MD, Controller

Who Are We?

The heart and science of philanthropy

Greater Seattle is changing and growing, and so is Seattle Foundation. The heart and science of philanthropy is the intersection of philanthropic passion and data-driven solutions to create lasting change. As the communitys foundation, our mission is to ignite powerful and rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all. We seek individuals to join our 60+ (and growing!) team who are committed to our vision of a stronger, more vibrant community for all; collaboratively finding solutions; continually improving; and going above and beyond in service of our philanthropic partners and the broader community.

Were in the midst of an exciting evolution in our work. While the Seattle region is undergoing major economic growth, systemic failures across sectors continue to leave Black, Indigenous, and communities of color behind, placing our whole community at risk. Seattle Foundation is creating a dynamic path for philanthropy in a new, ambitious Blueprint for Impact. The Blueprint details a regional vision to engage a wide range of partners to address racial and economic inequities. Debuting in early 2021, the Blueprint will take shape in three core areas: a just democracy, an equitable economy, and a resilient environment.

Key Facts:

• Over $1 billion in assets under management
• Partner with 1,200 community philanthropists to create lasting impact
• Leader among over 750 community foundations nationwide
• $136 million grants distributed (2019)
• $13.3 million operating budget (2020)

More information about the Foundation can be found at and in our recently launched 2019 social impact report: impactreport.seattlefoundation.org.

Whats the Opportunity?

The Managing Director, Controller (MDC) is responsible for the oversight of financial, investment and fund management for the Seattle Foundation (SeaFdn). Do you want to use your deep knowledge of GAAP accounting, tax compliance & reporting, financial systems, and internal controls to make a positive impact in the greater Seattle region? This role will be a a great fit if you possess the ability to communicate effectively, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment. As MDC, you maintain professional relationships with internal staff at all levels and maintain relationships with board, committee members, external vendors, donors, and other stakeholders. This position works closely with the CFOO.

As the Managing Director, Controller you will be responsible for:

• Leadership/Management
  • Promote a team culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
  • Establish overall departmental vision, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and develop & monitor departmental performance metrics.
  • Supervise and mentor Assistant Controller, Investments Accountants and Grants and Gifts Manager.
  • Develop staff, providing workplans, career ladders, and ensuring appropriate cross-training and process documentation are in place to provide appropriate transaction redundancies.
  • Assist CFOO in supporting the Audit Committee, Finance Committee, and Investment Committee.
• Operations
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate all accounting operation function including financial, investment and fund management.
  • Assess current accounting operations, maintaining a documented system of accounting policies and procedures and offer recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Implement policies and new processes across the organization including playing a key role in the modernization of financial processes and systems.
  • Ensure the maintenance of sufficient backup documentation (i.e., schedules and analyses that support and clarify the amounts reported in financial statements for fixed assets, pledges, investments and trust assets, debt, trust and annuity liabilities, endowment funds, etc.).
  • Oversee and advise on complex gift and grant transactions
  • Responsible for cash flow management, capital call approvals and the sale of gifts of securities.
  • Maintain and develop relations with all auditors, banks, other financial institutions & consultants, and other external stakeholders as appropriate.
• Compliance/Risk Management
  • Ensure SeaFdn complies with all applicable GAAP rules plus federal, state, and local laws and regulations on financial reporting and taxes.
  • Responsible for oversight and compliance with SeaFdns internal control policies, practices, and procedures. In collaboration with staff and other departments, develop and review COSO-compliant procedures to improve SeaFdn internal controls; recommend and implement policy changes.
  • Own the general ledger and ensure accuracy and quality of financial statements.
  • Collaborate and support the Assistant Controller during the annual financial statement audit process, including managing external audit relationships, internal coordination, and quality assurance.
  • Collaborate and support the Assistant Controller for review of the state and federal tax return preparation, and interface with tax authorities when necessary.
  • Responsible for compliance with payroll reporting requirements and payroll processing.
  • Advise management and other stakeholders on tax implications from operational activities and stay current on local, state(s), and federal regulatory and tax code revisions.
  • Monitor debt levels and manage compliance with banking debt covenants on debt instruments.
• Oversee contract and risk management
  • Support CFOO to develop, implement and oversee cross foundation risk management strategies.
  • Ensure that processes and systems improvement, modernization of data applications, and internal controls are transparent, communicated, documented, and approved.
  • Creates and maintains organization-wide procurement policies and procedures and provides direction and training for contract staff in the requirements of the procurement process.
  • Leads the standardization of the development and maintenance of RFP documents, and works with staff to convene and train RFP review panelists.
  • Manages procured vendor and consultant contract relationships where applicable.
  • Advise and guide the preparation and posting of RFPs for SeaFdn
  • Works with subject matter experts to edit scopes of work, technical specifications, and other solicitation/contract documents for clarity and consistency, technical specifications, and other solicitation/contract.
• Business Support
  • Understand the business model, strategies, and organizational initiatives.
  • In conjunction with SeaFdn leadership and Finance, develop business intelligence metrics, reports, and analysis guiding management in the areas of operational efficiencies, operational excellence, quality, and other Key Performance Indicators.
  • Support Finance in budget development and management reporting, identifying and analyzing budget variances and business issues.

What Are We Looking For?

Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and demonstrated experience in:

• 10+ years of direct accounting operations management and financial management work experience, with increasing responsibility.
• 5+ years of direct management experience leading and developing a high performing team.
• CPA certification or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or similar area of study or equivalent experience.

We are also looking for:

• A strong commitment to the health and vibrancy of the greater Seattle area, specifically our commitment to racial equity and economic opportunity.
• Experience with Fund or Non-Profit accounting.
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills. Must be comfortable making presentations to all levels in the organization, including the Board of Trustees.
• Experience in Blackbaud Financial Edge /Razors Edge/Grantors Edge preferred.

What Can You Expect?

A collegial work environment; a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health insurances (medical, dental, vision and long-term disability); a generous retirement plan match; and vacation/sick leave.

What are the Physical Demands and Working Conditions?

The majority of the work is performed in a general office setting. The capability of working at a PC for extended periods. Team efforts with event support may require extended periods of physical activity involving standing, walking, and moderate lifting. Beginning in March of 2020, our staff is working from home and will continue to do so until it is safe to reopen our downtown Seattle headquarters.

The working conditions described above are representative of those for an employee to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions of the role.

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Foundation does not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veterans status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. We welcome all candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who have the skills and are passionate about our work.