What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Shook, Hardy and Bacon?
This position is hybrid out of our Kansas City, MO office.
Directs and supervises budgeting, tax, financial accounting, client trust accounting, accounts payable, fixed assets, payroll and the financial analysis of leasing and insurance activities for the organization.
Manages cash flow to provide the best utilization of the firm's financial resources.
Prepares/approves various accounting reports and surveys to furnish the firm with accurate entity-level financial information such as income statements, balance sheets, statement of cash flows, statement of changes in partners' accounts and related budget variances in accordance with GAAP.
Designs, implements and monitors internal controls and system controls for data and financial integrity.
Conducts regular review of financial data to ensure activities comply with plans and regulations.
Protects the assets of the firm by ensuring adherence to generally accepted accounting procedures.
Monitors on-going changes in domestic and international financial accounting standards and tax laws and advises management of the impact on firm's business and implications to firm's partners.
Helps implement procedural changes required or recommended by financial accounting standards or tax law modifications.
Directs the annual expense budget preparation process and conducts related analysis and forecasting.
Complies with policies to conform with outside independent auditors; federal, state and local auditors; insurance auditors; and client auditors.
Coordinates the annual external audit process with the firm's designated independent auditors for both the firm and its benefit plans.
Hires and develops the accounting staff to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of accounting services in areas including budgeting, tax, financial accounting, accounts payable, fixed assets, payroll and the financial analysis of leasing and insurance activities.
Ensure team policies and procedures comply with local, state and federal employment laws.
Assists with conflict resolution and workplace investigations when necessary.
Ensures cybersecurity principles are applied to protect sensitive data.
Analyzes financial information from a wide variety of sources.
Utilizes data analytics tools and business intelligence platforms to provide real-time financial insights.
Implements new accounting procedures to produce more efficient services.
Supervises the preparation of partner distributions to provide partners with accurate payments.
Supervises the accurate preparation and timely processing of the firm's payroll activities.
Uses creativity and critical thinking to resolve challenges.
Learns and works with the software supporting the automated accounting system.
Maintains a courteous, professional demeanor under stress and maintains confidentiality at all times.
Communicates courteously and professionally by phone and in person using excellent communication skills.
Keeps supervisor abreast of current issues and potential problems as they develop.
Ensures that appropriate safety procedures are followed within the department.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Accounting from four-year college or university and seven to ten years related experience in leadership positions managing both financial accounting and tax operations. CPA license is strongly preferred; experience in public accounting strongly preferred. Supervisory experience required.