Title: Controller

Location: Chicago, IL office of Lipman Hearne

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Overview:

The Controller will work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to organize the people, resources, and processes necessary to supervise the financial, legal, and internal affairs of Lipman Hearne. This individual will direct the effective operations of internal financial programs and procedures; provide sound guidance and assistance to management in the financial control of the firm; prepare, present, and review short- and long-range financial plans necessary to achieve firm goals; and organize and supervise the efficient operation of the accounting department. He/she will provide leadership to financial and accounting staff and will be responsible for financial and accounting staff recruitment, development, retention, and satisfaction. He/she will also ensure that the firm’s financial goals are met, that audits/reviews reveal competent accounting practices, that budgets within the purview of the Controller are met, and that the firm’s operations run smoothly.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Management:

  • Help lead thinking on overall agency processes, department and inter-office integration, and best business and professional practices
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with account management staff and others in matters related to financial planning and control
  • Work closely with department heads and with profit center managers in providing assistance, counsel, and support on financial and accounting policies and procedures, both internal and external
  • Keep abreast of changes in agency/client compensation arrangements, internal systems and procedures of agencies (e.g., billing practices, etc.)
  • Work with the client and account management staff to track and institute plans for losing accounts as well as profitable accounts
  • Assume responsibility of Network Administrator, managing information systems including development and use of electronic data processing facilities (e.g., payroll processing) and development and use of information systems (e.g., computer network, personal computers, handheld devices)
  • Administer tax strategy, in consultation with Chief Financial Officer and legal counsel
  • Provide guidance to direct reports and find ways to grow responsibilities and opportunities for accounting staff

Financial Accountability:

  • Achieve timely recording of all transactions and the preparation of all financial reports
  • Manage monthly closing; control flow of data into general ledger
  • Prepare monthly balance sheets and profit/loss statements
  • Maintain all corporate accounting records in accordance with established disposal schedules
  • Assist in the preparation of all audit/review schedules and review of the books/records with outside auditors
  • Manage client billing, including media and production
  • Ensure client invoices are reviewed, verified, and approved; work with account receivable staff to prepare billing calendar; ensure client invoices align with standard terms in contracts and letters of agreement
  • Ensure media payments to vendors are reviewed, verified, and approved
  • Manage Lipman Hearne’s travel and entertainment policy and procedural guidelines, execution, and updating
  • Prepare special reports and perform duties as directed by the Chief Financial Officer
  • Supervise external audits requested by agency clients
  • Support CFO to:
    • Obtain monthly revenue projections from client managers and business development staff for rolling forecast; prepare annual and monthly expense forecasts upon which management decisions can be based, including accuracy of the year-end forecast and appropriate budgets and budget directives
    • Protect corporate assets through sound accounting policies and procedures, including provision for insurance coverage (as required) and protection of business assets and loss prevention through internal control and internal auditing
    • Contribute to corporate strategy and operations, including management of cash and other investments; receipt, custody, and disbursement of Lipman Hearne’s monies and securities; and credit and collection management in a timely fashion
  • Prepare payroll; make monthly benefit allocations; prepare 401K/profit sharing deposits
  • Monitor and adjust cost and bill rates in accounting software
  • Prepare journal entries
  • Prepare/make foreign wire transfers

Culture Building:

  • Manage for innovation in Accounting department and throughout the agency
  • Create a culture and environment that prizes innovation and new ideas and supports collaboration
  • Contribute to the “public face” of Lipman Hearne through such activities as speaking at seminars and conferences, attendance at such events, serving on boards, etc.
  • Set an example of professionalism and work style—prizing curiosity, teamwork, creativity—and respecting others

Skills:

  • Exhibit strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Command of and ongoing interest in the advertising, marketing, and communication fields
  • Be a highly effective communicator with strong presentation skills; ability to sell recommendations and “think on one’s feet”
  • Able to simultaneously work on multiple assignments; requires excellent time management skills.
  • Strong collaboration and negotiation skills
  • Strong writing skills
  • Understand and adhere to sound business practices as well as those applicable to the company’s specific operational needs
  • Create and contribute to internal communications in such a way as to foster greater understanding and collaboration.

Work quality will be evaluated against the Lipman Hearne’s current 360 evaluation system along with qualitative input sought from firm leadership, practice leaders, and direct reports.

Professionalism & Character:

  • The Controller must be an energetic, dynamic leader who models curiosity, teamwork, and creativity.
  • Must have integrity and an appreciation for the tenets of Lipman Hearne’s non-profit client organizations

Minimum Requirements:

  • Ten or more years of related work experience (i.e., agency, advertising, or public relations)
  • Proficient on PC or MAC, Microsoft Office, excel, Outlook and other relevant software (e.g., agency accounting software)
  • Travel as required

This is a career opportunity. Lipman Hearne is a private agency and we are growing. We offer competitive salary and benefits, and a position that has room for growth. Lipman Hearne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested, experienced professionals should forward a letter of interest and resume to controller@lipmanhearne.com.  No calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.