Controller

Company Description

Wesley Woods Senior Living is a mission-driven non-profit organization, established in 1954 by leaders of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and Emory University. With ten communities across North Georgia, Wesley Woods provides care for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Through the support of generous benefactors, the Wesley Woods Foundation funds wellness programs and offers charitable care to ensure residents can remain in their homes even if they outlive their savings. Spiritual well-being is a core value, with a dedicated chaplain in each community. Wesley Woods is committed to fostering connection, well-being, and dignity for older adults.

Position Summary

The Controller supports the CFO in overseeing the financial operations of Wesley Woods Senior Living, with responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of all accounting functions. This role manages key areas including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Treasury, Financial Reporting, and Financial Systems.

This role also oversees other team members in the finance department. The Controller is expected to coach and develop staff, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and ensure adherence to internal controls, GAAP, and regulatory compliance. In addition to managing daily operations, the Controller plays a key role in audit preparation, budgeting, and enhancing financial processes to support organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead - Oversee accounting staff assuring efficiency and productivity of accounting department – including but not limited to General Ledger, Fixed Assets, Accounts Payable, Billing and Accounts Receivable, Cash Management, Payroll, and all third-party financial reporting.

Collaborate - Coordinate with the CFO in preparation of monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. Provide support to the CFO in Board of Directors reporting and analysis as needed.

Partner - Liaison with banks and financial institutions relating to debt financing and cash investments.

Interface - Communicate and coordinate with external accountants in preparation of annual audits and income tax and other regulatory filings.

Administer - Administration of the general ledger, fixed assets, tenant accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll to assure month-end and year-end close procedures are timely and accurate.

Facilitate - Manage annual budget process working with Administrators and Executive Directors.

Report - Provide and/or oversee issuance of reports as needed by all regulatory agencies and financial institutions including bond certification reports, bank covenant reports, HUD housing reports, and other state regulatory reports.

Analyze - Provide financial analysis as needed for operational and strategic requirements.

Execute - Facilitate payment, reporting and reconciliation of fringe benefits working with insurance providers to assure annual renewals are cost effective and competitive. Coordinate with HR on implementation and ongoing reporting related to all benefits.

Support - Assist CFO as liaison between WWSL and third-party partners.

Remit - Oversee deposits/payments of employee retirement plan contributions and federal and state payroll taxes.

Coordinate - Support IT department staff and/or third-party contractors for software application updates and changes as required.

Additional Support – Performs related responsibilities and other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs. Other duties and/or special projects assigned as needed by the CFO.

Required Skills

• Communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats, with the ability to deliver presentations to executive leadership, board members, and other key stakeholders as needed.
• Demonstrate initiative and reliability by performing duties independently, with minimal supervision, while effectively planning and organizing work responsibilities.
• Lead and develop a team of professionals to achieve departmental and organizational goals efficiently and on schedule. Provide training, guidance, and strategic delegation to support team growth and performance.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and implement process and procedural changes to address challenges and enhance efficiency.
• Assess the qualifications and performance of team members objectively, providing training and mentorship while reallocating responsibilities based on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Maintain a broad organizational perspective and support the CFO in identifying and leveraging internal and external opportunities to drive growth and advancement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant or Master’s Degree.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive accounting experience, including management of accounting functions—preferably within a senior living or healthcare environment.
•  Demonstrated experience coordinating financial audits, supporting debt financing and reporting, and preparing HUD and other regulatory reports.
• Hands-on experience leading organizational budget planning and execution.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and highly skilled in Microsoft Excel; strong overall PC skills, including ten-key by touch.
• Advanced financial analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex data and trends.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Proven leadership abilities, including staff development through effective delegation, coaching, and training.