North Shore Congregation Israel (NSCI), a reform synagogue located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is one of Chicago’s largest and most vibrant congregations. Even with 100 years of history, NSCI maintains a forward-thinking approach to Jewish life and engagement. This mindset translates to its operations and management. As such, NSCI is seeking a seasoned, hands-on Controller who can bring fresh perspective to our financial management and build on the professional practices established by our current Controller who is retiring in December, 2024. Target start date is late-October so there can be overlap with current Controller. This is an "in office" position with an option for partial remote work once fully established.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage all aspects of accounting, including general ledger, billing, accounts receivable/payable, revenue recognition, cash management, payroll and financial statements preparation.
Manage accounting of Restricted Funds and Endowments. Distribute income and expenses to Unrestricted and Restricted funds and other special funds/net asset accounts.
Maintain and assess synagogue’s financial control procedures ensuring accuracy of financial records and appropriate compliance procedures.
Evaluate existing financial systems. Formulate and execute a plan to eliminate inefficiencies and establish more effective practices.
Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget. Develop financial and membership reports that give staff and board members the tools to track trends and variances.
Manage the annual budget process in partnership with senior staff and board treasurer.
Ensure bank and investment accounts are prepared and reconciled on a timely basis.
Supervise a Bookkeeper (currently 32 hours/week).
Liaison with the board treasurer and the chair people of the Budget and Finance Committee, Endowment Trust Committee and Investment Management Committee.
Serve as the primary interface with external auditors ensuring that all schedules, reconciliations, and statements are prepared timely for execution of annual financial review.
Regular interface with congregants on billing and accounts receivables utilizing our CRM/Financial system.
Maintain professional, service-focused demeanor in interactions with members, staff, board, and vendors.
Partner with IT and other vendors to improve business intelligence and capabilities.
Administer all employee benefit programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in accounting/finance required. CPA preferred.
7+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience with a medium or large sized organization. Public accounting experience is a plus.
Working knowledge of a 501(c)(3) structure and operations.
Experience in partnering with an executive team.
Experience with CRM/Finance systems such as ShulCloud, expertise with QuickBooks, Paylocity or similar applications, MS Office Suite.
Knowledge of fund accounting and best practices pertaining to restricted funds and endowments.
Experience preparing materials for and overseeing annual financial reviews by outside auditors.
Effective communicator with ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
Excellent analytical skills; strong, proactive problem-solving skills.
Independent thinker and self-motivated; requires minimal supervision.
Hands-on and highly organized with very strong attention to detail.
Reports to Executive Director