Controller
Ascension Publishing Group · Remote
Summary
When people look for the best faith-formation resources, they turn to Ascension. The Controller ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of Ascension’s accounting records and financial reporting that support this mission.
Reporting to the Director of Finance & Accounting, the Controller serves as Ascension’s senior technical accounting resource, responsible for the general ledger, monthly close, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation. The Controller also supports accounts payable, accounts receivable, royalties, banking operations, internal controls, and improvements to accounting systems and processes.
Duties & Responsibilities
Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting
- Manage the monthly and annual accounting close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement preparation.
- Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, ensuring proper account balances, classifications, and alignment with supporting subledgers.
- Prepare and review financial statements, supporting schedules, and business-unit financial reporting in accordance with applicable income-tax basis accounting principles and GAAP requirements.
- Perform and review accounting activities, including inventory, cost of goods sold, royalties, revenue recognition, capitalized project work, fixed assets, and prepaid expenses.
- Review accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash application, and collections activities, resolving discrepancies and ensuring accurate financial records.
- Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for external financial statement reviews, tax filings, and other compliance requirements.
Royalties, Banking & Internal Controls
- Manage royalty accounting, including applying contract terms, reconciling sales data and royalty liabilities, tracking advances and stipends, preparing statements, and coordinating payments.
- Support banking operations, including authorized payment processing, bank reconciliations, vendor banking records, and resolution of transaction discrepancies, while maintaining appropriate segregation of duties.
- Apply and monitor established accounting policies and internal controls, including segregation of duties, transaction approvals, and independent verification of payment instructions.
- Review accounting transactions and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies.
- Identify accounting risks, control weaknesses, and reporting discrepancies, recommending corrective actions.
Accounting Systems & Process Improvement
- Serve as a technical accounting resource to the department, providing guidance on complex transactions, reconciliations, and accounting standards.
- Develop and maintain accounting procedures, documentation, and consistent workflows across accounting functions.
- Support improvements to accounting and royalty systems, reporting, automation, and workflows to increase accuracy and efficiency.
- Collaborate with the Director of Finance & Accounting on financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant responsibility for general ledger accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, and month-end close.
- Demonstrated experience preparing financial statements, performing reconciliations, and applying GAAP.
- CPA designation preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred.
- Experience with inventory-intensive businesses, manufacturing, publishing, distribution, or subscription-based revenue models preferred.
- Occasional travel to Ascension’s headquarters required.
- Exemplify and live Ascension's core values of humility, passion, and integrity.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Work From Home
- Wellness Resources