Controller

Summary:

The Center for Veterans Research and Education (CVRE), whose mission is to help support

innovative research and education initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Veterans, is

seeking a Controller.

Position Description:

Controller will enhance CVRE’s strategic capacity for administering research and education by strengthening a responsive, service-focused administrative office that ensures funds are expended appropriately and effectively, in accordance with institutional policies, federal regulations and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Controller is a key member of the organization’s leadership team and supervises a team of two staff (Staff Accountant and Accounting Specialist).

Responsibilities: Major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Develop and monitor CVRE’s annual budget.
• Oversee the management of all CVRE finances, expenditures, and investments.
• Ensure accurate financial reports; prepare statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders. Serve as key financial liaison to the CVRE Board of Directors, presenting quarterly financial reports, trends in financial status and identification of financial risks.
• Lead the CVRE financial team and Board Finance and Audit Committees in preparation for annual audit.
• As needed, serve as a responsible participant in the review and execution of the financial terms of grants and negotiation of contracts and subawards.
• Advise on post-award budgets and commitment activities; approve expenditures and oversee compliance related to funds and revenue.
• Oversee communication with research and education community supporting project status; create forecasting models and decision aids.
• Interpret complex governmental policies, including OMB Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards, and sponsor guidelines.
• Assess CVRE’s current financial transactions and workflow with particular attention to prime federal awards and subawards.
• Oversee and guide implementation and use of software to ensure best accounting practices.
• Monitor general ledger, identifying and resolving any discrepancy with financial journals and cost transfers.
• Conduct audits to assess effectiveness of controls and accuracy of financial records.
• Develop positive and collegial relationships with investigators, their team, and institutional stakeholders across the VA and CVRE to ensure open communication and timely response to inquiries.
• Participate in Nonprofit Program Office (NPPO) and National Association of Veterans Research and Education (NAVREF) training and activities, as relevant.
• Mentor accounting staff to make improvements as it relates to reporting, invoicing, ordering, and managing revenue; assists with financial inquiries from varied institutional stakeholders.
• Oversee, negotiate, and administer CVRE’s organization business insurance, 401k retirement program, and other annual certifications related to the State of Minnesota or Federal IRS requirements.
• Supervisory responsibilities include supervising the finance team, approving timesheets, and conducting annual reviews.
• Other duties as assigned.

Applicants must include a cover letter

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:   Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.

Master’s Degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

Experience:            Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience with five (5) years in a managerial or leadership role.

Experience in strategic planning and process improvement.

Experience in university, non-profit or healthcare organizations is desirable.

        Licensure/Registration/Certification:  None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to oversee and cultivate productive teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks with differing timelines and completion deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Commitment to excellence in customer service and performance.
• Proficiency with Accounting software and Microsoft Office suite.

Conditions of Employment:

• Subject to a criminal and educational background check.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Typical hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyond standard business hours, including weekends.
• Must be a US citizen

Physical Requirements: The employee must be able to navigate the medical center, use a keyboard, and lift up to 25 lbs.  Reasonable accommodation may be considered in determining an applicant’s ability to perform the duties/functions of the position.