Controller

About the role

Under the direction of the Director of Finance & Accounting, the Controller manages the organization’s accounting operations and financial reporting activities. This position establishes and maintains accounting systems, procedures, policies, and internal controls; oversees financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, audits, tax compliance, and required filings; and presents findings and recommendations to management. The Controller manages departmental priorities and staff, supports broad Finance & Accounting objectives, and drives accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting activities.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve accounting systems, procedures, policies, and internal controls to promote accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes and the timely preparation and issuance of financial statements for all entities.
• Validate the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and account reconciliations.
• Lead annual financial audits for the organization and benefit plans and coordinate audit schedules, documentation, and responses.
• Oversee the accounting for foreign exchange on Canadian operations.
• Oversee the preparation and filing of U.S. and Canadian tax returns, payroll and consumption tax filings, government forms, and other required reports for all entities and benefit plans.
• Ensure accounting practices comply with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable governmental and regulatory requirements; provide guidance on technical accounting matters.
• Prepare and review cash analyses and projections for operations, reserves, pension funds, and other organizational needs.
• Lead or support the annual budgeting process and monthly projection and forecasting activities.
• Lead financial and business analysis, and develop reports that support planning, decision-making, and organizational objectives.
• Present financial results, significant findings, risks, and recommendations to management.
• Develop departmental goals aligned with broader functional and organizational objectives and implement approved policies across assigned accounting functions.
• Manage, coach, and develop accounting staff; delegate work, monitor performance, conduct performance appraisals, and provide ongoing feedback.
• Partner with Accounting and other departments to identify and implement process improvements, automation, and operational efficiencies.

Supervisory responsibilities

This position has supervisory/management responsibilities for all assigned members of the Accounting/Finance team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required; a Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum of 3 years’ successful managerial experience, overseeing an accounting function.
• Experience directing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audits, tax compliance, internal controls, and required governmental or regulatory filings.

Qualifications & skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting operations, financial reporting, generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, audit practices, and tax and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a departmental function, establish priorities and goals, develop and implement policies, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and present practical recommendations.
• Proven leadership, staff development, delegation, and performance-management capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate financial information effectively to management and nonfinancial stakeholders.
• High degree of accuracy, integrity, sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, accounting software, and CRM systems is required; Microsoft Dynamics GP/Great Plains and Management Reporter is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased efficiency.

Travel requirements

This position may intermittently require travel for work, up to 10% of the time.

Work environment

This position is expected to work from the corporate headquarters office in Brookfield, WI, Monday through Friday. This is an office environment with typical office conditions. Following a successful training period (and pending each individual's ability to effectively work from an appropriately-equipped home office, per the terms of the Hybrid Work Policy), incumbents may be permitted to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, as business needs allow, in up to a 60/40 (onsite/remote) hybrid schedule. The Foundation reserves the right to modify or discontinue the current hybrid schedule at any time as business needs dictate.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10–50 pounds (e.g., a case of printer paper). Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation & benefits

The base salary for this exempt-level position starts at $120,000/year, based on experience. The Foundation offers a generous total rewards package including:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical plan (includes 24/7 Teledoc), vision plan, dental plan
• FSA (medical and dependent care)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability, short-term disability
• Ample PTO (vacation, sick, holidays)
• Retirement plan: defined benefit (pension) plan AND non-elective company 401(k) contribution AND 401(k) matching contribution
• Unique perks: free Milwaukee County Zoo passes, on-site fitness center with yoga, stretch, and strength training classes, mindfulness sessions, bocce league, game nights, cribbage club

About us

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is North America’s largest membership organization for those who work with employee benefit plans. The Foundation’s employees make a significant impact on the livelihoods of millions of workers across the U.S. and Canada through education and research for the benefits community. Employees enjoy an outstanding benefits package, unique employee perks, creative and caring co-workers — all within a family-friendly workplace. The Foundation is located on a 15-acre wooded campus in the heart of Brookfield. Visit www.ifebp.org or connect on social media.