Controller

Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Finance & Accounting, the Controller manages the organization’s accounting operations and financial reporting activities. This position establishes and maintains accounting systems, procedures, policies, and internal controls; oversees financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, audits, tax compliance, and required filings; and presents findings and recommendations to management. The Controller manages departmental priorities and staff, supports broad Finance & Accounting objectives, and drives accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and continuous process improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This Position Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Lead and oversee day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting activities.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve accounting systems, procedures, policies, and internal controls to promote accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes and the timely preparation and issuance of financial statements for all entities.
• Validate the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and account reconciliations.
• Lead annual financial audits for the organization and benefit plans and coordinate audit schedules, documentation, and responses.
• Oversee the accounting for foreign exchange on our Canadian operations.
• Oversee the preparation and filing of U.S. and Canadian tax returns, payroll and consumption tax filings, government forms, and other required reports for all entities and benefit plans.
• Ensure accounting practices comply with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable governmental and regulatory requirements; provide guidance on technical accounting matters.
• Prepare and review cash analyses and projections for operations, reserves, pension funds, and other organizational needs.
• Lead or support the annual budgeting process and monthly projection and forecasting activities.
• Lead financial and business analysis, and develop reports that support planning, decision-making, and organizational objectives.
• Present financial results, significant findings, risks, and recommendations to management.
• Develop departmental goals aligned with broader functional and organizational objectives and implement approved policies across assigned accounting functions.
• Manage, coach, and develop accounting staff; delegate work, monitor performance, conduct performance appraisals, and provide ongoing feedback.
• Partner with Accounting and other departments to identify and implement process improvements, automation, and operational efficiencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has supervisory/management responsibilities for all assigned members of the Accounting/Finance team.

Requirements

Required Education / Experience

The International Foundation will always consider candidates with an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required; a Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum of 3 years’ successful managerial experience, overseeing an accounting function.
• Experience directing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audits, tax compliance, internal controls, and required governmental or regulatory filings.

Minimum Qualifications / Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting operations, financial reporting, generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, audit practices, and tax and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a departmental function, establish priorities and goals, develop and implement policies, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and present practical recommendations.
• Proven leadership, staff development, delegation, and performance-management capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate financial information effectively to management and nonfinancial stakeholders.
• High degree of accuracy, integrity, sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, accounting software, and CRM systems is required; Microsoft Dynamics GP/Great Plains and Management Reporter is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased efficiency.

Travel Requirements

This position may intermittently require that the individual travel for work; but only up to 10% of the time.

Work Environment

This position is expected to work from our corporate headquarters office in Brookfield, WI, Monday through Friday of each week. This is an office environment with typical office conditions, including lighting, noise, seating and equipment. Following a successful training period (and pending each individual’s ability to effectively work from an appropriately-equipped home office, per the terms of the Hybrid Work Policy) incumbents may permitted to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, as business needs allow, in up-to a 60/40 (onsite/remote) hybrid schedule. The Foundation reserves the right to modify or discontinue the current hybrid schedule at any time as business needs dictate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds (i.e. a case of printer paper). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work that may be inherent in the occupation.

COMPENSATION & TOTAL REWARDS

• comprehensive and affordable medical plan (which includes 24/7 Teledoc)
• vision plan
• dental plan
• FSA (medical and dependent care)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• long term disability
• short term disability
• ample PTO (vacation, sick, holidays)
• defined benefit (pension) plan
• non-elective company 401(k) contribution
• 401(k) matching contribution
• free Milwaukee County Zoo passes
• on-site fitness center with yoga, stretch, and strength training classes
• mindfulness sessions
• bocce league
• game nights
• cribbage club

The base salary for this exempt-level position starts at $120,000/year, based on experience.

ABOUT US

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is North America’s largest membership organization for those who work with employee benefit plans. The Foundation’s employees make a HUGE impact on the livelihoods of millions of workers across the U.S. and Canada because of the work we do in providing education and research to the benefits community. Employees enjoy an outstanding benefits package, unique employee perks, creative and caring co-workers—all within a family-friendly workplace. Speaking of workplaces, the Foundation is tucked into a 15-acre wooded slice of nature in the heart of Brookfield. We’re small enough for you to have ongoing, meaningful impact on the organization but big enough to make international news. Visit us at or connect with us on the socials.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENCIES

All at-will offers of employment issued by the International Foundation are contingent upon a successful completion of: background check, employment history verification, education verification (as applicable by position), credit check (as applicable by position), motor vehicle records (MVR) check (as applicable by position), 3-5 professional references, and completion of the Federal I-9 and E-Verify process to demonstrate eligibility to work for the IFEBP.