Comptroller

Comptroller

Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $85,000–$90,000

Reports to: Executive Director

Edith Wharton Restoration, Inc. — The Mount, Edith Wharton Cultural Center

The Mount is a vibrant cultural center inspired by the life and work of American author Edith Wharton (1862–1937), set among her historic home and gardens in Lenox, Massachusetts. Here, history, literature, and nature come together to spark ideas, creativity, connections, and meaningful cultural experiences.

Position Summary

The Comptroller, in coordination with the Executive Director, oversees the organization’s accounting and financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial management. The Comptroller leads day-to-day finance activities, supports planning and reporting, maintains strong financial controls and compliance, and provides financial insight to organizational leadership. The position also supports the implementation, migration, integration, and ongoing improvement of the organization’s financial systems and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the organization’s day-to-day accounting and financial operations and provide direction, support, and mentoring to Finance Department staff.
• Manage the monthly general ledger close, including accruals, deferred revenue, account reconciliations, schedules, and other closing procedures.
• Maintain and improve accounting controls, internal audit procedures, and financial reporting processes.
• Prepare and analyze financial reports and provide financial information to the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, department leaders, grantors, and other funding sources.
• Prepare the annual budget in coordination with the Executive Director and department leaders.
• Monitor cash flow, maintain banking relationships, and provide financial analysis to support organizational decision-making.
• Coordinate the annual audit, serve as liaison with the independent auditor, and maintain required supporting schedules.
• Support the Board Investment Committee by providing financial information and administering operating reserves and endowment funds in accordance with organizational policies.
• Assist with federal and state government reporting.
• Collaborate with the Development Department to monitor grants, restricted gifts, and pledges and prepare financial information for grant applications and reports.
• Serve as backup for biweekly payroll submission to the third-party vendor.
• Serve as the point of contact for the organization’s insurance agencies.

Financial Systems and Technology

• Support the implementation, migration, integration, testing, and ongoing improvement of the organization’s accounting and financial systems.
• Participate in data review, mapping, validation, reconciliation, and reporting activities associated with system changes or upgrades.
• Monitor system-generated transactions, reports, and data transfers for accuracy, completeness, appropriate coding, and proper timing.
• Investigate system errors, data discrepancies, workflow inefficiencies, and control weaknesses; coordinate resolutions with vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders; and assist with staff training and documentation.

Necessary Skills

• Strong nonprofit accounting and financial management skills, including fund accounting, grants, GAAP, restricted funds, and applicable federal and state compliance requirements.
• Sound accounting and financial judgment, with the ability to analyze financial information and make informed recommendations.
• Strong technological aptitude and proficiency with QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Excel, electronic workflows, financial reporting systems, and related technology tools.
• Ability to learn, navigate, and support the implementation, migration, integration, and ongoing improvement of accounting and financial systems.
• Ability to review and validate financial data, system-generated reports, reconciliations, and data transfers for accuracy and completeness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify discrepancies, investigate system or process issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to maintain accurate financial records, strengthen internal controls, improve processes, and meet established deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and collaborative communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff, leadership, vendors, consultants, and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing systems and processes, and work with integrity, initiative, reliability, and attention to detail.

Personal Values and Characteristics

• High integrity, sound judgment, dependability, and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, organized, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Collegial, collaborative, accessible, and confident.
• Effective communicator and consensus-building leader with a bias toward action.
• Commitment to The Mount’s mission and strategic plan.

Education and Experience

• Seven or more years of progressive finance or accounting experience, including nonprofit or fund accounting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field required; MBA or CPA preferred.
• Experience with QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Excel, accounting software, and financial reporting systems required.
• Experience with financial system implementation, migration, conversion, integration, or upgrades preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods and use a computer, keyboard, and mouse. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, climb stairs, and lift or move materials weighing up to 15 pounds. Close vision is required for reading financial documents and reviewing computer-screen data.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be asked to perform other job-related duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. All employees of Edith Wharton Restoration, Inc. are employed on an at-will basis. Either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.