Controller

ABOUT US

The vision of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is a healthy, thriving, sustainable Eastern Connecticut with greater equity for all. Our mission is to collaborate with partners to put philanthropy into action to address the needs, rights, and interests of our community in Eastern Connecticut. We embrace integrity, equity, respect, courage and empathy as our values and our work is to convene and serve as a thought partner and strategic advocate with community leaders, donors, nonprofits, and other partners to ensure collective impact around our focus areas and to advance wellbeing in our region.

CFECT has over 600 funds established by generous caring individuals and families in our region. The Foundation was established in 1983 and currently stewards approximately $125 million in assets. We serve 42 municipalities in Eastern Connecticut and have awarded over $96 million in grants and scholarships since our founding.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reports to:  President and CEO

The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations for the Foundation’s $110+ million in assets, working in close collaboration with staff, Board, Finance committees, and investment advisors. The Controller will build and manage effective and streamlined systems to support the financial functions of the Foundation, including fund accounting, payroll, accounts payable, financial analysis, oversight of investment activity, budgets, and audit support. The Controller is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate and timely financial records and reporting in compliance with GAAP. The ideal candidate will have excellent project management experience, strong relationship management and interpersonal skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic workplace environment.

Duties and responsibilities

• Oversight of all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems; manage and execute all basic accounting procedures related to payables and receivables.
• Development and tracking of annual operational budget, including regular reporting. Monitor capital needs in accordance with organizational policies.
• Ensure appropriate gift entry, management, and reporting, coordinating closely with staff. 
• Ensure the secure and accurate deposit and investment of all revenues.
• Assist in fund establishment and valuation/disposition of non-cash gifts.
• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines. Maintain cash flows by performing asset rebalancing to portfolios.
• Oversee payroll and benefits administration, including reporting, maintaining employer tax records and returns.
• In consultation with external auditors, oversee and coordinate all audit activity and related documents, including requirements for single-audits.
• Maintain all required regulatory compliance regarding financial transactions and reporting.
• Staff the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees; prepare minutes.
• Monitor insurance policies for staff, volunteers, and property and engage VP and CEO in an annual review.
• Supervise Administrative & Finance Assistant and verify prompt payment of bills.
• Responsible for initiating, developing, and implementing financial policies and procedures and keeping current on best practices.
• Maintain strong internal controls to prevent fraud.
• Advise the CEO on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
• Contribute to the development of CFECT’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues.

Qualifications

• Business or Accounting degree mandatory, a master’s in business administration is preferred.
• CPA preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including active listening skills, proofreading and editing, and the ability to communicate complex ideas for general and specific audiences.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer technology including applications for project and data management and electronic calendars (Excel, Windows, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook required). Experience working with Foundant software (CSuite, GLM, SLM) a plus. 
• Experience in and knowledge of the nonprofit sector, foundations, and investment management.

Personal Leadership Qualities

The Controller should demonstrate:

• Understanding of the work of a community foundation and a clear commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values.
• The highest levels of personal and professional integrity and confidentiality.
• The ability to build trusting relationships and balance diverging and competing points of view.
• A strong sense of motivation and creativity.
• Willingness to ask difficult questions and challenge assumptions.
• Awareness of external trends and information that may impact the Foundation.
• Strong organizational communications, internally and externally.

Working conditions

Works in a typical office setting.

Physical requirements

• The ability to spend a majority of each day sitting at a desk in front of a computer. May be required to lift up to 30lbs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity of views, backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives to better achieve our mission. 

To Apply: Send a letter of interest with your resume to Megan Brown at megan@cfect.org.