Controller

The Wesleyan Church Corporation (the Church) is looking for a self-directed and experienced Controller who will report to the CFO and oversee all financial and accounting activities at its North American headquarters in Fishers, Indiana.

The successful candidate will partner with the CFO as the number two person in the financial management team to oversee financial and accounting activities that provide information, primarily financial in nature, about the activities of The Wesleyan Church Corporation (the Church) to assist Directors, the Executive Cabinet, Executive Board, and General Board, in making educated economic decisions.

The Controller leads day-to-day finance team operations including functional responsibility for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, deferred gifts and grants administration. The Controller ensures the Church has systems and procedures in place to support effective ministry and conduct flawless audits. Works closely with ministry leaders and their staff, not only to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures, but also to explore how the finance function can support ministry operations effectively and efficiently. The Controller partners with the CFO, Human Resources (HR), and Information Technology (IT) to enhance and better integrate finance, HR, and IT functions.

Primary responsibilities of the Controller position include but are not limited to:

Management/Team Leadership

• Maintains a documented system of accounting policies and procedures ensuring compliance with appropriate accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manages outsourced accounting functions.
• Assists the CFO in developing, monitoring and achieving departmental goals.
• Oversees the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives.
• Leverages strengths of finance team members, assist in the recruitment and hiring process of finance team members, helps to clarify roles and responsibilities, and develops and implements training programs to maximize and reach optimal individual development and organizational goals.
• Directly supervises accounting staff, providing leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff; creates and promotes a positive and supportive work environment.
• Conducts periodic team meetings and staff training.

Financial Accountability

• Oversees internal audit activities.
• Responsible for the chart of accounts. Maintains a documented system of internal controls over accounting transactions to minimize financial and other risks to the Church.
• Responsible for accurate and timely processing of domestic and international payrolls, wire transfers and electronic fund transfers.
• Ensures trust transactions are processed in accordance with gift agreements.

Reporting

• Responsible for timely and complete financial statements; provides financial analyses as needed for The Wesleyan Church and its subsidiary organizations.
• Assists CFO in the preparation of the corporate annual report.
• Recommends benchmarks to measure performance.
• Assists CFO in the production of the annual budget and forecasts, and in monitoring and reporting budget variances.

Compliance

• Coordinates external audit activity.
• Complies with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assists in advisory and management of cash and investments.
• Carries out studies and special projects upon assignment by the CFO.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Serves on Executive Committees.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting systems.
• Strong, interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to professional development.
• An unwavering commitment to Christ and the mission of the Church.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or a related discipline. CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of six to eight years of accounting experience in an accounting firm, internal audit, or accounting leadership role.

Working Conditions:

Normal office working conditions; primarily sedentary position.

Working Location:

• Hybrid schedule available with 4 days per week in the office, and Fridays working from home.