Controller

Description:

Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, the Controller will have both internal and external facing responsibilities, ranging from fiscal analysis and guidance. The Controller will, as part of the AFN senior staff, provide leadership and fiscal guidance ensuring a balanced budget across AFN efforts as a whole, its regional chapters, and projects. The Controller’s particular focus will include balance sheet monitoring, project and regional budget (revenue and expenditure) performance reports, and twice a year budget reconciliation and planning. The Controller will work closely with all the senior staff including the Membership Director and HR Director.

Overarching Objectives

In consultation with the CEO and Managing Director,
Preparing and presenting AFN’s annual budget for the fiscal year (calendar year) using the accrual accounting method, balance sheet and performance against budget to the President, Finance and Executive Committee of the Board, and the Board of Directors
Preparing an amended mid-year budget reflecting cumulative and projected revenue and expenditures for the fiscal year
Preparing and providing regional balance sheets twice a year to regional Steering Committees through their staff
Analyzing expenditures on staff against funded projects, regions and general revenues to allow HR to adjust staffing contracts consistent with a balanced budget,
Engaging as the lead with the independent auditor, the Board Treasurer, and CEO managing the audit process

As appropriate, the objectives will focus on all or some of the following objectives and tactics:

Fiscal Analysis, Budget, and Reports to Senior Staff and the Board

Serve as a staff member providing reports to the AFN Executive Committee of the Board
Serve as a member and co-chair of the Finance Committee
Prepare and present fiscal reports for board oversight 6 times a year
Reviewing fiscal reports with the President monthly, addressing and managing the budget to affirm new spending
Provide revenue analysis forecasts to authorize new initiatives
Oversight and sign off on monthly bank reconciliations

Grants, Expenditure and Revenue Oversight

Where Controller approval is required, sign off (In coordination with Membership Director and either Managing Director and/or CEO) on any grant or proposal request process for sponsorship opportunities e.g. conference, task force, brief or otherwise
Ensure that restricted funds as to purpose or time are properly accounted for
Review and sign off on expenditures charged to the CEO’s credit card

Regional and Project Budget Oversight

Provide support to regional AFN chapters, including budget (rolled up revenue and expenditure) reports to understand their financial resources and their planned activities, per organizational practices.
Update or as needed develop template budgets for planned regions, briefs, and projects
Co-develop with staff or review program budgets to ensure all revenues and costs are uniquely captured

Manage Fiscal Processes and Supervise AFN Staff Accountant

Act as bank liaison, resolving various issues with banking institutions.
Oversee fiscal operations and supervise staff including: bookkeeping, bank relationship, contractual commitments, invoice processing, systems management, and cash flow
Serve as the lead point of contact with fiscal processes compliance
Update annually the indirect cost and the operating reserve calculations

Support AFN Growth and Member Relations

Review and utilize membership pipeline reports 
Participate in internal planning and priority setting ensuring appropriate fiscal planning for projects or regions

Legal Compliance

With the CEO, maintain AFN’s IRS tax-exempt status through annual tax filings
With CEO and Human Resources Director, oversee corporate compliance as an Illinois non-profit corporation
Oversee submission of annual reports, state by state charitable fundraising registration, payroll compliance, and corporate compliance as an Illinois non-profit corporation
Direct the process to ensure adequate and appropriate D&O insurance and payroll related insurance is maintained

May perform other projects or duties as assigned.

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Full COVID-19 vaccination required.
5+ years in a senior management position in a nonprofit organization or philanthropy; or demonstrable skills and experience to deliver the type of work required
BA required; preferred: Advanced/MBA degree
Track record delivering superior results, commanding respect, and assuming leadership roles. 
Willingness, interest, and capacity to enforce accountability, develop and empower leaders from the bottom up, cultivate a culture of initiative and learning
Experience and comfort providing fiscal reports and leading meetings.
Success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities
Demonstrated proficiency with Google Sheets and Excel (VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, SUMIF, SUBTOTAL, Pivot Tables)
Demonstrated expertise in QuickBooks Online accounting software
Accurate recording and understanding of Adjusting Journal Entries (AJEs)