(Hybrid) Controller

Job Description

Title: Controller

Department: Finance

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $155k to $210k

Position Summary:

Oversee the daily accounting operations of The Chicago Community Trust ("the Trust") to ensure adherence to financial guidelines and policies. Lead functional areas for investment accounting, financial and management reporting, and annual audits and 990 filings. Manage the accounting for investments of the Trust that include a diverse portfolio of asset types with funds totaling over $6 billion. Manage and support transformational projects with end goal of process improvement, scalability, and efficiency.

Job Duties:

Manage the team responsible for the Trust's unique accounting practices.

Oversee the financial reporting requirements for the Trust to ensure complete, accurate and timely dissemination of information), including:

Preparation of financial reports,

Tax returns,

Regulatory filings, and

Industry surveys.

Coordinate with the Strategic Communications department to coordinate financial information for inclusion in the annual report.

Lead annual financial audit, including drafting the year-end financial statements and related footnote disclosures.

Serve as day-to-day liaison with the outside accounting firm and internal financial staff.

Lead and support projects based on organization and department priorities.

Represent Finance in cross-functional organization projects with lens on compliance to US GAAP and other statutory requirements.

Manage preparation of regular monthly operating statements.

Evaluate and develop internal controls for key processes. These internal controls are to include financial reporting controls to ensure misstatements of financial information will be prevented or detected by employees.

Partner with Chief Financial Officer to design, document and implement new and/or enhanced systems and related technology for the finance area.

Partner with Talent team to:

Assist with payroll and related employee benefits?

Review and approve semi-monthly payroll and review monthly and/or quarterly benefit invoices for timeliness and accuracy.

Compile compensation information for annual Form 990 filings.

Partner with Talent on retirement plan administration including:

Annual audit,

5500C filings, and

Process annual discretionary contribution.

Exercise a leadership style which promotes team effectiveness and encourages employee growth.

This description should not be construed to contain every function or responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

Eight to ten years of related experience, preferably with some exposure to not-for-profit or foundation accounting.

Bachelor's degree required. Certified Public Accountant designation strongly preferred.

Experience with financial accounting systems and all Microsoft Office applications.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Exceptional attention to detail.

Supervisory experience required.

Ability to prioritize work, delegate effectively and meet deadlines.

Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.

Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and delegate appropriately.

Building an Inclusive Economy

We embrace Chicago's diversity as a core strength and are committed to creating a more inclusive economy where opportunity and prosperity are within reach for everyone.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Trust is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.

The Trust does not consider demographic data when making employment decisions. Nor does the Trust discriminate based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected category when making employment decisions. The Trust uses nondiscriminatory measures to pursue diversity, and this demographic data should not be interpreted as mandating, encouraging, or permitting decisions based on protected characteristics.

The History of The Chicago Community Trust

The Chicago Community Trust was founded in 1915 by Norman and Albert Harris, father and son duo of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank (now BMO Harris Bank). The Trust was the fourth community foundation ever created. There are now 750 community foundations in Canada and the U.S.

As a community foundation, the Trust is committed to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward. Our approach centers on tackling the region's immediate needs and addressing challenges that stand in the way of a thriving Chicago region. As part of that mission, the Trust will always support meeting people's critical needs such as secure housing and healthy food, public safety, and regional response to crises. We also know our region's racial and ethnic wealth gap is a major contributing factor to issues including health disparities, gun violence, and uneven economic growth. We are committed to reducing this gap so that our region and its residents can meet their potential.

For 110 years, The Chicago Community Trust has convened, supported, funded, and accelerated the work of community members and changemakers committed to strengthening the Chicago region. From spearheading our response to the Great Depression and Great Recession to building up our civic infrastructure to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust has brought our community together to face pressing challenges and seize our greatest opportunities. Today, that means creating pathways that build wealth and well-being for all Chicagoans.

With assets of more than $6 billion, the Trust, in partnership with its donors, distributed more than $1.5 billion in the last fiscal year. The Trust team seeks to match the passion and commitment of donors, grant recipients, residents, and community leaders who continue to work tirelessly to make the Chicago region one where everyone has opportunities.

Full-time

Hybrid remote