Controller

Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman (CBHB), Vermont’s leading real estate firm, has been dedicated to serving people, community, and the love of homes nationally since 1906, and locally since 1958. CBHB seeks candidates with a continuous improvement and growth mindset, and a responsive and collaborative approach to succeed the agency’s long-time Director of Finance when they retire this spring. CBHB offers excellent benefits and a healthy work/life balance. Learn more about the company @ hickokandboardman.com

To confidentially explore this opportunity, please contact our search partner, Beth Gilpin Consulting, at [email protected] to schedule a phone call.

SUMMARY

As a member of CBHB’s management team, the Controller supports the company’s financial strategy for profitability and growth, oversees all finance accounting functions and staff, serves as a resource to owners, managers, staff and agents, and fosters professional and positive relationships with employees, agents, vendors, and partners.

The Controller ensures accurate financial reporting, analyzes expenses, maintains compliance with financial regulations, and leads the company’s benefits strategy and administration. Successful candidates will enjoy both strategic and administrative responsibilities needed to support the organization, bring a meticulous attention to detail, and be interested and able to leverage technology (including QuickBooks Online) to continually improve the department’s efficiency and effectiveness. The Controller reports to CBHB’s President and supervises a Staff Accountant and Human Resources administrative functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Controller has primary responsibility for overseeing the company’s accounting and finance operations; regulatory and financial reporting and analysis; budget and forecast preparation; development of internal control policies and procedures; and administration of human resources programs such as payroll and benefits.

Finance and Accounting

Accounting:

• Manage all functions including real estate transactions, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, and revenue recognition.
• Enter financial transactions into accounting software or ledgers. Ensure all transactions are accurately recorded, categorized, and reconciled.
• Process and manage invoices from vendors. Track and collect payments from customers and clients. Handle and resolve discrepancies or issues related to sales transactions and accounts payable.
• Reconcile and analyze GL accounts. Identify and correct any discrepancies between bank and credit card statements and financial records.

Financial Reporting: Generate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Prepare reports for management and external accounting firm as needed. Continually evaluate and improve the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of financial reporting.

Budgeting and Forecasting: Help create and manage budgets and financial forecasts. Monitor budget performance and report on variances both on a company and sales associate level, as necessary.

Chart of Accounts: Oversee and maintain the chart of accounts, an orderly accounting filing system, and a system of internal controls over accounting transactions.

Financial Records and Reports: Maintain the integrity, organization, and timely filing of the financial records, such as receipts and invoices. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Human Resources

Workplace culture: In partnership with CBHB’s president, help foster a positive and respectful work environment through effective employee policies and practices.

Payroll Administration: Oversee and process payroll, related accounting, record-keeping, and reporting.

• Calculate and process employee wages, bonuses, and deductions. Ensure accurate and timely payment of payroll, 401k contributions, HSA contributions.

Benefits Administration: In partnership with CBHB’s president, continually evaluates benefit offerings and make strategic improvements to support employee well-being and health care needs. Work with HR administrator to select the best vendors, monitor employer and employee contributions, budget for and oversee administration of all offerings including record-keeping, compliance, and reporting.

General Management Responsibilities

Communication and Coordination: Communicate with internal staff and agents, vendors, and – as needed - clients regarding financial matters. Effectively coordinate with accountants, financial institutions, insurance carriers and other financial vendors as needed.

Technology and Systems: Optimize use of accounting software and other financial tools, staying up to date with advancements in financial technology and accounting practices, and implementing process improvements where appropriate. Serve as the product expert on department software such as QuickBooks, Dotloop, Lone Wolf.

Risk Management: Oversee and optimize the organization’s insurance strategy by assessing policy needs, ensuring coverage aligns with risk profiles, and managing policy scope and limits.

Industry and Community Involvement: Participate in occasional company, industry or community events, and volunteer opportunities as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

We recognize no candidate will have everything listed below and we welcome hearing from individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and interest in furthering CBHB’s success who believe they offer a comparable set of qualifications. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application, even if you don’t think you check all boxes.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant and successful experience in similar roles.
• Proficient in use of QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite.
• Quick adopter of new tools and technology with understanding of cyber security principles.
• Knowledgeable of both accounting theory and practice, able to use and apply accounting system reporting tools for financial reporting.
• Experience helping evaluate business opportunities, challenges, and appropriate financial strategies to address each.
• People manager with collaborative, team-based approach.
• Provides timely and respectful help to a myriad of internal and external customers.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative and committed to excellent service of internal and external customers.
• Continual learner who adapts to changes and embraces enhancements in systems and technologies.
• Well-organized, flexible, and able to efficiently juggle and prioritize multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including ability to put others at ease, directly address, negotiate and resolve concerns and conflicts, etc.
• Maintains the highest level of confidentiality and integrity involving sensitive financial and personal data.
• Solution-oriented and excited about helping the business grow and evolve.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Pay

• Base: Within a hiring range starting at $100,000.00
• Incentive Compensation: Eligible for annual performance bonus.

Benefits

• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment. Employees contribute to coverage for all but disability, life and AD&D.
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution.
• Retirement: Employees are automatically enrolled after one year of employment. Those who contribute 5% will receive the full company match of 100% on the first 3% contributed, and 50% on the next 2%.
• Discounted Gym Membership at The Edge: Available through payroll deduction of $39.59/month, including 7% tax.

Work Location: The director will primarily work on-site. Occasional remote work may be possible once the person is well-established.

APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINE

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis for interviews beginning in February and an early spring start date.

Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.