Job Opportunities

CONTROLLER

The Controller prepares and maintains financial records of the Library's operations and assists the Chief Operating Officer with management and organization of the Library's financial resources. 

The Controller analyzes all aspects of the library’s fiscal operation by developing and implementing appropriate policies and procedures to ensure the smooth operation of the organization, especially with regard to accounting procedures and financial controls.  Ensures that the library is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.  Creates and maintains financial records and/or files necessary to support the operation of the Library.

This work is extremely detailed, complex, and often ambiguous.  The Controller is the liaison between Department Directors and the Chief Operating Officer.  Prepare budgets and other financial documents, oversight and assignment of all expenditures, purchase of supplies and equipment, evaluation and recommendation of vendors, and preparation and timely submission of necessary tax and legal documents.  The Controller manages library operating funds to provide a reasonable return, while ensuring their availability when needed.  He or she will also work with the auditor(s) to prepare annual financial statements.

Provides quarterly actual to budget reports, weekly cash flow reports, and works with the Department Directors and Chief Operating Officer to maintain accuracy and compliance to established goals.  The Controller must work closely with the Trustees, and frequent communication on appropriate matters is expected.  Attendance at monthly trustee meetings, and/or trustee committees and formal reports to the Executive Committee of the Board are required as necessary.

Successful performance requires a comprehensive knowledge of general and fund accounting, as well as a clear understanding of the Library's various operations.

• Assist with preparing an annual financial budget
• Prepare periodic reports of library financial activity, and projections
• Supervise a staff of one or more assistants to operate the Business office
• Develop appropriate accounting procedures and fiscal controls to record and control the expenditure of library funds
• Monitor expenditures of all library funds, consistent with good accounting practices
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of annual reports of expenditures for grant funds
• Maintain necessary bank balances for operating funds in various accounts
• Assist in the development of alternative strategies and budgets to cope with budget shortfalls
• Responsible for receipt of funds from funding authorities

• Purchases supplies, vehicles, furniture, and equipment for all library operations
• Maintains stocks of supplies for library operations and distributes as requested
• Supervises and arranges maintenance for all office equipment
• Processes payables, receivables, and cash transactions on a daily basis
• Analyzes and reconciles accounts at each month-end, including bank reconciliations and general ledger close
• Maintains and ensures grant compliance in accordance with budgetary and reporting requirements, as well as allocation of salaries and expenses to appropriate grants
• E-Rate administration
• Lead annual audits
• Special projects as assigned
• Assists with payroll processing in the absence of the HR Manager

The controller is expected to make significant decisions and is responsible for the operation of the Business Office in the Chief Operator Officer’s absence.  Initiative is often called for when unforeseen problems or circumstances arise, particularly in the absence of the Chief Operator Officer.  Because the Controller may often be the first to realize that problems are arising, he/she is expected to be alert for potential difficulties, and to take action to ensure that such problems are promptly addressed.  Work is reviewed regularly by the Chief Operator Officer and occasionally by the Library's auditors.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelor's degree in accounting. MBA or CPA preferred.
• 3-5 years accounting experience required with fund accounting preferred.
• Advanced skills in Google Docs and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with Financial Edge accounting software required.
• Confidentiality and a strong attention to detail are required.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex accounting and financial issues.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.

This position is not in the union, is exempt, and works 35 hours per week.  Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm with a salary Range of $68,000 - $80,000

Please submit cover letter and resume by December 15, 2019.

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:

E-mail:  HR@provlib.org

The Providence Public Library

Attn:  HR

150 Empire Street

Providence, RI 02903

Equal Opportunity

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.  PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.