Controller

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

The Controller will oversee and manage the financial activities of the institute, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the transparency of financial activities. This role will involve leading the accounting, procurement, payroll, and travel administration teams, and collaborating with various departments to maintain rigorous accounting practices and uphold the highest standards of financial accountability and integrity.

The Controller is also a key administrative leader at the Institute and is expected to actively participate in the running of the institute, with an emphasis on financial stewardship, effectiveness and efficiency. Leaders at the Allen Institute are expected to be good mentors and to help develop the talent of the organization, responsive to their own department’s needs and the needs of all Allenites.

The Controller must possess a deep understanding of Non-Profit GAAP/Uniform Guidance/tax compliance, and be able to develop applicable policy, guidelines and process to ensure strong business controls while designing for efficiency and ease of use. As the heaviest users of the institute ERP, they will be a top influencer of the business process and systems roadmap, collaborating with IT and Business Systems Analysis. They will stay abreast of new activity at the institute, and research and determine appropriate accounting treatment for new transactions. The Controller will understand the talent needs of their department and ensure the organization is appropriately staffed for the needs of the institute.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Accounting: Manage policy, guidance and processes for all financial transactions, including revenue recognition, expense reimbursement and accounts payable, active management of the balance sheet including fixed assets and inventory, month-end close, corporate credit cards, development of external financial statements and management of the annual financial and single audits
• Treasury Management: Manage all cash and financial investments, including the optimization of banking and financial institution relationships, as well as monitor strategies to enhance cash position and maintain liquidity pursuant to policy and needs of the organization
• Payroll: Oversee the pay experience for all employees, ensuring accuracy, transparency and timeliness of the process; payroll is the primary steward of pay processes, including timecards, payroll tax compliance, benefit deductions, ADP access, direct deposit
• Procurement: Handle strategic sourcing, vendor onboarding and negotiation, procurement compliance including Uniform Guidance, be a primary steward of the contract-to-pay business process, subject matter expertise of procurement systems and interface, including reporting and training
• Travel Administration: Ensure a comprehensive and streamlined travel experience for employees and visitors. Duties include travel vendor management, travel policies and guidelines, expense reporting processes, and compliance; also responsible for the management of all third party travel services providers and applications
• Be good stewards of the institute’s assets (cash, inventory, equipment, etc.)
• Stay informed of regulations (GAAP, Uniform Guidance, Tax, etc.) which impact the institute
• Ensure regulatory compliance through training and well-designed business controls
• Participate and collaborate with other leaders throughout the institute to broaden knowledge and ensure business processes and controls are designed with stewardship, customer needs and efficiency
• Be a good people leader, mentor and developer of talent
• Possess and engender a mindset of continuous and positive innovation and improvement
• Be curious

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business, or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Minimum 10 years accounting experience
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, including commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate appropriately
• Aptitude and expertise working with business information systems (accounting, travel management, purchasing, payroll, project accounting) in a project oriented environment
• Experience working with the entire accounting operations of an organization (monthend close, revenue and payments cycles, compliance and audit)
• Experience with common business and financial tools such as Excel, Sequel, Business Information Visualization tools
• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP, Nonprofit GAAP and Uniform Guidance
• Demonstrated experience managing large complex projects
• Demonstrated experience working successfully cross-functionally

Preferred Education & Experience:

• CPA is highly preferred
• Strong organization skills with attention to detail and ability to prioritize to meet assigned deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with all levels of employees and management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working in a science, engineering, or technology oriented environment
• Experience auditing or managing Federal grants and contracts
• Experience working in a nonprofit environment
• Experience in designing automation tools

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Annualized Salary Range

• $236,350 - $341,220

* Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

Benefits

Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.