Controller - CEA - Phoenix, AZ

Position Overview: The Controller works as a member of the Senior Financial Management team, supporting the SVP, Finance and Operations and other CEA Senior Leaders. You’ll work with and lead employees in the functional areas of general ledger, consolidated financial statements, cash flow statements, intercompany eliminations, foreign compliance and taxes, accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, payroll, revenue accounting, account reconciliation, cash disbursements, cash receipts, fixed asset accounting, and annual audits. The Controller advises and makes recommended improvements and/or upgrades of CEA accounting information systems and internal controls.

As the leader of the Accounting team, your work ethic, positive attitude and approachable nature allows you to set and execute a vision for the Accounting functions to continue to build a world-class Accounting team. Utilizing your background in an international environment, you’ll take your diverse experience to effectively communicate with all departments to help them understand and comply with the complex accounting standards of various countries, as well as the tools and resources provided by the department to impact efficiency of all operations. The Controller eagerly and passionately embraces CEA’s values to improve current systems and processes. Multiple and competing priorities will challenge you, but you’ll be successful because of your adaptability, perseverance and ability to stay focused on what’s best for the organization.

Success Outcome #1:
Ensure CEA successfully completes the 2016 audit with a clean opinion

All balance sheet reconciliations are completed quarterly following month end

Proactively identify opportunities for future audit processes that take less time and resources through proper preparation and easy to access reports

Success Outcome #2:
Upgrade foreign entity compliance and streamline processes

Identify a tool all foreign entities can use to provide expense logs accurately and timely

Provide resources for foreign statutory compliance

Success Outcome #3:
Software upgrades

Great Plains upgrade:
overhaul of the Great Plains charts of accounts

automatic integration between Great Plains and HOST

Transition to Management Reporter

Success Outcome #4:Leadership:
Building a cohesive team by providing consistent feedback and empowering employees

Providing mentorship to the Accounting team, as well as training opportunities for professional development

Communicate goals, needs and projects

Upward towards Senior Leadership with alignment to organizational goals, strategy and vision

Across the organization to increase knowledge of business cycles and departmental nuances, as well as build partnerships through inter-departmental collaboration opportunities.

Your Background:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred

Previous Controller experience

CPA certification desirable

Five+ years of experience in international, multi-company accounting, financial reporting, audit and taxation

Working knowledge of international taxes and statutory compliance

Progressive leadership, communication, interpersonal and analytical skills

Advanced knowledge of ERP systems (Great Plains beneficial)

Ability to Interpret Accounting Guidelines

GAAP proficiency

Microsoft Office proficiency

Impeccable discretion and judgment

Organization Overview: Cultural Experiences Abroad, Inc. and Subsidiaries, founded in 1996, provides international education opportunities for U.S. college students of numerous language levels and majors. CEA operates in 12 countries: Argentina, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic,England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Spain. The mission of the organization is to create and facilitate opportunities for personal growth and global understanding by providing quality international education and cultural experiences for college students. The organization has over 179 affiliate college agreements and partners with 428 universities in the U.S. to give college students greater access to study abroad. Programs include such topics as language studies, cultural competency, liberal arts, social sciences, and international business. CEA is recognized for the quality of its programs and has a strong global brand in the education industry.