Controller

Qualifications

Considerable knowledge and skill in for profit and non-profit budget development and financial analysis, including project-based budgeting and monitoring and organizational auditing. Knowledge of GAAP, FASB issues and IRC regulations.  Experience with evaluating risk management insurance programs and obtaining appropriate cost-effective coverage.  Experience in managing banking and other relationships. Strong skills in written and oral communication and active listening.  Considerable skill in the use of automated accounting systems (preferably Sage, Solver and Salesforce) and various Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.  Considerable skill in organizational and departmental financial analysis.  Considerable skill in leading and managing an efficient and effective finance and accounting team. 

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business or management with minimum fifteen years of responsible budgeting and financial analysis experience.  Experience in 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) organizations is strongly preferred.  CPA required. Graduate degree preferred, but not required.

Supervisory Requirements

Leads a team of 11 employees

What we offer
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our company values and workplace culture, including:

• Medical and dental
• 401(k)
• Flexibility
• Paid time off
• Flexible spending accounts
• Income protection- (Life Insurance Coverage up to 2x salary) & disability plans at no cost.
• Tuition and membership reimbursements
• AIA employees have access to a variety of other programs, including:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members
  • Computer purchase program
  • Fitness club discounts
  • Prepaid legal services program
  • Identity theft protection

Travel Requirements:     N/A

Work Location:                            100% Remote from the Washington DC area:  DC, MD & VA

Applicants from states not listed above are ineligible.

All AIA employees in the DC metro area are currently working remotely during our office renovation. Employees in the DC Metro area will have the option to return to the newly renovated office at the completion of the renovation in Spring 2025.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, in accordance with the applicable law.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

AIA will provide you with the opportunity to advocate for the value of architecture and give architects and design professionals the resources they need to do their best work. The collective voice of architects is essential, and our work drives positive change through the power of design. 

Each one of us at AIA is a leader committed to demonstrating our mission and values and designing a better future for our country and planet. Even in times of change, AIA’s values remain constant:

•           We stand for equity and human rights

•           We stand for architecture that strengthens our communities

•           We stand for a sustainable future

•           We stand for protecting communities from the impacts of climate change

•           We stand for economic opportunity

•           We stand for investing in the future

•           We speak up, and policymakers listen

The American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, is building a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better built environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of the profession of architecture and the world's prosperity, health, and future.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial and Administration Officer (CFAO), the Controller will assist the CFAO, by managing the finance functions (accounting, tax compliance, financial reporting, payroll, internal controls, and membership accounting) for the Institute and its affiliates.  The Controller will also manage the Financial Analysis team which provides annual budget support, insurance, investments, product/program financial analysis and the budget/monthly reporting for the College of Fellows (COF) and Architects Foundation (AIAF). 

The Controller has operational oversight and responsibility for the Finance and Administration Team, including management of staff to design and deliver finance, accounting, business analysis, budgeting, forecasting, investment management and support to the AIA.

This includes management of a team of 11 staff members, including six direct reports as well as numerous consultants and contractors. In leading these administrative functions, the Controller provides critical operational support and a productive work environment for the Institute’s staff.

The Controller will provide oversight of daily accounting operations to assure that the financial information underlying the organization’s financial statements are accurate and that reports are produced in a timely manner.  In addition, the Controller works to leverage system integrations and develops and implements sound financial controls for reporting and disclosure purposes.  Additionally, this role will help to implement project-based accounting for the Institute in the coming years and more efficient use of technology and a digital environment.  This position is considered a core staff position. In order to provide AIA members, Components and customers with services during weather events or similar extraordinary circumstances, the incumbent will telework and continue to serve our members and customers unless they encounter circumstances that prevent them from working at home.

Job Duties

• Provides reporting oversight of the AIA’s $73 million budget and directly responsible for the Finance & Accounting annual budget.
• Develops annual and long-term financial plans and delivers financial updates on business results for a variety of stakeholders, including the Board, Finance Committee, EVP/CEO, CFAO and SLT, to inform key strategic and operational decisions.
• Models the values and behaviors needed to strengthen the team and increase effectiveness and impact. Focus on career development for team members.
• Leads and supports critical change initiatives to improve financial and related operational processes.  Collaborates with other leadership team members in related change initiatives.
• Leads and supports sustained efforts to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of programs, projects, services, and solutions. Focus on increasing efficiency through technology.
• Ensures that relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations are followed.
• With the CFAO, develops, oversees, and adapts an effective budgeting process that meets the strategic imperatives and financial goals of the organization.
• Working with the General Counsel, oversees the operational risk management program, reviewing and updating insurance coverage.

• Oversees the annual budget preparation, which includes, but is not limited to developing, updating and maintaining the organization’s budget and financial forecasts directing the organization’s accounting practices and team.
• Performs financial reporting and analysis of the organizational and various team budgets on a structured and ad hoc basis and manages the organization’s cash flows and investments.
• Provides general oversight of all accounting operations of general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. 
• Oversees and directs preparation of the Institute’s annual capital and operating budgets and forecasts; analyzes performance against the budget; meet quarterly with leadership and monitor financial/budgetary performance by team. 
• Oversees the preparation of monthly and annual team, organizational and consolidated financial statements for the Institute as well as its affiliates to facilitate financial and operational management decision making.
• Recommends and implements new financial and operational policies and/or changes to the CFAO for consideration of the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Provides management oversight of the use and maintenance of the AIA accounting system module of Fonteva/Salesforce. 
• Provides overall management of the membership accounting function, coordinating the receipt and posting of centralized dues and the disbursement of dues to state and local components on a timely basis.
• Works with team senior/vice presidents and managing directors on budget development, monitoring and financial reporting to ensure consistency in financial control and review.
• Monitors the management of the Institute’s investment portfolio; recommends investment policy amendments to the CFAO to maximize investment return; establishes relationships with investments firms and banking institutions; monitors investment performance against benchmarks and recommends adjustments, as needed; develops, maintains and implements an effective cash management model for the Institute.  
• Coordinates and directs all aspects of the annual financial audit and required tax returns of the organization and its affiliates, including assuring timely completion of confirmations, schedules and supporting records and documentation. 
• Implements sound budgeting and financial management practices to assure organizational and team control and appropriate recognition of revenues and expenditures, in compliance with GAAP, FASB issues and IRS regulations.
• Serves as administrator of financial and operational policies approved by the Finance Committee and Board of Directors and assists the organization in complying with Institute By-laws and Rules of the Board. 
• Manages the relationship with the Organization’s bank(s) and other financial organizations. Ensures the appropriate internal controls are in place and maintained.
• Manages and oversees the AIA’s risk management program assuring adequate insurance coverage of comprehensive, cost-effective liability coverages and accounting, payroll and corporate tax filings. Actively seeks out and maintains up-to-date knowledge regarding GAAP, FASB, IRS, AICPA regulations and corporate tax reporting requirements, etc.  Along with the technology department, ensures the organization maintains PCI Compliance.   
• Oversees and directs the work of the facilities department, including tenant relationships and tenant negotiations, the efficiency of the building physical plant operations, and capital building improvements including renovation planning as needed.  Works collaboratively with the Human Resources department in managing office assignments and other employee operational supports needs.
• Manages the staff of the Accounting and Facilities team, including structuring the team and designing positions for maximum productivity, approving new hires, transfers, and terminations, coordinating and/or conducting performance appraisals, and making compensation recommendations.
• Serves as backup payroll administrator.
• Handles or leads special projects as assigned by the EVP/CEO and CFAO.

Frequent contacts

Regulatory agencies (IRS, D.C. tax department)

Outside auditors

AIA Staff

AIA Human Resources and Legal and Business Affairs

Banking and Insurance Institutions

Investment Advisors

Architects & General Contractors