Controller

THE CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY OF NEW YORK CITY (CAS), a top-performing organization in every dimension of fiscal control and integrity, seeks a dynamic, highly-motivated, results-oriented finance & accounting professional with a proven managerial and leadership track record to serve as Controller and Chief Accountant. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge and experience in accounting practice control standards and fiscal operations for not-for-profit organizations, as well as strong financial analytic skills, a relentless drive for business process improvement and a commitment to staff development.

For 160 years, the mission of The Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has been to help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-need New York City neighborhoods. We are at the forefront of innovative programs for children, each year touching the lives of over 70,000 children and families through an unparalleled range of services. With an annual budget of over $100 million and 2,000 staff, CAS is one of the largest social service providers in both NYC and the nation.
Position Summary:

The Controller reports directly to the CAS Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Primary responsibilities include:

1. Ensuring an appropriate internal control and fiscal integrity environment that supports the effective and efficient operation of CAS programs and administrative functions, in accordance with all applicable legal, regulatory, funder and best-practice standards and requirements.

2. Directing all central CAS accounting operations and functions, including accounts payable, cash management, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and monthly, quarterly and year-end financial close activities, ensuring their timely, accurate and efficient completion. Includes maintenance of the general ledger, chart of accounts, bank and other financial accounts.

3. Overseeing the annual financial audit and other periodic and ad-hoc external audits of CAS books and records and financial performance, and preparation of annual financial statements for CAS and related entities. Includes annual IRS Form 990 and similar State-required filings; cost reports for Medicaid and Foster Care funded services; and audits of retirement plans (defined benefit and defined contribution).

4. Preparing periodic and ad-hoc analyses, reports and explanations of financial and accounting matters and concerns for CAS senior and executive management, the CAS Board of Trustees (including the Audit/Insurance and Finance/Investment committees) and other key external parties (government agencies, private funders, financial ratings agencies, lending entities, etc.)

5. Improving efficiency and effectiveness of accounting processes and systems, while maintaining acceptable internal controls and fiscal integrity.

6. As a member of the senior CAS Fiscal leadership team, ensuring the smooth operation and business process flow amongst central Fiscal business operations (budget, claiming and reimbursement from public and private funders, purchasing and payroll, investments oversight and management, etc.)

7. Managing and supervising the CAS central Fiscal accounting team, ensuring proper segregation of duties as well as efficient and effective operations through delegation of responsibilities and skills and experience development of CAS accounting staff. Includes ensuring fiscal and accounting policy and procedure manuals and materials are maintained in a timely, accurate and comprehensive manner.

8. Completing periodic and ad-hoc financial and accounting research, analysis and reporting projects in a timely and accurate manner, providing relevant information and recommendations for senior and executive CAS management and other external parties as needed.

MINIMUM & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of an academic degree (Master’s level preferred) from an accredited educational institution in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration and ten years of progressively responsible professional accounting and/or financial management experience, including supervision of multiple accounting/financial functions and staff. Minimum of five years of experience in accounting or finance in not-for-profit sector. Certification as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred but not required.

• Thorough knowledge of current accounting and financial reporting methods and procedures, including complex financial transactions; expertise and experience with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules and standards; and external and internal audit practice and standards.

• Proven ability to analyze and interpret fiscal and accounting data and to prepare appropriate statements; establish and maintain a general ledger and chart of accounts for a large not-for-profit organization; and develop and maintain accounting and fiscal operations policies and procedures.

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), work ethic, and professionalism in engagement with superiors, peers and subordinate staff within CAS; and necessary external entities such as CAS Trustees, public and private funders, auditors, regulators and oversight agencies.

• Demonstrated experience in business process improvement involving information technology solutions and changes to accounting and fiscal systems and practices; and in staff staining and development.

• Leadership ability to work closely with other CAS central Fiscal units and program and administrative units across CAS in order to ensure efficient and effective operations overall, in line with the overarching mission and goals of CAS.

Please upload a cover letter and resume below:

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Children's Aid Society is an equal opportunity employer