ABOUT THE ROLE

The Controller is the Library's senior accounting leader, responsible for financial oversight, reporting, internal controls, and audit readiness. This part-time role averages approximately 20 hours per week, reports to the Chief Executive Officer and liaises with the CFO Consultant and supervises the Accounting Manager and Payroll Manager. The position is focused on review, oversight, compliance, and decision support rather than routine transaction processing. The Ferguson Library strives to be an anti-racist and equitable organization. Our staff are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives through education, resources and services. Diversity not only includes race and gender expression but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and many other parts of one's identity. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of culture and workplace we aspire to create.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Financial Oversight, Reporting, & Analysis
• Provide oversight of the Library's accounting and financial operations, with the Accounting Manager and Payroll Manager responsible for day-to-day execution of accounting, accounts payable, payroll, reconciliations, and close activities.
• Review key reconciliations, journal entries, financial schedules, payroll-related reporting, and other higher-risk accounting work on a risk-based basis to ensure accuracy, completeness, appropriate approval, and timely resolution of issues.
• Establish and maintain effective accounting policies, procedures, approval workflows, and segregation of duties that safeguard assets and support reliable financial reporting.
• Maintain oversight of cash management, banking activity, payment controls, and other treasury-related processes, with routine administration delegated to the finance team.
• Provide oversight of accounting and reporting for City funding, grants, restricted resources, receivables, and reimbursement activity, reviewing significant balances, compliance matters, and exceptions.
• Provide financial analysis and decision support to leadership on operating priorities, resource allocation, financial trends, and special initiatives.

AUDIT, COMPLIANCE & INTERNAL CONTROLS

• Serve as the senior finance contact for the annual external audit, coordinating with the Accounting Manager on schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, management responses, and resolution of audit matters.
• Ensure financial operations and reporting comply with GAAP, applicable nonprofit and public-sector requirements, contractual obligations, Library policies, and relevant City funding requirements.
• Monitor the design and effectiveness of internal controls; identify control gaps, financial risks, and opportunities to improve accountability, documentation, and business continuity.
• Maintain appropriate financial records and coordinate finance-related compliance reporting and information requests.

LEADERSHIP & IMPROVEMENT

• Supervise the Accounting Manager and Payroll Manager; establish priorities, review responsibilities, escalation protocols, and appropriate segregation of duties across the finance function.
• Advise the Chief Executive Officer, Board, Human Resources, and department leaders on significant financial matters and implement practical improvements to systems, reporting, policies, and workflows.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience, including financial reporting, budgeting, audits, internal controls, and staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, accounting systems, Excel, and financial reporting, with excellent analytical, communication, judgment, and organizational skills. Preferred
• CPA or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience in a nonprofit, public-sector, library, governmental, or fund-accounting environment; Blackbaud Financial Edge, municipal funding, grants, and Board reporting experience are desirable.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Financial operations are accurate, timely, well controlled, and clearly owned by the finance team, while leadership and the Board receive reliable financial information and practical guidance from the Controller.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Financial leadership Accounting expertise Internal controls Analytical judgment Staff leadership Communication and collaboration Integrity and discretion Process improvement Strategic partnership

Pay:

$65.00 per hour Expected hours: 15.0 - 20.0 per week

Benefits:

403(b) Paid sick time Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person