Controller

MSU Alumni Foundation • Bozeman, MT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Controller of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (“Alumni Foundation”) is the senior accounting position responsible for the integrity of financial records, external financial reporting for all entities and compliance with federal/state financial requirements and regulations. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance & Accounting, the Controller establishes internal controls, manages the general ledger, and oversees treasury and budgeting functions. This role ensures all accounting entries are proper, and assets are safeguarded while leading the finance team in daily operations.

Requirements

• Minimum of six years of progressive accounting experience, with at least four years in a leadership/managerial capacity.
• Proven experience in non-profit accounting and facilitating audits.
• In depth knowledge of GAAP and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for non-profits.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with financial reporting and data analytics platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or closely related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required.
• In-depth knowledge and experience applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) specific to non-profits.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with accounting databases and financial software and systems including financial reporting and data analytics platforms.
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Project management skills to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Highly organized, ability to act quickly while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proven track record of ethical and strategic leadership, collaborative problem solving, and positive program and personnel management and supervision.
• Excellent personal computer skills with ability to analyze financials, create original documents, perform varied research and communicate electronically.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to make effective public presentations.
• High standard of professional ethics.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Prior experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the finance and accounting department, including day-to-day management and performance of team members.
• Manage a team focused on general ledger accounting, reporting, budgeting, payroll and treasury.
• Direct the monthly and annual closing processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Mentor staff to maintain a high-performance, collaborative accounting culture.
• Deliver on-time, GAAP-compliant financial statements for all entities and the retirement plans that result in unqualified audit opinions.
• Serve as the lead and facilitate annual external audits for the Alumni Foundation, its subsidiaries, and retirement plans.
• Manage external tax preparers to ensure accurate and timely IRS and state filings.
• Ensure compliance with IRS, Secretary of State, and Department of Labor regulations.
• Develop and maintain robust systems of internal controls to protect the Alumni Foundation’s assets and ensure efficiency.
• Mitigate financial risk by ensuring the corporation and its people are adequately insured.
• Oversee the expense budgeting process and prepare quarterly revenue forecasts.
• Prepare financial performance reports to the Board of Governors and relevant committees.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives to align accounting with organizational financial planning.
• Manage day-to-day treasury operations and prepare long-term cash flow projections.
• Manage accounting and tax compliance for complex and planned gifts.
• Review annual endowment spending allocations and scholarship budgets.
• Affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative, and performance-centric work environment.
• Fulfill other responsibilities and duties as needed.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance (all of which are 90-100% employer-paid for employee-only coverage)
• 403(b) retirement plan with 7% employer contribution upon 1yr anniversary
• up to 5 weeks’ paid time-off
• 11 paid holidays
• tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level