Controller

Position Title: Controller

Department: Finance

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

FLSA Status: Full-time Exempt

Grade: 4

Position Description:

Reporting to the chief financial officer the controller leads a team of three and is responsible for the integrity of Brooklyn Botanic Gardens financial records and internal controls. The controller oversees the day-to-day accounting operations for the Garden including accounts payable accounts receivable and the general ledger and plays a crucial leadership role in managing the Gardens financial health and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

Business Office Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day functions of the Gardens Business Office; supervise a team of three responsible for accounts payable accounts receivable and the general ledger.
• Responsible for the month-end closing process and reporting collaborating with the team to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee all accounts ledgers and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise various accounts payable functions including processing invoices managing payment schedules and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous process improvements.
• Supervise revenue and accounts receivable processes while conducting analytical reviews of all revenue sources to ensure accuracy and identify trends or discrepancies.
• Assess the current Business Offices policies and processes; recommend and implement changes to increase the departments efficiency ensuring accounting best practice and compliance.
• Communicate departmental policy across the institution; ensure consistent compliance with policy in all departments and provide training where needed.

Interdepartmental Collaboration and Leadership

• In collaboration with the CFO conduct the annual budgeting and planning process working with colleagues at all levels to create budgets for their departments.
• Coordinate expenditure reports for budget stakeholders and strategically analyze financial data identifying trends and keeping apprised of issues and trends.
• Lead ongoing review and comparison of actual results to budget identifying explaining and correcting variances as appropriate.
• Guide financial decisions by establishing monitoring and enforcing financial policies internal controls and procedures.
• Support the CFO in engaging the boards Audit Committee and Finance and Investment Committee.
• Partner with the Development Office to ensure accurate receipt accounting and reconciliation of all gifts and donations and provide financial reporting. Support the department around donor expense reporting.
• Oversee the release of donor funds ensuring compliance with restrictions and institutional policies.
• Reconcile bank and investment statements monthly while monitoring cash transactions and maintaining cash flow projections to ensure liquidity and financial stability.
• Manage external audits and Form 990 preparation and reporting.
• Work on special projects as assigned by the CFO.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the CFO.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in accounting finance or a related field
• 5 years of progressive nonprofit accounting experience with at least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role
• Demonstrated integrity professionalism and ability to collaborate effectively while handling sensitive information with the utmost discretion tact and confidentiality
• Deep knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for nonprofits
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and deadlines
• Customer service focus with a strong ability to work across the organization to solve problems in a collaborative and supportive manner
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences

Compensation and Benefits:

• BBG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  
  • Health Insurancethat begins the date of hire; employees are offered coverage through the City of New Yorks Office of Labor Relations and can choose from a variety of plans some at no cost to the employee.
  • Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits
  • Pre-Tax Benefitsincluding flexible spending dependent care transit/parking accounts
  • CIRS Pension/401K/Life Insurance: BBG is a member of the Cultural Institutions Retirement System (CIRS) and offers a pension and 401K plan for eligible employees. Life insurance is provided through CIRS as well.
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Offincluding sick time vacation time and 13 annual holidays
  • As a 501(c)3 BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer.
  • Museum Pass which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free

To be considered for this position please submit an application by clicking Apply below. Applications submitted without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.

No telephone calls for position inquiries please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process should contact Human Resources at .

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.