GRANT WRITER

IDAHO YOUTH RANCH

POSITION DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

Due to the nature of our work, employees of Idaho Youth Ranch must hold themselves and each other to a high standard of conduct and service. Our employees are entrusted with the care of someone else’s child or family members. Our employees spend time in the private homes of clients providing services, picking up donations or delivering purchased items. We must ensure, to the fullest extent possible, that each employee understands his or her obligation to preserve that trust and fully accept his or her role as a representative of IYR.

IYR position descriptions reflect the scope, degree of difficulty, knowledge, skill, time, effort, and character required of the employee. IYR position descriptions provide a comprehensive view of job expectations. Rather than being composed of only a list of tasks, they are much broader in scope. Position descriptions identify the intended outcomes or results for work being done, the qualities/character essential to success of employees, the essential job tasks, and other minimum qualifications. It is not our intent to overwhelm employees with pages of duties and responsibilities, but to provide them with an explanation that is representative of the time and energy they commit to their jobs and careers.

POSITION:  CONTROLLER

The Controller is responsible for the direction and management of all accounting and financial reporting required to produce complete, accurate and timely financial statements; analysis; and other reporting requirements; and to ensure these are supported by well organized documentation. The Controller provides leadership and coordination in the accounting, budgeting and auditing efforts of Idaho Youth Ranch. The Controller works under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer.

FUNDAMENTAL QUALITIES (The Essence of the Job)

  1. Underlying Principles.  This area relates to and identifies the key personal internal characteristics, qualities, and traits the Controller must possess and employ to effectively manage employees and support programs and services.
    1. Ability to Relate.The Controller has the ability to understand the programs established for the youth and families we serve. This person is able to relate to employees regardless of their educational background and area of expertise. The Controller can develop positive working relationships with subordinates, employees of IYR, outside businesses and other individuals. The Controller exhibits confidence and self assurance.
    2. Personal Qualities. The Controller is optimistic in outlook and resourceful and creative in meeting challenges. He or she has the ability to incorporate agency values into leadership and management practices in discernable ways. The Controller has honesty and integrity and willingly abides by and supports the agency’s ethics policy. He or she has the strength of his or her convictions regarding the values of the agency, and is willing to ask for contributions and discounts in support of the IYR mission and goals.
    3. Organizational Orientation. AThe Controller abides by and actively supports IYR policies and practices. She understands that her work is part of a larger service system that includes IYR programs and thrift stores, the youth’s family and support system, community professionals, and placement entities. The Controller understands that the IYR mission is to help youth and their families experience long term success rather than just short term progress, and she approaches her work in that mind set.
  2. Exercises Judgment.  This section relates to the way the Controller uses his or her mental abilities to carry out his or her duties and responsibilities. The Controller works in a dynamic environment that requires critical thinking and sound judgment. This person is proficient at analyzing problems, considering alternative courses of action and implementing effective solutions.
  3. Purposeful Action.  This area relates to how the Controller acts in carrying out work duties and responsibilities.
    1. Accounting Team The Controller is the team leader for the Accounting Department. He or she participates and/or conducts regularly scheduled department meetings. The Controller understands the importance of team members feeling safe in sharing their views, ideas, concerns and questions. The Controller holders himself or /herself and other team members responsible for their individual and team assignments. The Controller supports team participation in decision making and is not hesitant to make a decision. The Controller understands that the CFO is part of the accounting team by including her in meetings and decisions, especially when procedures or processes will be impacted outside of the Accounting Department. The Controller directs team activities in ways that reinforce effective department practices. The Controller acts as mentor to the accounting staff and gladly shares his or her knowledge in an effort that cultivates increased knowledge and improved skills. The Controller always considers the best interest of the agency ahead of self interest.
    2. Accountability. The Controller takes responsibility for his or her own actions, and insists on accountability in others. The Controller holds the accounting staff accountable for their performance. The Controller sees mistakes as an opportunity to prevent unfavorable outcomes in the future, rather than focusing on placing blame. The Controller provides constructive feedback to the accounting staff, as well as to the programs, thrift stores, agency leaders and the CFO.
    3. Agency. The Controller understands that the Accounting Department exists as a service unit providing support to the rest of the organization. He or she purposefully treats employees, officers, board members, and IYR clients and families as the customer base of the Accounting Department. He strives to maintain a level of excellence in all service provided to those customers, and cultivates that belief in the accounting staff.
  4. Model.  The Controller “walks the talk,” working in a manner consistent with the agency’s values, policies and business practices. She demonstrates a positive outlook, appropriate use of humor, honesty, patience, energy, perseverance, adaptability, punctuality, attention to detail, and creativity. The Controller keeps her emotions under control (or appears to) at all times. She demonstrates effective conflict resolution, problem solving, and strength-based methods that are consistent with the treatment we provide youth and families.
  5. Communicate. The Controller strives for clear, objective, constructive communication in all written and verbal interaction both internally and externally. Preparation and presentation of written reports and documents are accurate, timely and complete. The Controller provides the financial and Accounting Department information to the CFO routinely and as requested by the CFO and other members of the Executive Management Team. He demonstrates effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills. The Controller is an active listener. The Controller regularly updates the accounting staff and the CFO on pertinent issues related to accounting processes and functions. The Controller abides by agency communication protocols.
  6. Ability to Organize. The Controller is a self-starter and is effective with minimal supervision. The Controller looks for opportunities to create efficiencies in procedures and processes relating to accounting functions within the Accounting Department and extending to other departments and IYR locations. The Controller establishes standards in the documentation and organization of accounting records to promote consistency and accuracy. The Controller strives for procedural consistency while seeking creative solutions to minimize adverse operational impact within Idaho Youth Ranch.
  7. Teach. The Controller shares his or her knowledge and experience with those he or she supervises and supports. The Controller expects team members to do their best, and enthusiastically acknowledges their accomplishments. The Controller recognizes that many of the agency managers have limited accounting and finance education and/or experience. The Controller is able to help agency managers understand their budgets, financial statements, financial policies and procedures and other financial data that may assist in managing their areas of responsibility.
  8. Manage. The Controller supports the accounting staff by ensuring that team members have the resources, tools, and training required to do their jobs well. This person is well organized, allocates resources purposefully, and establishes systems to help accomplish tasks and goals. The Controller’s actions are responsive, not reactive, and designed to facilitate departmental effectiveness and efficiency. The Controller is consistent and objective. The Controller helps the accounting staff members manage their duties and responsibilities.

    9. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TASKS

    1. 1. Budgeting and Accounting .
    2. 2. Establishing and Maintaining Internal Financial Controls. 
    3. 3. Preparing, and Distributing, and Maintaining Financial Documents.
    4. 4. Performing Banking and Investment Activities.
    5. 5. Grant Management
    6. 6. Training
    7. 7. Establishing, Following, and Enforcing Standard Operating Procedures
    8. 8. Other

    GENERAL INFORMATON

    1. Work Schedule.The Controller normally works during regular business hours, but may occasionally work evenings or weekends on special projects or assignments, including fiscal year end and during year end audit, if necessary.
    2. Travel.The Controller may be required to attend organizational meetings and training sessions, from time to time, that may require overnight travel and that may last for several days.

    MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

    1. Education & Knowledge. Bachelor’s degree in accounting required. Strong knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and internal control principles including GAAP. Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems. Advanced knowledge of Excel and data base programs. These qualifications may be met through the combination of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a CPA certification, or progressive managerial experience in accounting.
    2. CertificationCPA or CMA desirable but not required.
    3. Experience & Skills. Two or more years of accounting experience as a Controller or in a similar accounting position responsible for the management of key accounting functions including, but not limited to, general ledger, financial statement preparation, year end audit coordination, payroll, accounts payable, fixed assets, billing, and accounts receivable. Experience in retail and/or non-profit organization strongly preferred. Experience in direct supervision and management of personnel. Advanced Excel skills in designing and programming spreadsheets which may be used for routine reporting. Knowledge of database software applications desirable. Ability to analyze financial data, prepare financial reports, statements and projections with multiple cost centers. Work requires excellent professional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously multi-task. Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
    4. Driver's LicenseMust have a valid Idaho driver’s license, or obtain one within 15 days of hire, as a condition of continued employment.
    5. Physical Condition
    6. Driver's LicenseMust have a valid Idaho driver’s license, or obtain one within 15 days of hire, as a condition of continued employment.

      7. INSTRUCTIONS:

      Send cover letter and resume highlighting relevant experience and skills to:
      Jenna Arregui-Donaca, Human Resources
      Idaho Youth Ranch
      5465 W. Irving Street
      Boise, ID 83706
      OR
      E-mail resume to jarregui@youthranch.org
      OR
      Fax to (208) 377-2819.

      Internal/External application materials will be accepted until January 15, 2010