Controller

About the job

Job Summary

Investments & Wealth Institute is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting function and oversee financial reporting, accounting operations, and internal controls. The ideal candidate has strong technical accounting expertise, experience managing financial audits and accounting systems, and a demonstrated ability to lead staff and improve financial processes.

The Controller is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the Institute's financial records and reporting, including the monthly and year-end close, financial statements, revenue recognition under ASC 606, the annual audit and Form 990, internal controls, and the accounting function's operating plan and budget.

The Controller supervises accounting staff, administers the Institute's financial systems, and serves as the finance lead for the implementation of Sage Intacct, with responsibility for designing well-documented, automated processes where practical. The Controller provides financial information and analysis to the CFO, CEO, department heads, and the Finance & Audit Committee.

Key Responsibilities

• Set strategy, goals and priorities for the accounting function in line with organizational priorities and in collaboration with the fractional CFO.
• Develop and own the accounting operating plan and budget; support the organization-wide budget and reforecasts with the CFO and department heads.
• Lead the monthly and year-end close, targeting completion within 10 business days.
• Prepare financial statements, budget-to-actual reports and variance analysis for leadership and Finance & Audit Committee.
• Own the general ledger, chart of accounts, account reconciliations and journal entry review.
• Apply ASC 606 to all revenue streams (membership dues, certification and exam fees, conferences and events, education programs, sponsorships); maintain deferred revenue schedules and document recognition policies.
• Research and document technical positions, including ASC 958, ASC 842 leases and contributions.
• Manage the annual audit as the main contact for external auditors.
• Coordinate Form 990 and 990-T, sales and use tax, 1099s and other filings; maintain UBI and state registration compliance.
• Design, document and test internal controls (segregation of duties, approvals, system access); maintain accounting policies and SOPs.
• Oversee AP, AR, payroll accounting, expense management and cash management.
• Lead the finance side of the Sage Intacct implementation: chart of accounts and dimension design, data migration, integrations, testing and go-live.
• Administer Sage Intacct, FP&A tools and Ramp; automate manual processes and own AMS, payment platform and GL integrations.
• Hire, manage and develop accounting staff, building a culture of accuracy, documentation and continuous improvement.
• Represent accounting in leadership discussions and partner with peer Directors on cross-functional work.
• Serve as the CFO's backup, escalate significant risks, and act as a finance partner to staff across IWI.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including managing the month-end close and a financial statement audit from start to finish.
• Experience supervising staff and developing and managing a departmental budget.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including hands-on experience with ASC 606 across multiple revenue stream.
• Experience administrating cloud-based accounting systems, developing financial reports, and automating workflows, with advanced Excel skills.

Preferred

• Active CPA
• Non-profit or association experience (ASC 958, Form 990)
• Sage Intacct, ideally including an implementation; Martus, Ramp or similar tool
• Public accounting audit background; AMS-to-GL integrations.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance staff and committee members
• Advanced Excel skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a desk and computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to travel to Denver quarterly for meetings and organizational activities.

Benefits

Investments & Wealth Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, paid time off, paid holidays, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance resources, and professional development opportunities. Eligibility is subject to plan terms and employment status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Investments & Wealth Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Company Description

The Investments & Wealth Institute is a premier professional membership association and leading credentialing body for wealth management certifications in the United States and globally. It serves the educational and professional development needs of advanced financial advice practitioners, particularly those working with high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Institute members include successful wealth managers and advisors, RIA teams, ensemble practices, and enterprise-level leaders in the financial advice industry. The organization provides award-winning publications and a comprehensive suite of continuing education programs, including an online Academy, private classes, live seminars, and national conferences. Its three flagship certifications—CPWA®, RMA®, and CIMA®—are widely recognized as marks of deep expertise and professional excellence.