I. OVERVIEW
A Controller is entrusted with the overall accounting of an organization. As a 100% ESOP owned S-Corp engineering and professional service organization, Wenck Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Wenck) currently has a need for continued strong accounting for its businesses. The accounting skills required include abilities appropriate for both professional service organizations and construction activities. Wenck has sophisticated IT needs and needs to be fully utilizing the capabilities of its accounting software (Deltek Vision). The organization is in a growth mode. In addition to strong accounting skills, the qualified individual will have opportunities to demonstrate finance skills particularly in the areas of financial analysis, ESOP repurchase obligation modeling, forecasting and budgeting, and opportunity and ROI assessments. This position is designed to include aspects of both accounting and finance, thus requires a combination of Controller and CFO type skills. The position will be referred to by the title of Controller throughout the remainder of this job description.
II. POSITION
Reporting to the Executive Vice President/CFO, and working closely with the CEO and other Directors, he/she will be responsible for all finance, accounting and reporting activities. The Controller will be responsible for accurate and timely preparation of monthly financial statements for Wenck Associates and its subsidiaries. H/She will help set Wenck financial policy and direction while also being an active participant in, and driver of, the organization’s overall financial strategy.
A. Finance and Accounting
- Responsible for accounting, including for the ESOP and other pension plan, accounts payable, billing, work in process, accounts receivable and payroll.
- Prepare monthly financial statements including reconciliation of bank accounts, accounts receivable, accounts payable and make proper accounting entries for accruals including reconciliations to outside sources.
- Provide input to CEO, EVP/CFO, and Directors on budgeting and assist with implementation of budgets so as to monitor progress and present operational metrics both internally and externally.
- Maintain financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and monitor use of funds.
- Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue and expenditures.
- Prepare financial reporting materials, metrics, and ESOP compliance documents; prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements.
- Perform annual ESOP Repurchase obligation modeling for management to report to Board and Trustees.
- Manage cash flow and forecasting.
- Assist project managers with project accounting, budget control, billing per project contracts, collection of AR, management of WIP, and any financial declarations or calculations for proposals or contract preparation.
- Prepare financial and other materials necessary for annual ESOP valuation.
- Responsible for audit activities.
- Assist HR Director to evaluate and oversee vendor-provided benefits negotiations and implementation.
- Review finance, HR, and IT related procedures, processes, and administration, recommending improvements to the systems in place and support the systems going forward.
B. Strategy
- Partner with the CEO, EVP/CFO, and Directors on operational and strategic issues as they arise; provide recommendations based on financial analysis and projects, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.
- Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with Wenck’s strategic plan.
- Engage Principals and members of senior management to align financial management with short- and long-term company planning and projections.
- Engage the CEO, EVP/CFO, and Directors around issues, trends, and changes in the operating model and operational delivery.
- Engage Principals and members of senior management to facilitate cross-department collaboration that ensures that all financial, IT and HR solutions positively support Wenck’s evolving strategy, operational delivery, and data collection needs.
III. QUALIFICATIONS
The Controller will be a seasoned and mature leader with at least 5 to 10 years of broad finance experience, ideally beginning in audit, followed by experience gathering and evaluating financial information and making actionable recommendations to senior leadership. H/She will have experience in finance (accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting), and IT.
The Controller will have the following experience and attributes:
- A minimum of a BS; a CPA, CMA or MBA would be a plus.
- Mature, proactive, and trustworthy with evidence of having worked as a true business partner to the management of a business entity.
- Demonstrated knowledge of ESOP a plus.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Deltek Vision Enterprise Systems or similar a plus.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the professional services and construction business a plus.
- Demonstrated excellence in finance, accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting.
- Demonstrated excellence in “details” and ensuring accuracy of accounting and reporting.
- Skill in examining, developing, reengineering, and recommending financial, HR, and technology policies and procedures.
- Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
- A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality. Needs to be seen as a team player who is committed to lifelong learning.
- A hands-on professional with integrity and a desire to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
- An effective communicator, with strong oral and written skills.
- Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individual at all levels including finance and non-finance managers.
Qualified candidates should submit their resumes and letter of interest to the attention of Rod Ambrosie, EVP and CFO to wenckmp@wenck.cm or Wenck Associates, Inc., 1800 Pioneer Creek Center, Maple Plain, MN 55359.
