CONTROLLER

Explore St. Louis is seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Controller to manage and maintain the integrity, accuracy, timeliness and control of its accounting and financial reporting activities. The Controller leads the day-to-day accounting function; maintaining accountability for reliable financial records, efficient month and year-end closing processes, appropriate internal controls, and consistent accounting policies and procedures. This position supervises Finance department personnel and establishes clear responsibilities, review procedures, cross-training and appropriate segregation of duties within the accounting function. The Controller serves as the Chief Financial Officer's principal technical accounting partner, working collaboratively with Finance personnel and department leaders to ensure that financial information is accurate, timely, and optimal for informed decision-making. This position also serves as the primary owner of Sage Intacct accounting software functionality; leading ongoing improvements in accounting processes, controls, documentation and financial systems. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESFinancial Closing and General Accounting Processes Maintain accountability for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes. Maintain a formal monthly closing calendar with clearly assigned responsibilities and deadlines. Ensure monthly financial statements are completed within established organizational timelines. Review journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules prepared by accounting staff. Assign general ledger, reconciliation, and close responsibilities among accounting personnel based on experience and organizational needs. Review significant or unusual transactions and determine appropriate accounting treatment. Ensure balance sheet accounts are reconciled accurately and timely. Review bank and cash reconciliations and ensure reconciling items are investigated and resolved. Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts. Ensure consistent application of generally accepted accounting principles and organizational accounting policies. Prepare or review financial statements and supporting schedules prior to submission to the CFO.Ensure appropriate accounting for revenue, receivables, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, accrued liabilities, deferred revenue, and other significant accounts. Accounting Team Leadership Direct and supervise accounting personnel. Establish clear responsibilities, deadlines, performance expectations, and review procedures for accounting staff. Allocate responsibilities in a manner that supports effective segregation of duties and appropriate levels of review. Maintain appropriate separation between transaction initiation, processing, reconciliation, and approval. Develop cross-training and backup procedures for critical accounting processes. Coach and develop accounting staff and provide opportunities for increasing responsibility as capabilities develop. Periodically evaluate staffing requirements and recommend changes to the CFO based on transaction volume, organizational complexity, control requirements, and service expectations. Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Internal Controls and Policies Design, implement, document, and maintain effective accounting controls. Periodically evaluate segregation of duties and recommend changes when necessary. Ensure accounting activities comply with established financial policies, authorization limits, and procedures. Monitor compliance with accounts payable, purchasing, expense reimbursement, cash handling, and accounts receivable requirements. Identify control weaknesses, accounting risks and process deficiencies. Recommend corrective action to the CFO.Maintain appropriate accounting policies and written procedures. Ensure accounting staff and relevant organizational personnel receive appropriate training regarding financial processes and controls. Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Oversight Provide management oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, vendor administration, billing, and collection activities. Review aging reports, significant past-due receivables, unusual vendor activity, and unresolved discrepancies. Ensure payments are properly authorized, supported, coded, and recorded in the correct accounting period. Ensure vendor records are properly maintained and protected through appropriate internal controls. Monitor electronic payment processes and related financial controls. Oversee annual Form 1099 preparation and other applicable transactional reporting. Treasury and Cash Monitor cash balances and short-term cash requirements. Ensure all bank and investment accounts are reconciled accurately and timely. Assist the CFO with cash forecasting, banking relationships, investments, and liquidity management. Maintain appropriate controls over bank accounts, electronic payments, and access to financial assets. Provide accounting support for reserve and investment activities. Financial Systems and Process Improvement Serve as the primary accounting owner & subject matter expert for Sage Intacct. Maintain appropriate chart-of-account structures, dimensions, financial workflows, & accounting-system controls. Work with accounting staff, internal technology resources, and outside specialists to optimize Sage Intacct and related financial systems. Identify opportunities to automate recurring accounting activities and reduce manual processes. Support effective integration of Sage Intacct, Bill.com, & other systems affecting financial information. Establish and maintain documented accounting processes. Ensure financial-system access is consistent with employees' responsibilities and appropriate segregation of duties. Audit and Compliance Lead accounting preparation for the annual independent audit. Coordinate preparation of audit schedules and supporting workpapers. Serve as the primary accounting contact for external auditors. Review accounting information provided to auditors for accuracy and completeness. Coordinate timely resolution of audit questions and findings. Assist the CFO with tax, regulatory, governmental, & other external financial reporting as required. Maintain financial records in accordance with organizational record-retention requirements. Organizational Support Work collaboratively with the Financial Planning & Analysis function to ensure actual financial results are properly reflected in management reporting, budgets, and forecasts. Assist department heads with technical accounting and financial-process questions. Promote consistent use of financial policies & procedures throughout the organization. Support financial-literacy efforts and help managers understand their responsibilities within the organization's financial-control environment. Assist the CFO with Board and Finance Committee reporting as requested. Perform special projects and other duties assigned by the CFO.Work a flexible schedule as necessary to include occasional evenings, weekends and holidays to support business needs. QUALIFICATIONS & TECHNICAL SKILLSStrong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, accrual accounting, account reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and internal controls. Demonstrated ability to manage monthly and year-end close processes. Strong spreadsheet and financial-system capabilities. Experience with cloud-based accounting systems. Sage Intacct software experience strongly preferred. Bill.com or similar electronic AP platform experience preferred. Ability to understand, document, & improve accounting workflows. Excellent presentation and communication skills are required.