and implements policies, procedures that conform to generally accepted accounting principles and processes that support the strategic direction of SMART.

Reports To: CEO

Direct Reports: Finance & Accounting Manager

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial / Budget Preparation Duties: • Develops recommendations for the CEO, the Board and related Committees in all matters pertaining to the overall financial objectives • Directs the development of and monitors the annual budget. Analyzes and reviews budgetary and financial data • Provides financial analysis and management reports including cash flow projections to the CEO and the Board • Proactively reviews SMART’s accounting, financial reporting and internal control policies and procedures to seek continuous improvement and to achieve government and regulatory compliance • Review all balance sheet accounts and ledgers, ensuring reconciliation to the general ledger on a monthly basis • Reconcile donations to the Development Department records and grant revenue and expenses to the Grants Management records on a monthly and annual basis • Prepare and maintain fixed asset schedules • Maintain and develop the computerized accounting system • Documenting financial processes • Provides financial data, cost analysis, and recommendations for all new and current programs • Works with Development team to provide budgets, financial statements, and other information in support of SMART’s fundraising goals

Accounting: • Oversees all accounts of the organization (i.e., Operating, Endowment, Capital, Payroll, etc.) • Manages the cash flow position of the organization’s accounts • Responsible for accounts receivable, billing, and collections and banking • Responsible for accounts payable, vendor contracts and invoices • Responsible for general ledger, accrual accounting, and fund accounting. Manages the annual audit • Ensures an effective and efficient system of internal control • Maintains compliance with governmental regulations and GAAP • Reconciles endowment and gift accounting • Prepares and maintains monthly, quarterly, annual financial statements / reports for the Board and as required

Other • Responsible for risk management and crisis planning. Acts as the liaison with insurance providers • Keeps the CEO and Board apprised of risk management issues, liability, rates, coverage and claims • Point of contact for legal / legislative issues impacting the organization, acts as liaison with professional community (attorneys, accountants, etc.) • Participate in the work of the management team and other duties as required by the CEO • Attend quarterly Board and Finance Committee meetings

Minimum Qualifications • This position requires a relevant four-year degree or equivalent experience in Accounting / Business. • Minimum of five years of experience in non-profit finance • Working knowledge of manual and automated accounting systems, knowledge of ACCPAC preferred • Extremely strong financial analysis capabilities • Excellent math skills, with emphasis in accuracy and precision • Strategic thinker/creative problem solver with the ability to take a big-picture approach to problem solving and understand the long-term view and objectives and develop creative solutions • Can effectively manage conflicting agendas, adjusts readily to multiple demands, shifting priorities, and rapid change • Develops effective working relationships, handles situations with credibility, honesty, professionalism, and confidence • Works effectively on own with minimal direction or feedback; and willingly makes own decisions • Ability to operate as a member of a team by openly sharing information and ideas, proactively seeking input and feedback to enhance individual performance and that of team, and a willingness to take on other responsibilities when work loads or shifting priorities require it • Possess strong computer skills in Excel and accounting systems • Strong communication and presentation skills Ability to represent the agency with confidence in a variety of situations.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and/or sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for the position.