POSITION GUIDE
ORGANIZATION:
POSITION:
REPORTS TO:
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
Controller
VP, Finance
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Controller is a key leadership and strategy-responsive role accountable for the accounting and Finance function of
the organization including: Finance strategic direction, accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with
generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, coordination and issuance of annual audited financial
statements, accurate and timely tax return filings, communication with senior management, campaign revenue support,
contracts management and grant reporting. This position insures the integrity of the financial processes and related
statements. The Controller reviews and enhances, if necessary, internal controls to protect the assets of the organization
and in the preparation of the organizations’ financial statements. The Controller works closely with the Director,
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) as the Director, FP&A is responsible for preparation of the annual budget,
operating plan (revenue and expense) analysis, cash management, treasury operations and investment management
and policy compliance.
The Controller also serves as a consultant to both internal and external customers for United Way Metropolitan Chicago
(UWMC), Member United Ways (MUWs) and United Way Lake County (UWLC) financial matters ranging from providing
information for grant applications to examining, concluding on the propriety of expenditures and improving controls and
efficiencies. External customers can include donors, volunteers, and compliance agencies such as the IRS and Illinois
Attorney General.
Reporting to the Controller are the functions of financial reporting, revenue accounting, audit compliance, Form 990
preparation, contracts management, grant reporting, audit compliance for the benefit plans (and preparation of the
benefit plan audited financial statements) and transaction processing such as accounts payable, payroll and designation
payments.
There is strong collaboration, communication and shared goals between the Controller and Director, FP&A.
Competencies expected in the Controller role include, but are not limited to, strategic thinking, achieving results, value
creation, collaboration, individual and team coaching and development, problem solving, service orientation,
communication skills, accountability (self and team), and acting in a manner that indicates value of
leadership/managerial role.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy
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Creates and executes strategies regarding the operation of the Finance department. Works with other
departments to also implement strategies of the organization where support is needed from Finance.
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Anticipates other functional needs and concerns outside of Finance and how Finance can support, create value
and serve those needs.
Adopts long-term perspectives.
Improves processes that are in the sphere of influence with the emphasis of innovation and streamlining for
efficiencies.
Advising & Consulting
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In conjunction with the Director, FP&A, prepares (or oversees the preparation of) the materials for the quarterly
Member Advisory Council meetings for the MUWS.
In conjunction with the Director, FP&A, prepares and communicates MUW topics at CPO meetings coordinated
by the COO.
Prepares for and attends the each individual MUW Finance Committee meeting; reviews agendas in advance
and has input in determining the agenda items.
Advises the MUWs, Director, FP&A and COO regarding business issues.
Team member with the Director, FP&A and VP of Finance regarding addressing, identifying and solving business
issues.
Assists with policy making having awareness of and consideration to how policy changes can affect the
organization; plans for such changes.
Provides consultation, knowledge and financial data to internal and external groups, as needed, to assist in the
preparation of financial support schedules for funding requests, non-profit survey reporting, funding
distributions and other needs as required.
In the area of tax receipting, ensures Finance provides consulting and compliance guidance to Donor Services,
donors or other internal customers when questions or situations arise in this area.
Works with all levels throughout the organization to ensure an appropriate understanding of financial matters.
Budgeting, Analysis and Cash Reserve Planning
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Participates collaboratively with the Director, FP&A in the development of the annual budget for UWMC, MUWs
and UWLC. Must understand and be knowledgeable of all elements of the budget and impact on cash
management and reserves. Works closely with the Director, FP&A and all areas of the organizations to develop
and submit a budget, with effective utilization of resources, that is accepted by the respective Boards of
Directors and Finance Committees.
Works closely with the Director, FP&A to perform an analysis of the projected financial results of the
organization for the purpose of determining allocable dollars for the subsequent fiscal year(s). Communicate the
results of this analysis to the VP of Finance and COO.
Jointly with the Director, FP&A, monitors revenue and expense budgets and cash reserves; highlights and
discusses with the Director, FP&A items requiring action and proposes resolutions that also may warrant the
attention of the VP of Finance. Understands short and long-term cash needs and can jointly report cash position
and impacts to cash because of organization initiatives to the Board and various committees.
Compliance
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Oversees the preparation of mandatory governmental reporting requirements including federal and state tax
returns, various government reporting schedules and other regulatory requirements.
Serves as the primary finance liaison for the annual audits of UWMC (including MUW’s) and UWLC. Oversees
preparation of the schedule of annual audit requirements in consultation with external auditors. Also, plans,
establishes and maintains all necessary working papers and supporting audit schedules; obtains resolution to all
audit issues. Approves all data submitted to the auditors.
Serves as the primary finance liaison for the annual audit of the defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
Oversees preparation of the schedule of annual audit requirements in consultation with external auditors. Also,
plans, establishes and maintains all necessary working papers and supporting audit schedules; obtains resolution
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to all audit issues. Approves all data submitted to the auditors.
Oversees contract management by ensuring all contracts are appropriately logged in and significant compliance
elements documented and monitored including that costs are being considered for month end accruals.
Internal Controls
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Provides guidance and value on internal control considerations when presented with policy changes, new
initiatives or changing situations.
Able to articulate to staff the need and requirements of internal controls to ensure the resources of the
organization are protected and risk of loss is minimized.
For financial reporting, pays particular attention to potential internal control weaknesses, process errors or
other issues needing correction or improvement.
Review, revise and develop financial policies and procedures. Interpret and administer policies to ensure
effective control of the organization’s assets.
Leadership of Team and Management of Staff
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Leads, coaches and develops others.
Exposes the team to new experiences and opportunities for their development.
Convey purpose and vision.
Works with the team to establish rules of operation, i.e. methods of interacting, being productive and resolving
conflict.
Instills the importance of interdependence within the team, i.e. how they work with others.
Other Job duties: Other duties that are part of the job, but are not considered essential
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Other duties as requested by VP of Finance and/or Senior Team.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA required.
Strong competencies and demonstrated knowledge and application of generally accepted accounting principles.
Three to five years prior Controller experience preferred.
Ten years managerial experience, including non-profit accounting, non-profit tax issues related to government
regulations, general accounting, internal and external reporting, and budget preparation.
Develop and maintain relationships and foster collaboration with key business partners, volunteers and senior
staff.
Strong customer service skills and corresponding response time to requests, etc. Utilizes creative customer
focused service skills to achieve desired results.
Read, analyze and interpret financial data; able to disseminate that knowledge with clear and understandable
communication (written or oral) to others.
Excellent writing and oral communications skills. Must have ability to explain accounting and finance issues to
individuals of all levels including volunteers, experienced finance professionals, etc.
A participatory management and leadership style that encourages communication, collaboration, cooperation
and personal growth.
Experienced coaching and people development and management skills.
Able to make sound, decisive judgments.
Respond effectively to sensitive and confidential information.
Professional demeanor and excellent presentations skills. Inspires confidence among others.
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Appreciation for details and follow through; must be action-orientated.