Job Listing: Controller/Director of Finance and Administration

Workhouse Arts Center - Lorton, VA

Closes - For best consideration, please submit resume and cover letter by April 14, 2024.

Position Title - Controller/Director of Finance and Administration

Compensation - : $90,000-$110,000 annually, with a benefits package that includes a health/dental insurance plan, life, disability and ADD insurance plan, a retirement plan (non-matching), PTO, compensatory time off, and other employee benefits.

Job Type - Full time, at-will, exempt 

Apply - Please submit a cover letter and resume electronically in PDF form, with “Director of Finance and Administration” in the subject line. Direct your submission to: humanresources@workhousearts.org 

Summary - The Controller/Director of Finance and Administration (Controller) holds a key leadership role, overseeing the financial management, human resources, contracts management, and information technology (IT) functions for the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF).  Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Controller collaborates closely with executive management to plan, implement, and manage all finance-related activities of the organization through strong internal controls management.  This includes budget development and execution; financial management; cash management; payroll and human resources management; contracts management, financial reports and analyses; records management; IT network and systems management; and assuring the financial integrity of the organization.  This key leadership role is instrumental in steering the financial and operational success of the organization, positioning finance as one of the key drivers of strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and overall organizational health. Finally, the Controller will provide independent reporting to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters.

Job Responsibilities -

• Financial Leadership: Lead the development of strategic and operational plans, developing innovative and effective financial strategies to translate organizational plans into actionable initiatives.  Develop and implement innovative financial strategies aligned with organizational goals, serving as the primary driver of financial decision-making. Develop financial and strategic objectives, creating measurement methods/tools for organizational viability, quality, services, and programmatic objectives. Collaborate with executive management to analyze strategic priorities related to cost, services, expansion, and information systems, leading the organization to operational success. Additionally, the Controller provides strategic guidance on financial planning; new program financial projections; cash flow and other fiscal matters; analyzing priorities related to cost, services, and expansion; and information systems.

• Board of Directors Financial Liaison and Support:  Responsible for working with the WAF Board of Directors Treasurer and the Chair of the Finance Committee to support their responsibilities for budget development, financial reporting, and analysis to the Board.  Additionally, the Controller will provide independent reporting to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters.  This will involve delivering comprehensive financial updates, financial analyses, revenue and income forecasting, and strategic insights that contribute to informed decision-making at the governance level.

• Budget Development and Execution Lead organization-wide process to formulate an operating budget aligned with organizational goals and fiscal realities, establishing finance as a key architect of operational plans. Provides oversight of the budgeting process to ensure timely publication of the budget, following Board level approval by the Finance Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. Also conducts effective oversight of the budget for each Department Director/program area such that revenue and expenditures remain in line with approved targets, and staff receives feedback and support as necessary to achieve budgetary goals.

• Financial Operations: Establish and optimize processes and systems for key accounting functions to enhance efficiency. Develop and implement standardized processes for payment processing and cash handling organization-wide, encompassing all point-of-sale systems. Establish and optimize processes and systems for key accounting functions to enhance efficiency in areas including,  but not limited to, the following: rents; cash management; cash flow; restricted fund management; financial aspects of event contracts; general ledger maintenance and analysis year-end and month-end closing; transaction entry;  and reconciliation of various databases and systems (including but not limited to QuickBooks, Tessitura, Square, Clover, and other financial related systems). Direct training sessions to enhance financial literacy across different departments and solidify finance as an educational resource and thought leader within the organization. Collaborate with external partners, including financial institutions, vendors, and consultants, to optimize financial services and resources.

• Financial Reporting: Produce timely, accurate, and comprehensive financial reports for staff, the Board of Directors, donors, grantors, and other key stakeholders. Provide staff and the Board with well-informed and regular financial projections. Ensure that all necessary reports are completed and produced in a timely manner for grant writing and reporting objectives. Conduct internal assessments of organizational effectiveness for financial planning and forecasting.

• Financial Policies, Internal Controls and Risk Management: Maintain a strong internal control environment, safeguarding the financial integrity of the organization. Ensure that effective internal controls are in place and in compliance with GAAP and applicable federal (such as the OMB Uniform Guidance), state, and local laws/regulations for nonprofit financial and tax reporting, as well as grant specific accounting.  Responsible for the development and implementation of all financial policies and the supporting standard operating procedures; all should be maintained and updated as needed. Identify and proactively mitigate financial risks through strategic planning and risk management initiatives, establishing finance as a key guardian of organizational resilience.

• Annual Financial Statement Preparation and Audit: Responsible for the preparation needed for the annual audit and coordination with external auditors for the completion of the Annual Audited Financial Statements and Annual tax return (IRS Form 990s) filing for the WAF, and all related entities.  Ensure that they are completed in a timely and organized manner and that those audits receive a clean opinion annually.

• Human Resource Management:  Serve as the primary manager of Human Resources activities including onboarding, departures, benefits management for health, life, disability insurance, administration of WAF 401K Plan, and Personal Time Off (PTO) management.  Responsible for the update and maintenance of the WAF Employee Handbook. Serve as the primary point of contact for staff with questions regarding benefits and human resources. Responsible for all payroll processing for the Workhouse. Responsible for enforcing all related Board and organization policies.

• Contracts Management:  Serve as the primary approved of all contracts organization-wide including outside vendors, contract labor, lease/license operations, etc., up to $5,000 and reviews and recommends approval of all above that threshold level to the COO.  In addition, manage all WAF business including the management of insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage in support of WAF operations.  Direct contract management initiatives, to include the Requests for Proposals (RFP), bidding process and evaluation of proposals, ensuring adherence to legal parameters and promoting consistency in compliance with efficiency standards throughout the organization.

• IT Management:  Responsible for managing the Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. network services and acquisition of technology hardware and software as well as technology support for the organization.  Serve as the contract manager for the outsourcing of those services. As steward of technology functions, ensure the effectiveness and security of financial, human resources and operational systems.

• Records Management:  Responsible for ensuring the retention of all financial, human resources, and contract records in a manner that is in compliance with the Board Policy for Records Retention.

• Supervision:  Oversee Finance staff ensuring effective execution of administrative tasks related to budget, financial management, accounting (accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll), human resources, information technology, and contracts management functions.  Lead and mentor finance and administration staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture. Responsible for supervision of the Department’s personnel, including the preparation and delivery of all annual reviews for those employees.

Qualifications -

• Significant experience in nonprofit finance and accounting (minimum 10 years) with a deep understanding of contracts, human resources practices, and IT solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field is required; MBA and/or CPA certification is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards and nonprofit tax policy issues, the handling of tax-deductible pledges and contributions.
• Demonstrated track record of effective leadership in financial and strategic planning operations, including management of investments and/or endowments.
• Executive management experience and in-house financial expertise are required; external audit experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and planning skills, ethical standards, and expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning models.
• Experience with accounting and financial systems; QuickBooks and Tessitura experience is advantageous, as well as Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel. Teams, Outlook, etc.)
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, especially in articulating financial data to diverse stakeholders.
• Hands-on, collaborative work style that fosters an open internal atmosphere.

About the Workhouse Arts Center - The Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. (WAF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with a mission to operate the Workhouse Arts Center (WAC) (opened in 2008) with programs in the visual arts, performing arts, arts education, and history through the repurposing of the former Workhouse correctional facility.  The WAF helps to grow and support a vibrant arts center that offers engaging opportunities and inspiring experiences in visual and performing arts, education classes, historical perspective, community engagement, and personal enrichment.  With an annual operating budget of $3M, WAC is a recognized innovative collaborative grounded in the core values of commitment to high-quality arts and education, fiscal responsibility, exemplary governance, and community engagement.

Workhouse DEI Statement: The Workhouse is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff that honors their experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Workhouse EEO Statement: The Workhouse is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Workhouse provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibility, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or in any status protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Workhouse will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any circumstances.

Workhouse Health and Safety Policy: The Workhouse is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for our staff, artists, contractors, volunteers, students, and guests.

Join the WAF and contribute to our mission of enriching lives through the arts. Apply today and be part of a creative and dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and beyond