Career Center

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is looking for a Controller to join its team.  SAME represents the public sector architecture/engineering/construction industry – our 25,000 members literally build and support America’s infrastructure and national security.  We provide our members opportunities to:

• Collaborate and network in a joint service environment (meaning, all branches of the uniformed services as well as federal, state, and local government agencies).
• Grow professionally and personally by participating in technical education & training, a wide range of conferences, and community service events.
• Engage with peers and content in a specific area of practice or designation via our Communities of Interest.
• Achieve professional and business goals.

We are a small organization (about 25 staff) that places a high value on teamwork, collaboration, and continually improving the products and services we deliver to our members.  At SAME, we do work hard but we have a lot of fun doing it and enjoy working with one another.  Everyone on our team is encouraged to take initiative, offer fresh perspectives, and be entrepreneurial.  If you’re a team player who strives to do your best each day, please read on for a great opportunity with our great organization!

This is an in-person position at our offices in Alexandria, Virginia; after 90 days a hybrid work option is available.

SUMMARY:

The Controller has overall responsibility for managing SAME’s and the SAME Foundation’s financial operations, records, and controls.  Works cross-functionally and collaboratively to develop financial and administrative strategies to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and contribute to the strategies and goals of the Society. Analyzes financial systems and procedures for maximum effectiveness.  Directs the day-to-day activities of the finance department and ongoing development and monitoring of systems designed to preserve company assets, and regulatory compliance.  Supervises and manages accounting staff. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, each essential duty and responsibility must be performed satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the leadership team and make operational recommendations.
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with accounting principles and regulatory requirements in Virginia and the US.
• Support annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the senior management team.
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of SAME’s financial status. .
• Monitor financial performance by measuring and analyzing results to minimize the impact of variances and keeping the senior leadership informed.
• Manage cash flow and forecasting to ensure minimum cash balances meet immediate and long-term operating needs. Communicate general reserve, cash, and investment fund balances bi-monthly to the Executive Director and Director.
• Manage and track SAME Foundation activities to ensure compliance with policies (e.g., charter, UPMIFA) and investment guidelines established by the investment committee.
• Develop and maintain system of internal controls to safeguard financial assets, ensure substantiating documentation is authorized, and to ensure financial reporting is accurate, transactions properly recorded, and free of material misstatement.
• Communicate and enforce financial policies and procedures to all staff and others as needed.
• Ensure adequate safeguards are in place for continuity of accounting operations during staff absences or personnel changes.
• Oversee administration and financial reporting of retirement plans including ERISA compliance and serving as plan trustee.
• Oversee payroll processing and assist in the design and implementation Compensation Panel metrics.
• Coordinate Quarterly Management Review and Annual Forecast meetings with senior management team.

LEADERSHIP

• Participate as a member of the senior management team to facilitate cross-department collaboration that ensures financial solutions support the Society’s evolving strategy and data collection needs.
• Supervise and lead staff accountant on all matters related to SAME’s and the SAME Foundation’s finance and accounting operations.
• Support the financial management competency for SAME National Office staff and provide assistance on all matters related to finance and accounting, including effective use of SAME’s financial management tools such as the EMS, Intacct, BILL, and Tallie.
• Contribute to a teamwork mindset within the SAME National Office.

LIAISON AND COORDINATION

• Oversee annual financial audit process, including serving as main contact with outsourced audit team and ensuring all documentation and other requests are responded to accurately and completely and in a timely manner.
• Oversee annual tax filings, including serving as main contact with outsourced tax accountants and ensuring all documentation and other requests are responded to accurately and completely and in a timely manner; ensure taxes are filed and paid on time.
• Provide guidance and support as requested to Post Treasurers on financial management and IRS filings.
• Coordinate annual Audit Committee Meeting and issuance of Audited Financial Statements.
• Coordinate monthly meetings with Treasurer to review financial results and proposed budget.

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Analyze operations, identify opportunities for efficiencies, proactively recommendations to the Director and Executive Director.
• Ensure compensation, retirement plan, and other benefit plan activity complies with plan documents and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate fraud risk and adequacy of insurance coverage.
• Manage general reserves to ensure adequate funding of budgeting needs.
• Ensure recordkeeping meets requirements of auditors and government agencies.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years of accounting experience preferably in an association or nonprofit setting.
• Experience presenting to Boards and committees.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in accounting, business or related field; or CPA exam eligible candidate.
• May substitute 10 years professional experience for educational degree requirement; however, some accounting and finance coursework is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Adept with accounting, payroll, and expense management software required – experience with Sage Intacct, Bill.com, Tallie, and Paylocity preferred.
• Knowledge of tax and regulatory requirements for non-profit organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.)
• Ability to anticipate and resolve complex problems and exercise sound judgement.
• Possess excellent analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Desire to learn and be adaptable.
• Possess a positive attitude with ability and willingness to provide excellent customer service to internal and external members.
• Ability to work in a team environment, be a self-starter, and demonstrate initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that inspire trust, motivation, and confidence in internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, under varying deadlines, and prioritize as needed.
• Commitment to professional growth and organizational excellence.

About Society of American Military Engineers

Founded in 1920, SAME builds leaders and facilitates collaboration among government and industry to develop solutions to national security infrastructure challenges. With a National Office in Alexandria, Va., and over 100 Chapters around the world, the Society unites the uniformed services, public, private, and academic sectors from across the architecture, engineering, construction, and related disciplines. Providing extensive opportunities for training, education and professional development through a robust offering of conferences, workshops, networking events, publications, webinars, and other member-driven programs, SAME bridges the gaps between critical stakeholders to help secure our nation. Visit www.same.org for more information.

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