Controller

Athens Administrators•Concord, CA

25d•Hybrid

About The Position

Athens Administrators has an immediate need for an experienced, hands-on, detail and process-oriented yet strategic and analytical, highly motivated Controller to support our multiple privately-owned and operated businesses. The position will work onsite from the corporate office on Stanwell Drive in Concord, CA. Athens offices are open for business Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. local time. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday at 37.5 hours a week. A hybrid schedule may be considered. Under direction of the CFO, the Controller will be accountable for the accounting and banking operations, with a strong focus on treasury functions, client escrow-funds account management, financial reporting, month-end close, corporate accounting, payroll oversight and managing a department of over 17 employees, among other responsibilities. A key component of this position includes assisting the CFO and VP of IT in process improvement projects as well as improvements in day-to-day activities related to corporate fiscal management. Incumbent will also be responsible for the maintenance of a comprehensive set of financial-related systems, processes and controls designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported results, and ensure those results comply with generally accepted accounting principles. This position oversees Client Accounting Specialists who manage the daily transactions in and reconciliations of 250+ client escrow-funds bank accounts, held in 10+ separate banks. An ideal candidate will embody Athens’ Core Values fostering a caring culture and teamwork and be a strong, positive communicator who enjoys partnering with others to lead Athens’ continued success. The Controller position has a broad width of duties, from preparing complex deferred revenue journal entries and reviewing payroll check runs to setting department goals and objectives based on CFO input and Athens’ corporate goals and objectives. Key projects for the coming year will include improving the client-accounting processes and billing, streamlining the contract revenue-clause workflow and continuing the initial implementation of the new Accounting system (Workday) and its ongoing development over the next few years including a new company credit card program. A positive can-do attitude, strong initiative, love of digging in and getting figured out, self-awareness, team spirit, high emotional intelligence, and high adaptive intelligence are essential characteristics for this position to guide the Accounting team during the company’s growth and step changes in infrastructure that are needed right now.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or professional designation in Accounting or Finance required
Minimum 10 years financial/accounting experience inclusive of: 5 years in a Controller capacity
5 years in general and project accounting that includes responsibility for a full-cycle financial close
Strong understanding of GAAP principles, accounting concepts, legal and tax requirements, and financial management and reporting best practices
Highly advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite products, especially Excel.
Ability to learn additional computer programs
Ability to type quickly, accurately and for prolonged periods
Superior customer service
Employing a “get the job done” attitude
Able to build constructive and effective relationships with a broad and diverse group of business partners
Proven leadership skills fostering a safe, fair, caring and collaborative work environment
Reasoning ability, including problem-solving and analytical skills, i.e., proven ability to research and analyze facts, identify issues and make appropriate recommendations and solutions for resolution
Exacting standards for accuracy and thoroughness in self and direct reports with superior organizational, time management and project management skills
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and changes, with flexibility, positivity, timeliness, and efficiency
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail
Total commitment to the success of projects, teammates, and company with ability to take ownership
High Emotional Intelligence and Adaptive Intelligence
Proven history of creating innovative strategies and methods to constantly improve service and results
Ability to carefully review detailed records prior to sending to correct parties
Able to attend both local and occasional overnight meetings and/or conferences
Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task
Ability to type quickly, accurately and for prolonged periods
Acts trustworthy, dependable, and team-oriented for fellow employees and the organization
Seeks to include innovative strategies and methods to provide a high level of commitment to service and results
Demonstrates care and concern for fellow team members and clients in a professional and friendly manner
Acts with integrity in difficult or challenging situations and is a trustworthy, dependable contributor.
Maintaining confidentiality, honesty and integrity is essential.

Nice To Haves

MBA in Business, Finance, or relevant field (preferred)
CPA or CMA designations (preferred)
Insurance accounting (preferred)
Third Party Administrator (TPA) experience (preferred)
Advanced ability in Workday Financial Accounting software (highly desirable)
Advanced ability in Great Plains accounting software, our legacy system (preferred)
Experience with privately-owned or family-run business (highly desirable)

Responsibilities

Direct and/or perform all treasury functions, opening new bank accounts (monthly for new clients) and coordinating with bank personnel and IT team to set up the proper online services
Direct and/or perform banking transactions (i.e., transfer of funds) for all corporate, shareholder and client funds
Monitor cash balances – corporate and client-funds (300+ accounts); prepare Statement of Cash Flows
Manage onboarding for all new clients– direct client interaction to set up their unique banking and reporting requirements, including the establishment of their escrow and prefund limits
Oversee Client-Accounting Manager and team responsible for the daily, monthly, quarterly processes, monthly client bank account reconciliations and client reporting
Resolve escalated client, client accounting and claims payment issues; assist staff with troubleshooting
Ensure anti-fraud measures are updated and maintained for the safety of our client’s funds
Directly perform and manage month end close process, and oversee the complex monthly billing ensuring the timely closing of the books
Manage monthly intercompany transactions and allocations, including preparation of journal entries to properly present each entity’s results
Manage and prepare deferred revenue reconciliations, analysis and roll forwards by client/program
Oversee the Excess Claims Volume analysis and billing process
Prepare and review financial statements, including trend and comparative analysis, before the close for accuracy and completeness, making accruals or adjustments as needed and research answers to CFO’s financial analysis questions
Oversee AP and AR employees; ensuring that accounts payable, customer billings, collections, and cash applications are processed accurately and executed timely
Provide staff with templates with which they will prepare monthly billings, amortizations, etc.
Oversee 1099 filings prepared by staff
Manage Shareholder distributions in coordination with the CFO and external tax accountants
Review and/or prepare Balance Sheet reconciliations
Assist CFO in the accounting of complex, non‐recurring transactions including mergers, acquisitions, refinancing, restructuring, recapitalization, and other transactions, including preparation of complex journal entries, and drafting of accounting memos and footnote disclosures in the reviewed financial statements
Responsible for the accounting of all leases, contracts and any other legal records and documents which may affect the financial status of the company
Prepare supporting schedules for bank covenant calculations as applicable (none at this time)
Coordinate with and prepare workpapers for the preparation of annual tax return by the external CPA firm
Oversee the preparation of required Federal and State financial and payroll reports and tax compliance, 401(K), and regulatory financial reporting
Oversee/manage required audits/reviews, inclusive of payroll audits for carriers, property, and sales tax
Prepare year-end review workpapers and act as contact point for external CPA firm’s reviews
Provide proper supporting documentation in response to audit, tax, and due diligence requests
Manage all business tax licenses and ensure Athens is properly registered for paying payroll and conducting business in all required jurisdictions
Monitor, supervise and creatively look for ways to improve the accounting department’s daily routines to ensure smooth, effective, and efficient daily work practices
Play a key role in the selection and implementation of enhancements or changes in accounting systems. Work with counterparts in company to continuously improve company and claims processes and efficiencies. Recommend and assist in the design and implementation of department policies and procedures
Review and approve everyl Payroll check run in detail and review all payroll processes including the accounting of and keeping detailed records for a non-qualified deferred compensation plan with a rabbi trust and 401(k) plan, reviewing monthly PTO and salary accruals, and preparation of Key Performance Indicators for payroll calculation and processing
Prepare department budget and analyze monthly differences to the budget
Assist CFO in the preparation of the company-wide budget, including template preparation, consolidation of department input and import into the Accounting software
Assist CFO with monthly variance analysis of actual to budget
Manage corporate credit card administration authorize all new cards/users
Complete questionnaires for annual corporate insurance renewals
Manage software licenses for Accounting functions (Workday, GP, Cyberlink, 1099 Express, etc.)
Stay current with the latest technology, evaluate with management, and implement on a timely basis.
Communicate and alert CFO and management to issues that occur while executing responsibilities; offer corrective actions to cure and implement preventative measures for the future
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Supervising, scheduling, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating the work of assigned staff. Building trusting and effective relationships with direct reports while fostering growth and retention. Will set goals, conduct performance reviews, train, cross-train, and develop team. Direct training and conduct regular team meetings to keep team informed and educated. Actively develop, coach, discipline, and counsel direct reports. Encourage regular communication, support, and camaraderie. Act as a role model of the Athens Core Values and fostering our caring family culture. Directly manage 6 employees initially, including a Senior Payroll Specialist, Client Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant and staff performing AR, Billing and AP functions. Indirectly manage 10 Client Accounting Specialists and a Client Accounting Supervisor Plan for future staffing needs for succession and growth Create individual development plans for team members