Controller

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a nonprofit public policy research organization, seeks a detail-oriented controller. Reporting to the chief financial officer, the controller will oversee all day-to-day accounting and reporting and manage accounting and benefits coordination. The employee in this position will also supervise a team of five capable and professional staff members and be responsible for the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting. The controller will ensure AEI has the systems and procedures to effectively implement programs and conduct flawless audits.

This employee will work closely with program leaders and their staff, not only to guide them through finance and accounting policies and procedures but also to explore effective ways for AEI’s accounting functions to support its research operations. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

• Provide support and guidance on all accounting and finance issues.
• Oversee chart of accounts and accounting systems to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory requirements.
• Design, implement, improve, and administer all accounting policies and procedures to ensure robust internal control and fraud prevention.
• Prepare timely financial statements and lead fiscal year–end closure.
• Work closely with independent auditors to coordinate and implement the annual audit.
• Lead, train, and mentor accounting staff, and foster a collaborative environment in the accounting department and across the Institute.
• Prepare routine and ad hoc financial reports and analyses for senior management.
• Prepare reconciliations of general ledger accounts and bank statement account balances.
• Maintain bank accounts and ensure sufficient liquidity for operations.
• Support grant management operations and help ensure compliance with donor requirements.

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• A Certified Public Accountant license (required)
• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration (required)
• 8–10 years or more of progressive accounting experience, including 5 or more years of experience leading a diverse team
• Prior experience in nonprofit or public accounting (preferred)
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain strong attention to detail
• Solid experience in leading auditing and managing financial reporting and analysis
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to explain complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels, including non-finance managers
• A commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team and the foresight and ability to delegate
• Personal integrity and credibility; a proactive, strategic outlook; and a commitment to owning, in partnership with the chief financial officer, responsibility for AEI’s finance and accounting
• Experience with Sage Intacct software (a plus)

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits here.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $155,000 - $180,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.