Controller

Job Title:       
 Controller
Department:    Finance
Reports to:      Vice President for
Finance
Updated:         July
2024
Salary Range: $100,000 – $120,000 salaried
exempt

Working at the Vermont Community Foundation

For more than 35 years, the Vermont Community
Foundation has served Vermonters and their families through
philanthropy and building stronger communities. Our
mission—Better Together: inspiring giving and bringing together
people and resources to make a difference in Vermont—provides
the bedrock for our workplace culture. Our employees are passionate
about making a difference every day and feel the urgency to work
hard in service to strengthening and serving all Vermont
communities. We approach our work with curiosity, respect, hard
work and integrity and believe strongly that we will not accomplish
our goals unless we commit to equity and diversity. When you join
our team, your work will matter.

Position Summary:

The Controller is a key role in the Finance
Department directly responsible for operating and maintaining the
financial books of record of the VCF. By working closely with the
Vice President for Finance, the Controller is responsible for
developing and maintaining accurate and timely financial records
and reporting in compliance with GAAP. This includes recording
financial information in the accounting system for various funds,
payroll, accounts payable and revenue recognition in the operating
funds. The Controller organizes and leads the preparation and
oversight of the annual audit and tax return.

This position works closely with leadership and other department
managers to develop the annual budget and provide regular reporting
on performance against budget.  The Controller develops
reports and analyses to support the financial reporting needs of
the foundation.

As a leadership position in the VCF, the Controller role requires
critical thinking skills and a growth mindset. This position sits
on the VCF’s leadership team, manages members of the accounting
team, and is a strong role model and ambassador for VCF’s mission
and core values.

Responsibilities: 

• Develops, implements and oversees accounting processes that
  comply with GAAP and ensure financial controls are in place and
  followed.
• Oversees the accounting system including revenue recognition,
  recording cash receipts and disbursements, payroll, fixed assets,
  accounts payable and (working closely with Treasury and
  Investments) fund accounting.
• Works with department managers in the formulation, forecasting,
  and maintenance of the VCF’s annual
• Organizes and leads the Foundation’s annual audit, filing of
  the 990, and other tax
• Supervises the Accounting Team, comprising 2-3 others.
• Supports the financial reporting and analysis needs of the
• Advises on accounting problems and assists other finance
  employees with work as necessary including oversight of accounts
  payable and review of
• Communicates with investment consultant and custodian regarding
  investment transfers, purchases and sales.
• Performs quarterly fund maintenance to assess reasonableness of
  Funds (combing).
• Provides financial analysis, with emphasis on capital
  investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.
• Works with external auditors and provides needed information
  for the annual audit.
• Maintenance and reconciliation of subsidiary modules (Accounts
  Payable, Gifts, Grants, FACTS and Pledges) to the general
  ledger.
• Oversight and financial preparation of fund statements,
  including supporting organizations.
• Maintenance and calculation of spending policy, quarterly VCF
  supporting fees, and annual PLF transfer.
• Recommends and develops policies, procedures and systems to
  assure accurate fund accounting.
• Stays abreast of trends and regulations in the field to ensure
  compliance and use of best practices.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance-related
• Experience in public accounting (municipal and/or fund
  accounting experience)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed
• Knowledgeable of Sage Intacct or other finance software
  platforms a plus
• Excellent attention to detail
• Superb analytical and problem-solving skills
• Critical thinking skills and interested in process
  improvement
• Knowledge of fund accounting a plus, preferably in a nonprofit
  or community foundation setting
• Mastery of computerized spreadsheets and integrated accounting
  and database software
• Strong management skills with ability to coach, guide, and
  manage performance effectively
• Ability to communicate well across the organization, with
  diverse groups
• High degree of personal and professional integrity
• Ability to give and receive feedback
• Self-motivated, willingness to be available for assignments as
  they arise
• Personal style that embodies a commitment to collaboration,
  teamwork and personal growth
• Ability to prioritize and ask clarifying questions when
  needed
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to frequent
  interruptions

 
Location: This may be a remote or hybrid role.
Offices are located in Middlebury, VT and Burlington, VT with a
distributed staff across the state. Open to flexible arrangements.
If fully remote, must be willing to travel to Vermont on a regular
basis.

The Vermont Community Foundation is an equal employment
opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and
business needs, and not on race, color, religion, gender, gender
identity, sex, age, marital or civil union status, national origin,
ancestry, sexual orientation, place of birth, citizenship, military
or veteran status, HIV status, genetic information, disability, or
any other legally protected status as defined and required by state
and federal laws.