CONTROLLER

ABOUT WQED  

WQED Multimedia champions communities by telling stories and creating experiences that educate, entertain and inspire our neighbors and friends in Pittsburgh and across southwestern Pennsylvania. Seventy years ago, we launched the country’s first community-supported television station—a forerunner to PBS. Fifty years ago, our classical radio station went on the air. Looking forward, we aim to become known as more than a broadcaster as we enrich communities through education and storytelling.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

The annual compensation band for this full-time position is $80,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience. This position is also eligible for performance bonuses as a reward, based on overachievement against goal and/or key milestones. Employer-sponsored benefits include health insurance via UPMC’s Business Advantage plan ($500 deductible, with premiums on a wage-based sliding scale). WQED pays 100% of the premiums for: Delta Dental PPO, long-term disability insurance from The Hartford, and basic life insurance at 1.5X salary. We offer optional vision insurance through Vision Benefits of America. After 12 months, WQED also contributes 5% of employees’ salary to a 403(b) retirement plan managed by TIAA-CREF.  

THE ROLE 

The Controller will be accountable for WQED’s finance, accounting and financial reporting activities. The Controller will present to the Board’s Finance and Audit committees and will be a key member of the senior leadership team. 

The Controller will lead all day-to-day financial operations for an operating budget of $14 million and supervise a team of two staff members with functional responsibility for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. The Controller will ensure that WQED has the systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and clean audits. The Controller will work closely with program leaders and their staffs, not only to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures, but also to explore how the finance function can support program growth. 

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a mature leader with seven or more years of accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning in accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders. An ideal candidate will have experience at a complex nonprofit with multiple programs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)  

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures. 

• Coordinate all audit activity. 
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of WQED’s financial status. 
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting with department heads; continuously collaborate with department heads and executive team to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations. 
• Assist WQED’s leadership in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate. 
• Engage the Board’s Audit and Finance committees around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery. 
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants. 
• Coordinate and assist with preparation of annual corporate tax return and related schedules and calculations.  
• Prepare various tax, government and foundation reports. 
• Coordinate and manage billing and commissions for corporate underwriting. 
• Track the performance of invested assets and maintain investment policies. 
• Leverage strengths of two staff accountants, developing and implementing training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals. 
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment. 

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS (including but not limited to) 

• Seven (7) years of professional accounting and finance experience 
• A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is essential 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board or other outside partners 
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including non-finance managers 
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will be accountable for all financial operations 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

WQED Multimedia is a fair and equal employer, providing access and opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, self expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law and as directed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. WQED Multimedia provides equitable consideration for employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements. Qualified applicants with a disability or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply (as a result of their disability) have the right to request reasonable accommodation by emailing careers@WQED.org.