Comptroller

About the Role

BHS is seeking an experienced professional to fill the new role of Comptroller who will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management and accounting functions for the synagogue. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, this position will assist the Treasurer (Officer of the Board), and the members of the Finance Committee in budgeting and financial reporting and making presentations to the Board. The Comptroller will be instrumental in providing ongoing financial analysis of the organization’s finances, identifying potential issues and suggesting corrective action, and keeping all financial databases current. The successful candidate will be thoroughly familiar with generally accepted accounting principles and have Comptroller level experience to serve in this new role, which is currently outsourced.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Lead all synagogue financial operations; implement and manage internal controls to ensure integrity and transparency.
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems in compliance with GAAP standards and reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, provide oversight of the synagogue’s annual operating budget of $6.5 million.
• Manage the daily accounting and reporting functions, including the billing and collection of the accounts receivable; supervise the accounts payable and purchasing systems and a part-time bookkeeper to assist with these responsibilities.
• Produce monthly financial reports that can be shared with the Executive Director, President, and Treasurer, and quarterly with the Board. Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget.
• Work closely with clergy and senior staff to develop annual budgets and provide them with ongoing support and financial oversight to ensure that departments stay on target with their budget projections.
• Manage the bi-weekly payroll and payroll system, including the onboarding of employees and ongoing changes in salary, pension, and other benefits with payroll implications.
• Analyze yearly health benefit plans and FSA and transit options; ensure that accurate and timely financial information is maintained with outside providers.
• Monitor daily banking activities and help initiate securities transfers when needed.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to set long and short-term financial objectives, including the annual budget development and monitoring processes.
• Manage financial reporting functions including the preparation of financial statements, forecasting, cash flow, actual vs. budget reports & analyses; develop effective fiscal policies and procedures for financial management, reporting, and auditing.
• Manage annual insurance (property, casualty and liability, and D&O) renewals and claims reporting.
• Prepare quarterly disability and family leave reporting.
• Oversee BHS’s 403(b) retirement plan working with outside plan administrator.
• Tracks the funding for capital projects funded by grants and ensures that we invoice vendors appropriately to be compliant with state and federal guidelines.
• Work closely with the Director of Development to ensure that gifts through various vehicles are appropriately recorded and documented with the correct tax treatment.
• Ensure all finance policies and procedures are documented, communicated and reflective of current practices and comply with all federal, state, and local rules.
• Serve as the primary interface with external reviewers to ensure that all schedules, reconciliations and statements are prepared in a timely manner to facilitate the execution of an annual financial review.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will possess strong financial acumen and have at least 5-7 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations or religious institutions.
• The candidate must have strong interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess the highest integrity, sound judgment, and capable of managing difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong business instincts and critical analysis, able to quickly identify problems, synthesize a variety of factors to make effective and practical decisions and develop an appropriate course of action.
• Can convey financial information in a clear manner to people with varying levels of financial expertise.
• Ability to work well in teams as well as independently.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure.
• Flexible work style and an interest in being part of a dynamic and evolving organization.
• Proficient in financial modeling & accounting packages; must have knowledge of accounting/financial software and systems such as Quickbooks or INTACT; Shulcloud familiarity and bill.com is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting; MBA/CPA preferred.

About Brooklyn Heights Synagogue

Brooklyn Heights Synagogue (BHS) is an inclusive lay-led community dedicated to caring for the world and each other. As a progressive congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, we value the diverse ways our members express their Jewish identities as we maintain an abiding respect for the traditions of the Jewish people.

We are a warm and welcoming community, with an active membership of 530 families, couples, and singles living in Brownstone Brooklyn and DUMBO, Lower Manhattan, and throughout NYC. As a founding member of NYC’s Emergency Shelter Network, BHS has hosted a homeless shelter since 1983. Our educational programming includes a highly regarded Preschool serving nearly 120 children, a supplemental K-12 Religious School serving over 200 students, a thriving Parent Center for very young children, their parents and caregivers, and a large variety of adult and intergenerational learning opportunities. The synagogue recently completed a major construction project of $11 million doubling our physical plant, which was funded almost entirely by its membership.