Controller

Overview

SUMMARY:

Huntington Medical Research Institutes is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through patient-focused scientific research. Our scientists' research focuses on the connection between the brain and heart, developing diagnostic tools to help treat common diseases of these vital organs that affect every family.

The Controller directs and has immediate responsibility for accounting policies and procedures, the maintenance of financial records, the budget process, and the preparation of financial reports. Directs and has overall supervisory responsibility for general accounting, budgeting and financial analysis, cash management, accounts receivable, regulatory compliance, payroll, and property administration functions. Responsible for evaluating operating results in terms of costs, budgets, policies of operations and financial projections.

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, supervises the work of the accounting department employees, and interfaces with other HMRI staff members.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Plans, directs, and coordinates all accounting operational functions (payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable)
• Coordinates and prepares internal and external financial statements to ensure reliable, relevant, and timely financial reporting for all Institute stakeholders.
• Manages the annual and multi-year operating and capital budget process including forecasting and cash planning.
• Coordinates activities of external auditors. 
• Provides management with information vital to the decision-making process.
• Implement, monitor and evaluate accounting and internal control systems. 
• Oversee regulatory reporting, frequently coordinating activities with external tax accountants. 
• Ensures Retirement and Health & Welfare benefit plans are administrated in accordance with statutory requirements and plan documents, including serving as plan trustee and administrating 403b and 457 retirement plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and external accounting, audit, tax, and consulting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards specific to the Not-for-Profit sector.
• Hires, trains, and retains skilled accounting staff.
• The Controller also performs a wide range of job duties as assigned and requested.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA or MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with a minimum of 2 years as a Controller. 
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP
• Working knowledge of financial preparation, not-for-profit reporting, budget preparation and analysis, cost accounting, fund accounting, audit procedures, and tax compliance. 
• Advanced working knowledge of fund accounting software.
• Grants administration experience and knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and contracts administration is required, in particular with government grant funding through the National Institute of Health (NIH).
• Significant experience with cost allocation methodologies.
• Familiarity with US Government negotiated indirect rates and methodologies preferred.
• Outstanding computer skills. Must be proficient with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Zoom.
• Prior experience training and retaining skilled accounting staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all levels of an organization.
• Strong leadership skills with a dedication to driving and achieving results.
• Knowledge of employee relationship building and performance management techniques.
• Ability to be a team player; support and assist team members.
• Good judgment and decision-making capability.
• Must be a reliable and conscientious self-starter.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, building respect, consensus, and trust across reporting lines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Staff Accountant
• Accounts Payable and Receivable
• Payroll Manager

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and speak or listen.  The employee frequently is required to use hands, fingers, and arms to operate personal computers, telephones, and other business-related equipment. The employee is rarely required to stand and walk.

While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds.