Controller

Accounting, Reporting and Budgeting

Lead CPM’s close, financial statements, and annual budget.

• Accounting and close. Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processes, and lead the monthly and year-end close, including journal entries, account reconciliations, balance sheet analysis, and fixed asset schedules in accordance with GAAP.
• Financial reporting. Prepare accurate monthly and annual financial statements and reports for leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Finance and Investment Committees. Serve as a committee member, preparing materials for meetings and ensuring minutes are prepared and distributed.
• Budgeting and analysis. Lead the annual budget process, develop and maintain long-range forecasts, monitor actual results against budget, and provide variance analysis and other insights.

Payroll, Compensation and Team

Keep payroll accurate and compliant and develop the accounting and payroll team.

• Payroll oversight and compliance. Supervise payroll processing and ensure payroll is accurate and compliant in every state and local jurisdiction where CPM has employees; oversee state and local tax registrations; stay current on changing requirements.
• Wage determination. Work closely with Human Resources to determine wage offers for new hires and promotions.
• Retirement plan administration. Partner with Human Resources on the 401(k) plan, including day-to-day administration, the annual plan audit, and compliance requirements.
• Team leadership and support. Hire, train, and develop accounting and payroll employees, provide regular feedback, complete performance reviews, and train non-finance employees on financial systems and processes.

Controls, Compliance and Risk

Protect CPM’s assets and keep its practices compliant.

• Internal controls. Develop, document, and monitor internal controls and fiscal policies that protect CPM’s assets.
• Audit and compliance. Coordinate the annual audit and keep accounting practices compliant with GAAP, IRS rules, and federal, state, and local requirements, including multi-state sales tax.
• Insurance and risk. Manage all insurance policies, including liability, workers’ compensation, management liability, cyber risk, and professional liability, including renewals, premium audits, and keeping coverage current as the organization changes.

Cash, Systems and Special Projects

Manage cash and banking and own CPM’s accounting configuration.

• Cash management. Manage cash flow and banking relationships, and reconcile cash and investment accounts.
• Systems. Own the chart of accounts and accounting configuration within the ERP, and approve system changes that affect the general ledger. Partner with Business Operations on technical administration and integrations with other CPM systems, and recommend process improvements.
• Special projects. Lead special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. CPA preferred; MBA a plus. 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting, including experience supervising a small team.

Experience and knowledge

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting, with experience in accounting software and advanced Google Workspace skills
• Experience with a mid-market ERP or accounting system comparable to Sage 100, such as Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics (experience limited to QuickBooks or similar entry-level software is not sufficient)
• Experience with inventory management and cost accounting for cost of goods sold in a publishing or educational materials environment, including outsourced printing and fulfillment, capitalized content development costs, and deferred revenue (SaaS experience a plus)
• Working knowledge of multi-state payroll tax and sales tax compliance
• Experience with Paylocity or a comparable payroll platform, such as ADP or Paycor
• Experience managing cash and banking activity, including online banking platforms, ACH payments, and wire transfers, with strong controls to prevent fraud and errors
• Experience preparing the Form 990 and supporting nonprofit audits
• Comfort presenting financial information to a board or finance committee

Nice to have

Reporting tools

Experience with Tableau or a comparable reporting and data visualization tool, such as Power BI.

Key competencies

Integrity and discretion

Maintains strict confidentiality and exercises discretion when handling sensitive financial, payroll, and personnel information. High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail, with a commitment to CPM’s mission.

Organization and communication

Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet firm close and reporting deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Language, math, and reasoning

Fluency in English and the ability to communicate successfully with coworkers. Advanced ability to apply accounting and financial math, including percentages, ratios, depreciation, variances, and forecasts. Ability to analyze complex financial information, solve problems, and make sound decisions.

Computer skills

Experience with accounting software, payroll systems, online banking platforms, and Google Workspace. Ability to learn new software quickly.

Certificates and licenses

A current driver’s license and proof of auto insurance are required if driving for work.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand at a computer; use legs to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, and crouch.

Accommodations

To thrive in this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.