Controller

Are you looking for an opportunity for advancement in a collaborative work environment that offers work-life balance and excellent benefits? The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME) hires and rewards great people who are passionate about serving our members. We offer competitive compensation and benefits as well as distinctive benefits like a Safe Harbor 401(k) and Company Match 401(k) plan, flexible work schedules including a 9/80 Work Schedule, and Winter Break from December 24th – January 1st.

SME, www.smenet.org, is a scientific and technical society (501(c) (3) corporation) whose more than 13,000 members globally in more than 100 countries.  SME members include engineers, geologists, metallurgists, educators, students and researchers focused on innovations in mining engineering. SME nurtures a professional community, develops technical content, and provides networking and educational opportunities for the mining industry.

TITLE:                  Controller                                            

DEPARTMENT:   Financ

WORK TYPE:      Full-Time Exempt                                  

LOCATION:         12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle; Englewood, CO 80112 

PAY RANGE:       $100,000 - $120,000 per year

BONUS:              10% bonus potential based upon achievement of defined goals

401(K):               3% automatic safe-harbor match plus 80% elective deferral match of the first 5% contributed by the employee.

BENEFITS:          Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA*, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Employer Paid Long-Term Disability, Travel Assistance, and EAP.  Sick, Vacation, and Holidays including Winter Break office closure from 12/24-1/1.  Flexible Work Schedule Options including, flexible start times from 6:30am – 9:30am.

SCHEDULE:         Hybrid work schedule – 2 Days in the office, 3 Days Remote 

Summary/Objective

The Controller is responsible for leading and overseeing all accounting and financial operations for SME. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, compliance with nonprofit and regulatory requirements, and the delivery of timely financial insights to support organizational decision-making. The Controller partners with leadership to manage budgets, support strategic planning, and maintain strong internal controls and efficient financial processes.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the assigned and essential functions.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed assets.
• Completing monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Creating journal entries.
• Assist in preparing financial reports, variance analyses, and dashboards for executive leadership, committees, and Board reporting.
• Ensure proper revenue recognition across multiple revenue streams, including dues, subscriptions, and inventory.
• Monitor cash flow, banking activity, and short-term financial forecasting.
• Assist with payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable regulations, including review of payroll reports and coordination with HR and external providers.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Support

• Developing and ongoing monitoring of the annual budget and forecasts.
• Partner with department leaders to support budget accountability and provide financial guidance.
• Support long-term financial planning, scenario modeling, and organizational strategy initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis and actionable insights to inform leadership decision-making.

Compliance, Audit & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, IRS regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Lead the annual audit process, including preparation of schedules, documentation, and auditor coordination.
• Support the preparation of Form 990 and collaborate with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Maintain compliance and documentation related to restricted funds, grants, and donor-designated contributions.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties across accounting and administrative functions.
• Safeguard organizational assets through effective internal control systems.
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial processes, workflows, and system efficiencies.

Systems & Operations Oversight

• Oversee financial systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Ad Orbit, Association Management System) and ensure data integrity across platforms.
• Ensure alignment between front desk operations and financial processes, including payment handling and deposits.
• Oversee daily financial transactions, including billing, collections, cash receipts, and vendor payments.

Leadership & Team Management

• Directly supervise and develop accounting staff, including the Staff Accountant and Accounts Receivable Coordinator.
• Establish performance expectations, provide coaching, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the team.

Advisory & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a key financial advisor to leadership on fiscal policy, operational impact, and risk management.
• Communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure financial processes support operational goals and member experience

Other Duties

• Manage relationships with financial institutions and external service providers.
• Support Finance Committee and Board activities as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Staff Accountant
• Accounts Receivable Coordinator
• Front Desk/Accounting Admin

 

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance or related field

• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience

• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Preferred Education and Experience

• Sage Intacct experience preferred
• Prior payroll experience is beneficial
• Knowledge of 501(c)(3) compliance or fund accounting

 

Travel

Travel every other year to SME’s Annual Conference is required.

 

 

The above qualifications and requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.

 

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled