Job Title: Controller
Position Description
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (Trust) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as its Controller. The Trust is a private non-profit grant-making organization established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1985 with connections to state government. We currently administer $10-12 million via approximately 400 awardees per year from approximately 30-40 different unrestricted and restricted sources, including federal, state, local, corporate, private foundation funding partners, individual donors, the Maryland’s Treasure the Chesapeake license plate program, and the Chesapeake and Endangered Species Tax Check-off.
About the Trust Chesapeake Bay Trust is dedicated to promoting public awareness and participation in the restoration and protection of the natural resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region. Funds from the Bay plate and tax checkoff are combined with other revenue and used to make approximately 400 grants per year ranging from as small as a $100 to as large as $200,000 for projects in the K-12 environmental education, on-the-ground restoration, restoration science, and community engagement realms. In the past decade, the Trust has increased its grant-making four-fold through new partnerships, with current annual grant-making of approximately $10 million.
About the Position The Trust seeks a strong lead accountant to play a key role, both direct work and supervisory, in all accounting activities and financial activities of the organization. The person in the position will be responsible for a number of activities including organization-wide accounting, budgeting, invoicing, financial reporting, developing and tracking key accounting and some finance metrics, maintaining and enhancing internal controls, and implementing accounting and reporting policies for GASB, GASS, and IRS compliance. The person in the position performs a wide variety of tasks, and for purposes of internal controls, performs some accounting functions him- or herself in addition to his or her supervisory duties. Tasks range from routine to strategic. The position reports to the Executive Director, serves as head of a small accounting team, and serves a key role in the Trust’s staff.
Position Responsibilities
▪ Manage accounting, budgeting, investing, finance and financial reporting activities for the Trust:
o Prepare monthly, quarterly and annually annual management financial
statements and other reporting, in accordance with GAAP.
o Prepare annual full disclosure audited financial statements to be issued after
audit by the Trust’s independent auditors. o Prepare all schedules and documents requested by the Trust’s independent
auditors to facilitate an efficient and cost effective annual audit. o Develop annual budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director; o Manage and oversee all disbursements, ensuring accurate, timely and efficient
processing of grants and accounts payable, cash management, payroll processing and corporate and payroll filings; o Manage all components of accounts receivable activities including pledges,
partner invoicing, collections and cash receiptsprocessing of receipts and deposits; o Manage and monitor cash flow and review and communicate status and
performance of investment portfolio; o Maintain internal control system to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial
records and reports and protect Trust assets;
▪ Assist the Executive Director in developing financial, operating, and programmatic metrics that will guide improvements in Trust performance:
o Analyze past and present financial performance to help develop accounting and performance metrics for use in improving operating performance and preparing forecasts and budgets for future revenue/expenses; o Identify, propose, and Implement implement improvements to use in structuring
the accounting and financial systems of the Trust; o Support the Executive Director in establishing financial, operational, and
programmatic metrics that can be used to measure financial and programmatic performance;
▪ Communicate the financial and operational results and recommendations for improvement to Executive Director, Board, and staff in a timely and ongoing basis:
o Prepare quarterly departmental financial and operating reports that enable managers to compare actual results with budgets and various performance targets; o Work with department managers and grant officers to discuss the implications of
these reports and identify opportunities for improved performance; and,
▪ Oversee other important administrative tasks:
o Direct and coordinate risk management and insurance activities for the Trust;
and, o Oversee contract and legal issues in concert with the Executive Director.
Minimum Requirements
▪ Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field, and at least six years of direct experience in accounting/financial management and financial reporting.
▪ CPA preferred.
▪ Possess superior knowledge of not-for-profit accounting practices and regulations, software, and fiscal reports.
▪ Experience managing federal funds or capacity to learn quickly
▪ Experience with both external and internal audit practices strongly preferred, including the single audit using 2 CFR 200.
▪ Strong background in general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, income tax provisions applicable to not-for-profit entities and banking.
▪ Excellent computer skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Ideal Personal Profile
▪ A person of high integrity, energy, and enthusiasm: self-directed and motivated.
▪ Commitment to the Trust’s growth, sustainability, and organizational goals (please refer to the Trust’s strategic plan at www.cbtrust.org)
▪ Willingness to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a small office environment.
▪ Excellent attention to detail orientation and time-management skills, including ability to prioritize work flow.
Salary The Chesapeake Bay Trust benchmarks its salaries using a number of resources, but most predominantly the Council on Foundations (COF). The 2019 COF salary survey identifies the range of $72,000-$91,000 for Controller positions at grant-making organizations of our size. The Trust also offers an excellent benefits package and professional development opportunities.
How to apply Please submit a resume and cover letter via email to shiggins@cbtrust.org and place “Controller-Your Last Name” in the subject line of the email. The cover letter must address how your skills and experience are specifically relevant to the job description and duties of this specific opportunity, rather than serving simply as description of your previous positions or experience. Please explain why you are interested in this position specifically and what makes you a good fit. Applications will begin to be reviewed 2/15/20, but the position will remain open until filled.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. We encourage applications from people of color.
