Controller

CONTROLLER

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The mission of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is to strengthen communities through philanthropy and leadership. We offer donors, nonprofits and community groups the tools and expertise to achieve their philanthropic vision and goals, and identify critical areas where the foundation can leverage its relationships and leadership for lasting impact. Founded in 1987 in Salisbury, Conn., Berkshire Taconic serves Berkshire County, Mass.; Columbia and northeast Dutchess County, N.Y.; and northwest Litchfield County, Conn. In all, we serve the residents of 70 towns and three cities across three states, within a 2,200-square mile region.

Like most community foundations, Berkshire Taconic offers a variety of fund types that allow donors and community groups to build charitable resources and make grants and other awards over time to achieve their philanthropic goals. BTCF has also proactively established funds to address a specific issue in our region or to develop permanent charitable resources to serve a set of communities. This has resulted in the creation and growth of 11 area funds, 33 education enrichment funds that serve every public school district in our region, and special initiatives to address regional challenges. As we enter our fourth decade, we are expanding our reach and focusing on a set of strategic priorities where we believe philanthropy can make a measurable difference.

In total, the foundation manages more than 550 funds totaling nearly $150 million in assets that together make over $8 million in grants and other awards each year. BTCF is a learning organization that embraces a culture of high performance, transparency and flexibility. All staff participate in professional development activities on an ongoing basis and work cooperatively as a team. We are respectful of each other, the volunteer board and committees that guide our work, and the nonprofits and donors who are our vital partners in improving lives across the region. More information can be found at www.berkshiretaconic.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Working closely with the vice president of finance and administration, the controller is responsible for leading Berkshire Taconic’s finance and accounting operations, and maintaining accurate financial records and reporting. This position is responsible for overseeing all accounting transactions, budgets, audit, tax, investment and banking transactions, and financial reporting. The controller will work with the finance team to develop new and modify existing financial and accounting processes as needed to improve the accuracy, financial controls and efficiency of the foundation’s financial operations and its supporting organizations. The controller will maintain a working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards, state and federal regulations, including payroll and benefits, and will meet all associated filing requirements. The controller reports to the vice president of finance and administration and supervises two accounting professionals. As a manager, the controller is responsible for providing coaching and support in order for the team members to be successful in their roles and grow professionally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Accounting, Investments and Cash Management
•        Maintain an accurate general ledger by overseeing all gifts, grants, investments, AP, GL and other transactions.

•        Lead monthly and quarterly closings, including adjusting entries and reconciling subsidiary modules and supporting organization records.

•        Oversee monthly investment account reconciliations and accurate administrative fee calculations.

•        Maintain current procedures and documented controls over financial transactions.

•        Oversee checking accounts and approve deposits, ACH, Posipay, and bank and investment account reconciliations.

•        Calculate asset-rebalancing entries and execute transfers to move cash in and among checking and investment accounts. Execute cash flow and fund transfers.

Financial Analysis and Reporting
•        Prepare quarterly financial reports for management, the finance committee, board, and the Foundation for Community Health finance committee.

•        Prepare monthly departmental operating budget reports, quarterly fund statements, and fund program and grant reports.

•        Lead audit and tax preparation for the foundation and it supporting organizations by providing information and guiding staff to prepare reports and complete annual MA, CT and NY reports and solicitation filings.

•        Oversee staff completion of foundation, industry and investment surveys; agency fund audit confirmations; and monthly dashboard and investment reports for website and donor portal.

Charitable Funds Management
•        Ensure accurate coding of new funds, changes to funds, and closing funds.

•        Track low-balance funds, prevent against spending from negative fund balances, and coordinate actions with program and philanthropic services departments.

•        Oversee provision of fund financial data to staff as requested.

Payroll and Benefits Administration
•        Manage all aspects of payroll (Zenefits and Paychex) and benefits including but not limited to 403B plan, health and dental insurance, and medical 125 plans for Berkshire Taconic and the Foundation for Community Health.

•        Maintain personnel records to ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate annual and semi-annual review process.

•        Provide benefits administration and communications to staff.

Assistance to Vice President of Finance and Administration
•        Assist the vice president of finance and administration with reporting, special projects and other related duties as assigned.

•        Attend and prepare minutes for audit, finance and investment committee meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following attributes and skills:

•        Bachelor’s degree in accounting with 5+ years of accounting and financial experience. CPA preferred.

•        Experience in accounting and audit preparation; with gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams desired.

•        Experience supervising accounting professionals and managing staff teams

•        Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and ethical conduct.

•        A commitment to the mission, vision and values of the foundation.

•        Welcomes organizational growth and change.

•        Experience in a nonprofit that has multiple program areas a plus.

COMPENSATION
Commensurate with experience and skills. Benefits include health, dental, life, disability, paid vacation, sick leave and contribution to 403(b) plan.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter to Vice President of Finance and Administration Joseph Baker at jbaker@ berkshiretaconic.org by Sept. 30. Expected start date is by Dec. 1 to allow overlap with current controller.

Berkshire Taconic is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, promoting, discharging, compensating, training employees, or other aspects of employment on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, status as a disabled veteran of the United States Armed Forces or of the Reserves or National Guard.