Controller

The First Church of Christ, Scientist; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mother Church in Boston is seeking a Controller to lead the Treasurer’s Office and manage daily general ledger, audit, AR/AP operations, and internal controls. This role requires strong accounting leadership in a not-for-profit environment, with oversight of policies and system improvements.

You will supervise accounting staff, coordinate audits, and ensure timely monthly closings and financial reporting, while upholding confidentiality and organizational standards.

Qualifications

• BA in accounting, business, or finance; CPA and/or master’s degree in accounting highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in accounting, financial, and business management, with a preference for experience in not-for-profit institutions.
• Strong background in accounting and financial systems; proven organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Accounting Manager and the Manager, AP / AR as they oversee the daily work of their accounting teams.
• Oversee the policies and procedures for accounting, audit, and AP / AR; implement internal controls.
• Ensure timely monthly close by the 10th business day and accurate external reporting.
• Lead and coordinate audits with the Accounting, Audit, and Tax Director; propose improvements based on audit outcomes.

Skills

Financial systems management

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA

Master's degree in accounting

Tools

Google Docs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

The Controller works with a team of engaged professionals supporting the diverse activities of a worldwide Church with a mission to bless humanity. The Controller is an active participant in the management and general leadership of the Treasurer’s Office. The Controller sets an example for the entire Treasurer’s Office and Church organization in ethics, professionalism, the Golden Rule, and basic Church standards.

Job Details

Description

Department: Treasurer’s Office

Summary

The Controller works with a team of engaged professionals supporting the diverse activities of a worldwide Church with a mission to bless humanity. The Controller is an active participant in the management and general leadership of the Treasurer’s Office. The Controller sets an example for the entire Treasurer’s Office and Church organization in ethics, professionalism, the Golden Rule, and basic Church standards.

Reporting to the Accounting, Audit, and Tax Director in the Treasurer’s Office, the Controller leads and manages the daily key functions of general ledger, audit, accounts receivable (AR), and accounts payable (AP), ensuring timeliness and accuracy as well as the integrity of systems and reporting. The Controller applies an understanding of technology-based tools and solutions to streamline and improve the effectiveness of the Church’s accounting processes and works on complex accounting projects requiring specialized skills.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Overall responsibilities:

• Supervise the Accounting Manager and the Manager, AP / AR as they oversee the daily work of their accounting teams.
• Ensure adequate staff and other resources are in place to carry out the work.
• Manage a documented system of accounting, audit, and AP / AR policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures in accounting and financial reporting, as needed, with a continued focus on process improvement and an effective, orderly accounting system.
• Develop, implement, document and maintain adequate and effective internal controls and separation of duties in general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Protect financial operations by ensuring strict confidentiality of all financial and business information.

Functional specific responsibilities:

• General ledger accounting (40%):
  • Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and management of general ledger to include proper account reconciliations, reconciliations of external inputs to resulting financial information, and accurate interfaces with external systems.
  • Oversee timely, accurate, and effective execution of core fiscal operations, including accounting, monthly close by the 10th business day, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and all required external reporting.
  • Produce accurate and timely monthly and yearly financial statements. Review the monthly accounting process closely including analytical review of the monthly operating results to ensure accurate accounting records are maintained.
• Accounts Payable and Receivable (AP/AR) (20%):
  • Oversee the procedures and processes of accounts payable systems. Ensure all internal controls needed are in place for timely and accurate bill processing, approvals, and payments. Coordinate with the Assistance Controller on payment approvals and banking matters.
  • Ensure proper processes and controls exist for Procurement’s set up and management of vendor payment and banking data.
  • Oversee the procedures and processes of accounts receivable systems. This includes customer billings and receivables, processing of donor contributions and coordination with the Assets Management Team
• Audits (30%):
  • Responsible for timely and accurate audit processes and deliverables. Prepare and review work papers and oversee the audit support work of the Accounting Manager, Manager AP/AR, and their teams.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for daily work with the auditors. Coordinate with the Accounting, Audit, and Tax Director in upfront planning of audits and ongoing performance of audits.
  • Propose improvements in policies and procedures, business operations, and financial decisions based on outcomes of audits.
• Special projects and systems (10%).
  • Serves as a resource and team member on specialized financial systems projects. Contributes to the design and implementation of new systems and conversions that relate to accounting and financial areas.
  • Supports existing financial software and applications in coordination with other Treasurer’s Office management and staff.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships

Supervisor: Accounting, Audit, and Tax Director

Supervises: Accounting Manager; Manager of AP / AR

Regular Contacts

The position has regular contact with staff and management throughout the department and the organization. It also has contact with outside firms providing accounting and administrative services for related financial services.

Education/Experience

JOB REQUIREMENTS

BA in accounting, business, or finance; CPA and/or master’s degree in accounting highly preferred. A minimum of 7 years of experience in accounting, financial, and business management, with a preference for experience in not-for-profit institutions.

Knowledge/Skills

This position requires a strong background in accounting and financial systems. Must have proven organizational skills. Needs the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be an effective manager and sensitive to the needs of employees.

Technology Skills

Financial systems management, Google Docs, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) skills are required.

Work Environment

This position works onsite for The Mother Church in Boston.

Engagement with Christian Science

Membership in The Mother Church required, Primary Class instruction highly preferred.

Background Checks

This position is required to complete a background check to be hired and annual background checks thereafter.

Pay range:

$145,701 - $189,409.80 annually

The pay ranges disclosed in our job postings are the compensation ranges the Church reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for a given position at the time of posting.

The offered salary will be determined by factors such as the applicant’s relevant education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities; and benchmarking, work location, and internal equity.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.