Director, Corporate Controller

About Us:

Building Services 32BJ Benefit Funds (“the Funds”) is the umbrella organization responsible for administering Health, Pension, Retirement Savings, Training, and Legal Services benefits to over 100,000 SEIU 32BJ members. Our mission is to make significant contributions to the lives of our members by providing high quality benefits and services. Through our commitment, we embody five core values: Flexibility, Initiative, Respect, Sustainability, and Teamwork (FIRST). By following our core values, employees are open to different and new ways of doing things, take active steps to improve the organization, create an environment of trust and respect, approach their work with the intent of a positive outcome, and work collaboratively with colleagues. 

The Funds oversees and manages $8.3 billions of dollars in assets, which are made up of many, varied and complex funds. The dollars come from a number of sources, including the property owners who pay into the funds on behalf of their employees, and as such, requires those who oversee and manage the money to be highly skilled financial management people.  

The Funds is focused on providing our employees with a healthy work/life balance. In our continued commitment to our employees, we offer generous benefits that include premiums fully paid by the employer for health insurance (family coverage included), employer-paid contributions to a 401(K), employer-paid pension, education and training opportunities, and many more great benefits. We also provide generous paid time off! 

Please take a moment to watch our video to learn more about our culture and contributions to our members: youtu.be/hYNdMGLn19A  

Position Summary: 

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Administration, the Director, Corporate Control is a pivotal senior leadership role that requires a strategic financial professional with a strong track record in executive management and business planning. This individual will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal planning and accounting activities, ensuring the integrity of fiscal operations, and providing expert advice to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on financial matters. This role will oversee the accounting groups of related Multi-Employer (Taft-Hartley) Benefit Funds. The Funds manages $8.3 billion in assets, which are comprised of many, varied, and complex funds. 

In addition, this individual will inspire and lead the Accounting Management Team, and have direct visibility to the accounting, finance, accounts payable, payroll, FP&A, and other business operations functions. The total team size is roughly 25 individuals. The ideal candidate will also implement effective financial policies across multiple funds and demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. They must be adept at handling complex funding sources and possess the agility to adapt to the dynamic financial landscape of the organization. 

How You Will Help Transform Our Future 

The Director, Corporate Controller will play a pivotal role in maintaining and shaping the Funds’ future, offering strategic direction, and operational support to manage complex financial transactions and advance our mission. In this role, you will transform the department vision, operations, monitor the systems and processes, foster staff career development opportunities, and ensure long-term sustainability. 

Core Pillars & Responsibilities 

1. Leadership & People Management
   • Act as a strategic thought partner to the Director, Finance & Administration.
   • Develop and communicate a clear, strategic vision for the department, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall goals while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
   • Provide ongoing direction to the Accounting Management Team, support them to be effective team leaders regarding people, processes, and project management.

• Establish an organizational staff design that best aligns with the department’s vision, functions, workload, and contingency plans while promoting efficiency and proper controls.
• Set clear objectives and performance metrics for the team based on departmental and organizational goals.
• Motivate and gain the support of others to achieve organizational goals through emotional intelligence, accountability, and respect.
• Provide insightful analysis and recommendations on complex issues and initiatives.
• Propose viable and sustainable change management strategies to better align the department’s vision and business impact.
• Develop and implement a cross-training program to improve departmental resiliency and to create internal career opportunities for staff.

1. Business Strategy & Fiscal Planning
   • Be a key advisor to the Director of Finance & Administration, Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Investments related to the Funds’ financial operations, including fiscal strategies, planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
   • Evaluate and optimize accounting workflows to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting while maintaining compliance with all regulations.
   • Oversee internal and external audit escalations to ensure adherence to compliance standards and rectify any identified issues.
   • Manage and improve the financial reporting for both internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, and auditors.
   • Identify and evaluate the benefits of BI tools to deliver actionable insights and improve financial performance.
   • Guide the Dynamics 365 F&O system efforts, efficiencies, and processes, while supporting the legal and reporting requirements efforts.
   • Train and mentor staff on compliance protocols and the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements.
   • Provide additional support as directed by executive leadership. 

1. Stakeholder Management
   • Build and maintain strong positive relationships with internal departments, including Investments, Executive Office, Board of Trustees, and Funds Leadership.
   • Develop a stronger relationship with financial institutions and entities to foster mutual long-term strategic partnerships.
   • Manage and resolve escalated issues, employ advanced problem-solving skills to address complex challenges, and ensure positive resolutions.
   • Partner with various departments to develop and implement insights-driven strategies to improve organizational challenges and drive positive business outcomes.
   • Empower Accounting Management Team to effectively use data insights to strengthen cross functional partnerships.
   • Encourage Accounting Management Team to host regular meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure alignment on strategic priorities.
   • Foster open and effective communication across all levels of the organization.
   • Ensure transparency, clarity, and collaboration to drive team alignment and success.

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field required.
• 10+ years of executive level management experience in a multi-faceted mid-to-large sized organization (valued at over $200M) with significant experience in financial management.
• 7+ years of experience developing accounting/finance leaders and their teams while working cross-functionally across a growing organization.
• Proficiency in incorporating Business Intelligence tools to transform accounting and finance departments.
• Strong expertise developing and managing relationships with Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, financial institutions, or other governing bodies of authority.
• Expert familiarity building and leading a FP&A function, including financial modeling, variance analysis, and strategic planning research.
• Excellent experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in a financial corporate setting.
• Proven ability to read, analyze, interpret and explain complex financial data.
• Knowledge of internal control systems used for general accounting principles.
• Adaptable, fast learner who is highly organized, analytical, and detail oriented.
• Excellent oral and written communication, with experience presenting to a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Willing to take initiative, think critically and strategically, and collaborate with others to drive organizational change.
• Preferred certifications include CPA, CFA, Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, or other relevant qualifications.
• Prior experience with Multi-Employer (Taft-Hartley) Benefit Funds is preferred, but not required.
• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of 32BJ Benefit Funds.