Controller

Description:

JOB TITLE: Controller

REPORTS TO: Director, Finance and Accounting

POSITION SUMMARY

Houston Endowment Inc. (the “Foundation”) is an organization known for its dynamic culture and team of talented individuals who are deeply committed to the Foundation’s vision of a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive. We seek an experienced and collaborative professional to join our team as a Controller to help advance the work of the Foundation’s finance & accounting team.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller will be responsible for the Foundation’s accounting and financial reporting operations, as well as for maintaining, enhancing, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures. An empathetic and approachable leader, the Controller will lead two team members, coordinating and reviewing their work and providing technical guidance as needed to support their professional development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Operations and Oversight

• Oversee the execution of day-to-day accounting functions – including accounts payable, grants, royalties, payroll, fixed assets, and investment accounting.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Recommend and implement improvements to financial processes, systems, and reporting.
• Prepare complex journal entries (e.g. tax provision, deferred taxes, defined benefit plans).
• Coordinate as needed with key service providers, including external auditors, tax advisors, bank contacts, and outside investment management firm.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare quarterly and annual financial statements and analyze to identify trends and anomalies.
• Partner with the Director in developing and reviewing the annual budget and forecasts, coordinating inputs and monitoring spending.
• Assist with developing financial models, dashboards, and ad hoc reporting as needed for management and Board review.

Audit, Tax, and Compliance

• Lead the annual audit, preparing/reviewing workpapers and drafting financial statements and related disclosures.
• Oversee all tax compliance activities, including Form 990-PF/990-T, state returns, quarterly obligations, and other required filings (e.g., 1099s, W-2s, Form 5500), in partnership with external advisors.
• Partner with the Director to maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to drive efficiency and ensure compliance.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise, mentor, and support two team members, providing guidance and technical expertise.
• Leverage team strengths, clarify roles, and identify growth opportunities for direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with the foundation’s mission and values.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• CPA required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills; ability to analyze data strategically and provide meaningful insights.
• Unwavering integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to organizational values and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver on complex projects from start to finish.
• Intellectual curiosity with a drive for continuous improvement in processes, systems, and professional growth.
• Rigorous attention to detail and track record of producing accurate and reliable work.
• Strong technical skills, including advanced Excel proficiency, familiarity with GAAP reporting, and the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new financial systems and tools.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor information to diverse audiences.

VALUES

We believe it is both an honor and a great responsibility to work for Houston Endowment, so we are committed to our values and seek colleagues who share our commitment.

• High Performing: We bring our best every day so we:
  • Hold high standards and drive for excellence
  • Challenge ourselves and show determination in pursuit of our collective goals
  • Pursue continuous improvement, even when we have achieved our intended outcomes
  • Stay curious to do our best work
• Courageous: We know bold action matters so we:
  • Hold an audacious vision for what we can accomplish together
  • Work proactively, take risks, and make difficult choices when necessary
  • Choose optimism, show resilience, and stay engaged in challenging situations
• Committed: We care deeply about the organization so we:
  • Prioritize and commit to the mission of the organization
  • Seek and act on feedback on our work, and devote energy to our own development to be at the top of our field
  • Gather diverse perspectives and expertise in service of better results
• Connected: We care deeply about each other so we:
  • Build relationships with one another to create a highly effective team
  • Start with trust, assume others have good intentions, and practice generosity of spirit
  • Address issues directly to resolve conflict or misunderstanding
  • Embrace inclusion and adapt as appropriate when partnering with others

COMPENSATION

Salary will be set in accordance with the successful candidate’s experience. In addition to salary, the candidate will be eligible for the Foundation’s comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health, dental, and vision plans, time off, life insurance, short- and long-term disability as well as matching 401(k) and pension retirement plans.

TO APPLY

Complete online application on Houston Endowment’s website. We will contact candidates who most closely match our requirements. We thank you in advance for your interest.