Job Descriptions

Job Title: Group Financial Controller
Department: Accounting
Reports To: Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

SUMMARY
GIA has expanded significantly its international footprint over the past three years and seeks a Group Financial Controller to support the Chief Financial Officer. The Group Financial Controller directs the finance and accounting activities of the Institute for GIA’s global business activities including laboratory grading, education and research by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate managers/supervisors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
Oversees the financial consolidation of the Institute’s various global locations and ensures the integrity and reliability of all such financial reporting.

Directs preparation and distribution of all monthly and annual financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Establishes, or recommends to management, accounting policies and procedures for the Institute.

Responsible for safeguarding the Institute's assets by establishing and monitoring a system of internal controls.

Manages working capital through close supervision of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Working with the Global Financial Planning Group, prepares reports which summarize and forecast the Institute's business activity and financial position in areas of revenue, expenses, and change in net assets based on past, present, and expected operations as well as comparing performance to budget and prior year.

Working with the Global Financial Planning Group, directs preparation of budgets, reviews budget proposals, and prepares necessary supporting documentation and justification. Participates actively in the business planning process.

Provides management with timely reports of the Institute's financial status and progress in its various programs and activities.

Ensures that inter-company billings of management re-charges and specific costs are done on a regular basis.

Monitors any credits due to overseas affiliates and ensures these are done on a monthly basis. Ensures that inter-company accounts are reconciled each month.Coordinates and oversees the annual group audit of the Institute's financial statements for all international operations.

Prepares reports required by regulatory agencies.

Participates in the strategy and implementation of the Institute's information management systems.

Communicates effectively, gets along with coworkers and management, and deals with others effectively and professionally under pressure.

Works closely with other members of senior finance team including treasury, tax, financial planning and analysis & operations finance controllers. Ability to work as a team player critical whilst being leader of the Group Financial Controlling team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervises the consolidation function with significant interaction with all international locations.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Institute's policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

KEY ATTRIBUTES
Ability to lead an international team
Knowledgeable of group reporting and accounting
Willingness to travel up to 25%
International experience and focus
Team player
Hands-on leader

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B. S.) from four-year college or university in Accounting required; and a minimum of ten years experience in accounting or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong, proven knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and of general business terms and practices. Exposure to international business practices and accounting.
Certified Public Accountant Certificate (CPA) or equivalent or MBA required.
Significant management experience required. Not-for-profit experience useful but not essential.
Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, as well as enterprise accounting software required, knowledge of PeopleSoft preferred.

If you are interested in this position, please e-mail us with your resume attached.