Controller

PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Accounting, the Controller is responsible for overseeing all transactional accounting activities of the network including receivables, purchase order processing, payables, payroll, financial reporting, accounting controls and procedures, and year-end audit.  The Controller will offer and direct implementation of ideas for process improvement, automation, and resource utilization.  Together with the accounting and finance staff, the Controller will continue to build the capacity and development of the accounting functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manage the organizational payroll function and maintain the required data
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and in a timely manner
• Oversee all accounting transactions and ensure compliance with accounting policies
• Prepares journal entries and account analyses, as necessary, to ensure proper accountability and internal control of LEARN's assets. 
• Prepare cash flow projections
• Direct payables and receivables processes
• Automate and improve existing accounting processes
• Complete bank reconciliations
• Coordinate with Director annual audit performed by independent, external auditors
• Maintain an orderly accounting filing system
• Maintain the chart of accounts
• Prepare financial compliance for bank loans, and public/private funding sources

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting and reporting.
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles & basics
• High value of ethics, dependability, and reliability
• Strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in spreadsheets
• Positive "can do" attitude
• Strong teamwork values
• Detailed oriented and organized
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, adhering to timelines
• Ability to evaluate and improve processes
• Able to establish and maintain professional relationships
• Can communicate accurately, courteously and effectively -orally and in writing - to different audiences
• Leadership skills and experience in nonprofit education environments a plus
• CPA certification a plus

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

1.    Experience with Microsoft Office applications, databases, and intranet and internet usage.

2.    Experience with Blackbaud's Financial Edge accounting system

3.    Strong written and verbal skills

4.    Professional demeanor

5.    Ability to express self effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.

6.    Experience in development and implementation procedures.

7.    Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, adhering to strict timelines.

8.    Detail oriented and highly organized.

9.    Comfortable interacting with internal and external customers

10.  Ability to defuse situation and get other organized to meet project expectations 

11.  High degree of initiative and independent judgment.

12.  Ability to tactfully and effectively deal with public and staff in a personable and professional manner. 

13.  Maintains a high level of energy and a consistent positive attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment.  Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Majority of work performed in a general office environment.  Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. It also requires the ability to travel in the Chicagoland areas and occasionally outside the area. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter Schools Network.  Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.