Overview

Explore St. Louis is seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Controller to manage and maintain the integrity, accuracy, timeliness and control of its accounting and financial reporting activities. The Controller leads the day-to-day accounting function; maintaining accountability for reliable financial records, efficient month and year-end closing processes, appropriate internal controls, and consistent accounting policies and procedures. This position supervises Finance department personnel and establishes clear responsibilities, review procedures, cross-training and appropriate segregation of duties within the accounting function. The Controller serves as the Chief Financial Officers principal technical accounting partner, working collaboratively with Finance personnel and department leaders to ensure that financial information is accurate, timely, and optimal for informed decision-making. This position also serves as the primary owner of Sage Intacct accounting software functionality; leading ongoing improvements in accounting processes, controls, documentation and financial systems.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESFinancial Closing and General Accounting Processes Maintain accountability for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes. Maintain a formal monthly closing calendar with clearly assigned responsibilities and deadlines. Ensure monthly financial statements are completed within established organizational timelines. Review journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules prepared by accounting staff. Assign general ledger, reconciliation, and close responsibilities among accounting personnel. Review significant or unusual transactions and determine appropriate accounting resolution. Ensure balance sheet accounts are reconciled accurately and timely. Review bank and cash reconciliations and ensure reconciling items are investigated and resolved. Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts. Ensure consistent application of generally accepted accounting principles and organizational accounting policies. Prepare or review financial statements and supporting schedules prior to submission to the CFO. Ensure appropriate accounting for revenue, receivables, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, accrued liabilities, deferred revenue, etc.Accounting Team Leadership, Internal Controls and Policies Direct and supervise accounting personnel. Establish clear responsibilities, deadlines, performance expectations, and review procedures for accounting staff. Allocate responsibilities to support effective segregation of duties and appropriate levels of review. Maintain appropriate separation between transaction initiation, processing, reconciliation, and approval. Develop cross-training and backup procedures for critical accounting processes. Coach and develop accounting staff. Design, implement, document, and maintain effective accounting controls. Periodically evaluate segregation of duties and recommend changes when necessary. Ensure accounting activities comply with established financial policies, authorization limits, and procedures. Monitor compliance with accounts payable, purchasing, expense reimbursement, cash handling, and accounts receivable requirements. Identify control weaknesses, accounting risks and process deficiencies. Recommend corrective action to the CFO.Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Oversight Provide management oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, vendor administration, billing, and collection activities. Review aging reports, significant past-due receivables, unusual vendor activity, and unresolved discrepancies. Ensure payments are properly authorized, supported, coded, and recorded in the correct accounting period. Ensure vendor records are properly maintained and protected through appropriate internal controls. Monitor electronic payment processes and related financial controls. Oversee annual Form 1099 prepar