Controller

At E&I Cooperative Services, we are transforming how universities and schools buy the goods and services they need to operate and thrive. By leveraging the power of cooperative purchasing, we help our 6,000+ member educational institutions save time, contain costs, and redirect critical resources to their core mission of education and research. With over 90 years of experience and a trusted brand, we now operate like a high-growth startup—launching innovative technology, data, and service solutions to meet the evolving needs of the education sector. As Controller, you’ll play a pivotal role in directing and managing our accounting operations, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, and overseeing all aspects of financial management—including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, internal control policies, and budget and forecast preparation. Your leadership will help our members achieve operational excellence, compliance, and cost control, positioning E&I as a true partner in their success. Are you energized by the opportunity to lead high-impact financial initiatives, influence strategic direction, and drive innovation in education procurement? If so, we’d love for you to join our growing team and help shape the future of financial services in education. What Makes E&I Unique Mission-Driven Impact: At E&I, your work directly supports the success of educational institutions nationwide, from universities to K-12 schools. Growth Culture: We are passionate about the power of culture to create conditions for excellence. We believe in the power of linking arms and lifting each other up in pursuit of common objectives. And we invest heavily in the personal and professional development of every single member of our team. The Best of All Worlds: We’re ninety years old - but act like a startup. We’re a non-profit cooperative - with a high-growth enterprise mindset. We work hard – and play hard. We love success - but reward failure that comes from bold ideas and big swings. We combine tradition with innovation, passion with purpose, and ambition with heart. What You Will Do Under the direction of the Executive Vice President, Finance, the Controller will be responsible for directing and managing the accounting operations and ensures the integrity of financial reporting. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, the development of internal control policies and procedures and support budget and forecast preparation. How You Will Do It Lead Monthly Close Process: Ensure timely and accurate completion of month-end close, including revenue recording, expense allocation, journal entries, and balance sheet analysis and reconciliations necessary for financial statement preparation. Support Financial Planning: Collaborate with the SVP and Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis to develop annual revenue and expense budgets and multi-year forecasts; distribute finalized plans across the organization. Prepare Financial Reports: Oversee preparation of monthly financial statements and executive summaries to track performance against business plan and prior periods. Monitor Departmental Expenses: Review monthly department expense reports and work with managers to ensure budget compliance and control costs. Maintain Internal Controls: Evaluate, document and enhance internal financial controls to ensure timely and accurate reporting and safeguard company assets. Assist with Forecast Updates: Support periodic reforecasting by analyzing trends and collaborating with management. Coordinate Annual Audit: Manage external audit with external CPA firm, including preparation of documentation and responses to auditor inquiries. Direct Special Projects: Independently direct and implement various projects related to the accounting and Finance function at the discretion of the SVP, Finance and senior management Any additional tasks or projects as requested Education 4-year Accounting degree is required. Qualifications Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience as a Controller in a corporate setting Ability to handle matters with strict confidence and work independently Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience required Excellent computer skills including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and accounting software such as Netsuite as well as strength in automated systems in an NT client/server environment. Must have strong interpersonal skills, maturity and good judgment; demonstrates a positive can-do attitude; have effective communication skills with a diverse range of individuals Experience in cooperative accounting a plus Travel Requirements National travel to company sponsored events (10%) Call To Action If you’re ready to bring your skills or values to a mission that matters and create meaningful impact together, we’d love to hear from you. Use the "Apply Now" button on our careers page and submit your resume and a cover letter specifying your salary expectations. All submissions will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality. E&I is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr