Assistant Controller

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)  

AIA will provide you with the opportunity to advocate for the value of architecture and give architects and design professionals the resources they need to do their best work. The collective voice of architects is essential and our work drives positive change through the power of design.   

 Each one of us at AIA is a leader committed to demonstrating our mission and values and designing a better future for our country and planet. Even in times of change, AIA’s values remain constant: 

• We stand for equity and human rights 
• We stand for architecture that strengthens our communities 
• We stand for a sustainable future 
• We stand for protecting communities from the impacts of climate change 
• We stand for economic opportunity 
• We stand for investing in the future 
• We speak up, and policymakers listen 

The American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, is building a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better built environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of the profession of architecture and the world's prosperity, health, and future. 

Job Summary

Reporting to the Controller, the Assistant Controller will assist the Controller, by managing general accounting functions (accounting, tax compliance, financial reporting, internal controls and membership) for the Institute and its affiliates.  The Assistant Controller will also provide annual budget support, insurance, investments, product/program financial analysis and the budget/monthly reporting for the College of Fellows (COF) and Architects Foundation (AIAF).  

The Assistant Controller has operational oversight and responsibility for several members of the Finance and Administration Team, including management of staff to design and deliver finance, accounting, business analysis, budgeting, forecasting, investment management and support to the AIA. 

The Assistant Controller will provide oversight of daily accounting operations to assure that the financial information underlying the organization’s financial statements are accurate and that reports are produced in a timely manner.  In addition, the Assistant Controller will work closely with the Controller to leverage system integrations and develops and implements sound financial controls for reporting and disclosure purposes.  Additionally, this role will help to implement project-based accounting for the Institute in the coming years and more efficient use of technology and a digital environment.  

Job Duties

• Working collaboratively with the Controller, helps with oversight of the AIA’s budget and general accounting functions including cash management, A/P, fixed assets, prepaids and expense reimbursement.
• Lead month-end close processes, generate monthly financial statements, financial forecasts and budgets.

• Work closely with the Controller to develops annual and long-term financial plans and delivers financial updates on business results for a variety of stakeholders to inform key strategic and operational decisions. 
• With the Controller and CFAO, make recommendations on how to improve financial and related operational processes.        Collaborates with other leadership team members in related change initiatives. 
• Ensures that relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations are followed and completion of on-time reports 
• With the Controller, develop, manage and adapt an effective budgeting process that meets the strategic imperatives and financial goals of the organization. 
• Works closely with the Controller on the annual budget preparation, which includes, but is not limited to assisting with developing, updating and maintaining the organization’s budget and financial forecasts directing the organization’s accounting practices and team.
• Performs financial reporting and analysis of the organizational and various team budgets on a structured and ad hoc basis and manages the organization’s cash flows and investments. 
• Provides general oversight of all accounting operations of general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.  
• Oversees and directs preparation of the Institute’s annual capital and operating budgets and forecasts; analyzes performance against the budget; meet quarterly with leadership and monitor financial/budgetary performance by team.  
• Oversees the preparation of monthly and annual team, organizational and consolidated financial statements for the Institute as well as its affiliates to facilitate financial and operational management decision making. 
• Provides management oversight of the use and maintenance of the AIA accounting system module of Fonteva/Salesforce.        
• Provides overall management of the membership accounting function, coordinating the receipt and posting of centralized dues and the disbursement of dues to state and local components on a timely basis.
• Works with team senior/vice presidents and managing directors on budget development, monitoring and financial reporting to ensure consistency in financial control and review. 
• As directed by the Controller, serves as a primary point of contact with coordination and assists with all aspects of the annual financial audit and required tax returns of the organization and its affiliates, including assuring timely completion of confirmations, schedules and supporting records and documentation.  
• Ensures budgeting and financial management practices are being adhered to for revenues and expenditures, in compliance with GAAP, FASB issues and IRS regulations.
• Manages the relationship with the Organization’s bank(s) and other financial organizations. Ensures the appropriate internal controls are in place and maintained.
• Manages accounting staff. 
• Handles or leads special projects as assigned by the Controller and CFAO.

Frequent contacts

Regulatory agencies (IRS, D.C. tax department)

Outside auditors

AIA Staff

AIA Human Resources and Legal and Business Affairs

Banking and Insurance Institutions

Investment Advisors

Architects & General Contractors

Qualifications

Considerable knowledge and skill in for profit and non-profit budget development and financial analysis, including project-based budgeting and monitoring and organizational auditing. Knowledge of GAAP, FASB issues and IRC regulations.  Team player committed to delivering on-time financial information. Ability to self-direct and work through ambiguity in a fast-paced environment. Experience with evaluating risk management insurance programs and obtaining appropriate cost-effective coverage.  Experience in managing banking and other relationships. Strong skills in written and oral communication and active listening.  Considerable skill in the use of automated accounting systems (preferably Sage, Concur, bill.com, Solver and Salesforce) and various Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.  Considerable skill in organizational and departmental financial analysis.  Considerable skill in leading and managing an efficient and effective finance and accounting team.  

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business or management with minimum 10 years of responsible budgeting and financial analysis experience.  Experience in 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) organizations including Form 990 is strongly preferred.  CPA required. Graduate degree preferred, but not required. 

 Supervisory Requirements:  Lead a team of 3

What we offer

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our company values and workplace culture, including:

•           Medical and dental
 

•           401(k)
 

•           Flexibility
 

•           Paid time off
 

•           Flexible spending accounts
 

•           Income protection- (Life Insurance Coverage up to 2x salary) & disability plans at no cost.
 

•           Tuition and membership reimbursements
 

•           AIA employees have access to a variety of other programs, including:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members

Computer purchase program

Fitness club discounts

Prepaid legal services program

Identity theft protection

Travel Requirements                 N/A

Work Location:                          100% Remote from the Washington DC area 

 All AIA employees in the DC metro area are currently working remotely during our office renovation. Employees in the DC Metro area will return to a hybrid work environment in the newly renovated office at the completion of the renovation in Spring 2025.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, in accordance with the applicable law.