Job Description: Controller
Position Information
- Job Title: Controller
- Department/Team: Finance and Operations
- Reports to: CFO and VP of Operations
- Job Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)
- Location: Hartford, CT
- Work Model: Hybrid (2 days per week in-office; subject to change)
Job Summary
The Controller oversees the Foundation's day-to-day accounting, financial operations, audit, tax compliance, and investment tracking. Reporting to the CFO and VP of Operations, this role serves as a key strategic partner to leadership, ensuring strong internal controls, accurate financial reporting, and disciplined budget management. The Controller also manages payroll, benefits administration, vendor contracts, and risk management while coaching operations staff and supporting organization-wide operational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations and Investment Oversight
- Direct daily financial operations, general ledger maintenance, month-end and year-end close, and internal control systems.
- Oversee investment operations in coordination with the OCIO and custodian bank, ensuring accurate data feeds, valuations, investment reconciliations, and tax compliance.
- Serve as the primary liaison for commercial banks, investment advisors, and custodians.
Accounting, Audit, and Tax Compliance
- Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for leadership and the Board.
- Manage accounts payable, purchasing, expense reimbursements, and grant disbursements.
- Lead the annual audit process, prepare all supporting schedules, and serve as the main liaison to external auditors.
- Manage tax reporting and compliance, including foreign investments, FBAR, Form 990-PF review, and regulatory requirements (ERISA, IRS, DOL).
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
- Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with leadership and program teams.
- Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and monthly budget-to-actual variances, providing actionable insights and financial models to support strategic planning.
Human Resources and Payroll
- Oversee the end-to-end biweekly payroll process, verifying wage, tax, and deduction calculations.
- Manage employee benefit plans, broker relationships, open enrollment, and HRIS data integrity.
- Train and mentor the Operations Manager on payroll and benefits administration workflows.
General Operations and Administration
- Oversee vendor contracts, purchasing approvals, and annual 1099 reporting.
- Manage compensation and payment processes for the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee.
- Review travel and event budgets for program initiatives, board meetings, and retreats.
- Identify process improvements and automation opportunities across business and accounting workflows.
Risk Management and Leadership
- Assess financial risks, monitor insurance coverage, and maintain relationships with insurance brokers.
- Partner with the CFO and executive team to provide clear financial analysis for strategic governance.
- Support organizational DEI initiatives and foster a collaborative, ethical culture.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including general ledger oversight, financial statement preparation, and close cycles.
- 3+ years of nonprofit or private foundation accounting experience, including grant accounting.
- Proven experience managing financial audits, internal controls, and tax filings (such as IRS Form 990-PF).
- Proficiency in QuickBooks Online (or comparable ERP systems) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for varied audiences.
Preferred
- CPA license or master's degree in accounting/finance.
- Experience with investment accounting, portfolio reconciliation, and OCIO oversight.
- Hands-on experience with dedicated grant management systems and cloud-based HRIS/payroll platforms.
- Demonstrated alignment with the Foundation's mission of health equity.
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