Controller, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation

The Opportunity: Controller

In partnership with the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is an ambassador and advocate for AAACF's mission. The Controller is responsible for day-to-day accounting and control tasks of financial operations, as well as management of the Foundation's financial systems.

Organization Overview

Established in July, 1963, by a small group of visionary citizens, AAACF is a tax-exempt public charity that helps individuals, families, groups, and organizations accomplish their philanthropic goals.

• In 1963, two grants totaling $6,291 were awarded from an asset base of $59,018
• As of June 2024, AAACF assets exceed $210 million, making it one of the largest community foundations in Michigan, and one of the fastest growing community foundations in the United States
• To-date, AAACF has awarded more than $100 million in grants and scholarships

Through a core team of 20 Trustees, a staff of 17, and 400+ volunteers, AAACF connects people, charitable causes, and permanent capital for community impact.

Reports to: The Chief Financial Officer & Vice President for Operations with direct supervisory responsibilities for a part-time Accountant.

Key Responsibilities

• Establishes trust and rapport with all AAACF team members through authentic relationships
• Cultivates a genuine interest in and understanding of the work of all team members to connect the numbers with the impact and mission
• Instills appreciation for systems and policies by ensuring accountability from all team members and educating others as-needed
• Creates clarity of accountabilities for direct report by ensuring responsibilities are clearly documented, regular evaluations are held, and coaching is on-going
• Aligns all personal actions with a culture of equity/respect and commitment to the mission

• Posts all gifts, pledges and accounts receivable received by the Foundation on a timely and accurate basis, including non-cash gifts, in coordination with the Accountant and other support staff
• Posts and issues payment of grants and accounts payable on a timely and accurate basis, in coordination with several other staff
• Monitors bank balances and stock gift account balances; reviews and posts stock gift transactions
• Sets up wire transfers for investment capital calls and impact investments for CFO execution
• Manages investment distributions and notifications from private equity investment managers
• Administers financial systems, including implementing and supervising proper controls and security measures
• Monitors and enforces internal financial controls and supports the CFO's establishment and implementation of new or updated internal controls
• Support staff by answering questions and troubleshooting issues related to completing forms and coding expenses, etc.

• Payroll: process bimonthly payroll; manages employee payroll records in Paylocity; implement payroll changes in January and August of each year
• Reviews and manages employee benefit analysis
• Manages employee PTO and other time off benefits
• Prepares monthly bank account, gift account, and investment reconciliations for review by the CFO
• Manages AAACF's month-end and year-end financial closings
• Manages accounting policies and procedures and updates as necessary
• Prepares annual finance update for staff members in January of each year
• Works with CFO to develop and prepare financial statements, including Statements of Financial Position, Statements of Activities, analysis of variances from budget, investment analyses, and other financial reports as requested by both management and the board of trustees
• Prepares audit and tax return work papers as requested by the CFO and external auditors and tax preparers, including preparation of the audited financial statements and 990 workbooks provided by tax preparers
• Assists the CFO with the development/implementation of the annual budget
• Monitors receivables (pledges, service fees, and loan re-payment receipts) in coordination with other staff
• Manages notes receivable and equity investments in the impact investing program; monitors payments on the notes
• Manages multi-year DAF grants in coordination with the Philanthropy team
• Prepares subscription documents for new private investment funds for CFO signature
• Prepares financial information for other purposes (such as regulatory requirements, grant reports, and requests from agencies with funds at AAACF) in coordination with other staff
• Attends Investment & Finance Committee and Audit Committee meetings
• Participates actively in FAOG (and/or other organizations) to facilitate relationships with other community foundations and further the leadership role of AAACF
• Assists CFO with salary and benefits and investment surveys for the field
• Performs other duties as assigned by the CFO
• Conducts an Activity-Based-Costing study periodically in conjunction with the Business Intelligence & Systems Coordinator

The Qualified Candidate

AAACF seeks a financial and accounting expert with exceptional communication skills. The successful candidate will be known as a strong performer in their field with prior success in cultivating positive working relationships with team members. The selected candidate will be collaborative and creative.

Specific requirements include:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• CPA licensure is preferred
• Five or more years of relevant experience in a role with a proven track record in successfully executing the responsibilities of the role
• Experience with regularly prioritizing a wide range of demands and following tasks through to completion
• Nonprofit finance experience (as a professional or Board member) is desirable
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, MS Office and financial systems

Competencies and Attributes

• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy as well as maintaining the highest integrity and ethics
• A drive towards collaboration, innovation, and pursuit of new opportunities, along with comfort in leading change
• Strong interpersonal skills, verbal, listening and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as a proven record of working collaboratively and diplomatically with others
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others in the pursuit of creative solutions that advance the mission and impact of the Foundation
• Strong business acumen and decision-making skills; ability to set priorities and accomplish a large volume of work efficiently

Don't check off every box? Apply anyway

Statistics show that marginalized groups - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. AAACF is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging - so if you're excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement below, we encourage you to still consider applying. Your lived experience is valued and recognized, and we look forward to considering you for this or a future role

Salary, Benefits and Work Environment

This position offers a competitive salary ($100,000 annually) and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) plan (2% automatic contribution, 3% match); paid time off; paid family and medical leave; disability and life insurance; and Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts. And most importantly, the privilege of working with a great team helping our community

This position is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the Community Foundation's Main Street/downtown offices; this role has a private, corner office. The team works a hybrid schedule, with two days per week in-office on average.