Deputy CFO / Corporate Controller

Deputy CFO / Corporate Controller

Posting Details

Job Details

Description

DEPUTY CFO / Corporate Controller Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, MD - Hybrid

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), a nonprofit incorporated in 1957, operates as a consortium of 46 US institutions and 4 international affiliates responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of world-class astronomical observatories and research centers. AURA employs approximately 1,500 people located in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, and Chile. With an annual budget of approximately $300 million, AURA’s role is to establish, cultivate and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research.

AURA is seeking a strategic and process-minded leader for the organization’s financial operations. This individual will report directly to the CFO and serve a critical role supporting AURA’s mission. This position is responsible for the timely planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating all accounting and controller functions of AURA; provides leadership and financial oversight over general accounting, financial reporting, banking and cash management, accounting systems, accounts receivable, accounts payable, travel disbursements, and reimbursements, accounts receivable, tax compliance, payroll, and treasury. Responsible for communicating the financial position of AURA including assets, liabilities and restricted, non restricted net assets, results of AURA operations including revenues and expenditures, accounting and tax issues. The Corporate Controller will supervise and/or coordinate the work of the multiple divisional accounting teams to ensure timely and accurate completion of monthly financial reports, the annual financial statement audit, Uniform Guidance Audit, 403(b) audit, IRS Form 990, foreign statutorily required filings, and periodic consolidated financial reporting.

The Deputy CFO / Corporate Controller will play a critical role in developing and implementing proper internal controls while supporting business objectives and the strategic plan. This person will provide the leadership to create an environment and culture of continuous process improvement throughout the accounting and financial function and all related activities.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The ideal candidate will have accounting, controllership, and financial reporting experience in a large nonprofit educational institution, federally funded research center or federal government contractor. Must have strong knowledge or expertise in the areas of 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, Sponsored research accounting and federal grants management, Single Audit, and US GAAP, with a focus on not-for-profit accounting.

Areas of responsibility:

• Leads and directs the financial functions in planning, accounting, enterprise financial and reporting systems, financial reporting and analysis, reviewing and developing key financial processes to ensure compliance, integrity and cost effectiveness.
• In coordination with the CFO, establishes accounting policies and procedures for AURA’s accounting and financial transactions, ensuring they meet standards of internal control and compliance.
• Responsible for the preparation of internal financial statements, high level analysis and other reporting, as well as preparation of board/committee reports. Includes ensuring that monthly financial statements are accurate, resolving unusual variances (e.g., overspending or funding deficits) and working with FP&A to support financial projections. Actively designs, develops and prepares system and excel-based reports as required.
• Manages and coordinates the annual AURA financial statement and Uniform Guidance audits, 403(b) audit and related FORM 5500 audit, and IRS Form 990 preparation. Prepare financial support and act as liaison for all other ad hoc audits by government agencies.
• Serves as the primary resource to the CFO on accounting, reporting, cash management, and tax and compliance matters.
• Leads compliance efforts with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and other regulatory policies related to AURA financial policies, Internal revenue code, State revenue agencies, Department of Labor and Collective bargaining agreements.
• Establishes and maintains comprehensive internal controls designed to mitigate risk, protect assets and support the financial infrastructure of AURA. Designs internal controls that provide assurance in achieving specified objectives in: 1) effectiveness and efficiency of operations, 2) compliance with laws and regulations, 3) reliability of financial reporting.
• Provides consultative services to the CFO and FP&A including data gathering and analysis to support annual indirect rate negotiations with the federal government.
• Ensures an effective level of coordination and communication between the divisional accounting and business offices to exchange ideas and achieve consistent and transparent accounting and financial operations, the transfer of data, and development and design of reporting.
• Manages AURA’s banking relationships, treasury services, investment accounts, disaster recovery and related internal controls.
• Prepares financial reports for the Audit Committee to assess the financial health of AURA and support decision-making.
• Responsible for consultation, evaluation and oversight of internal controls to other financial and administrative functions.
• Ensures and maintains professional responsibility and financial stewardship of AURA’s by adhering to ethical standards of professional conduct, acting in a manner consistent with AURA’s mission and core values.
• Serves an active role in support multiple areas of accounting including preparing certain fixed asset schedules, WIP and reconciliation to federal property reports.
• Lead technical accounting research and activities, including preparation of technical accounting position papers, and ensure organization financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP.
• Performs other duties and assignments as required.

Supervisory Responsibility and Key Relationships:

This position reports to the Vice President for Operations/Chief financial officer, supervises the CAS Accounting department, coordinates wit STScI accounting teams, and works with employees AURA-wide.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Active CPA license
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience in a multi-site, international environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of the OMB Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance)

• Established expertise of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) including experience with not-for-profit accounting and financial reporting requirements
• Experience with COSO and ability to develop and/or modify policies and processes as needed
• Experience with financial reporting systems that support government project cost accounting

• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience creating financial reports and reporting packages using MS Excel and establishing standards for ensuring quality
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, in an international organization and/or in a high technology industry sector
• Results oriented with a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
• Excellent management abilities, adept leader capable of inspiring and motivating teams through change, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, orally and in writing

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Master’s Degree
• Knowledge and understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Familiarity using COGNOS financial reporting to develop standard financial reporting consolidation packages.
• Experience in Multicurrency/International environment
• Fluency in Spanish

A travel requirement of 5%-10% is necessary for this position, with travel to AURA facilities in Washington D.C., Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, and Chile.Substitution of additional meaningful education or experience for stated qualifications may be considered.