Controller

Get On Board and Start Your Future! Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia seeks an outstanding candidate to fill our Controller position.

For more than 150 years, SEF has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the South. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the values, beliefs, purpose, and mission of the organization.

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The ideal candidate will be committed to SEFs goal of ensuring that all students have equitable access and opportunities to develop their talents and succeed. The Controller will help support SEFs overall financial operations. The Controller should possess a solid understanding of all aspects of fund accounting and particularly restricted funds. This position will work with all levels and functional areas of the SEF team. The chosen individual will assist in overseeing accounting operations and the financial activities of the organization. This professional should be self-motivated to learn about SEFs operations, and its strategy for strengthening relationships with donors and partners who support our work and mission.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage all aspects of accounting, financial statements, general ledger, reconciliations, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax compliance, and revenue recognition.
  • Maintain and enforce all accounting policies and procedures.
  • Keep an organized filing system of all statements, transactions, and payments.
  • Process payroll accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Monitor cash flow, cash forecasts, and investment balances.
  • Prepare monthly/annual financial reports and monitor budget and forecasts.
  • Maintain chart of accounts.
  • Provide monthly budget reports and monitor all variances.
  • Advise on financial analyses and decision-making regarding capital investments, pricing, contract negotiations, significant costs, benchmarks, and other matters with management and the Chief Financial Officer.
  • Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
  • Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial data in accounting software.
  • Direct and ensure grants are recorded according to the appropriate revenue recognition rules.
  • Support the CFO in identifying and reporting financial trends.
  • Manage the preparation of the PBC audit schedules and annual financial audit reports i.e. A-133.
  • Review financial operations on a continuous basis and look for automation opportunities and efficiencies to improve financial reporting.
  • Maintenance of financial records in compliance with retention policy.
  • Performs other controller duties as needed.

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance, or in business administration with an emphasis in accounting.

  • Five – seven years of progressive accounting work experience in the non-profit sector.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) license is required.
  • Proficiency with accounting software.
  • Preferred experience with accounting software system implementation.
  • Exceptional knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations.
  • Analytical ability to develop and implement improvements or recommendations.
  • Highly organized with strict attention to detail.
  • Work well with senior executives and team, as well as mentor/lead other team members.
  • Commitment to cost containment.
  • Always demonstrates ethical behavior.
  • Complete knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products and preferred knowledge working with Sage/Abila or other fund accounting software.
  • Support our work for equity and excellence for students of low-income students of color in the South.

 

This is a full-time, Monday – Friday position. Compensation for this role begins at $105,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package.

SEF is an Atlanta-based organization and is currently working a hybrid schedule. Employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) names and contact information of three references to hr@southerneducation.org with Controller in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

view all job openings