We are looking for talented finance and accounting leaders with fund accounting expertise who want to be part of a dynamic team that is working to fundamentally change our world through philanthropy and impact investing.
About Walton Enterprises
Walton Enterprises supports the personal, philanthropic and business activity for the Walton family. We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam & Helen Walton’s family.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly effective and collaborative Controller. This position offers a competitive salary based on qualifications, comprehensive benefits, paid holidays and PTO. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing organization that seeks to have a lasting, positive impact on the world.
The Controller will be responsible for budgeting, financial analysis and reporting, fund accounting, cash flow forecasting and incentive plan tracking for Walton family member entities. The Controller will direct the work of staff at WEI who provide accounting and financial reporting support to family member entities and will work closely with the Director of Operations and Planning on the development of a multi-year financial forecast. The Controller will also manage the development and execution of a comprehensive risk management program.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
• Coordinating preparation and consolidation of annual operating budgets for philanthropy, investing and operations teams. The Controller will work cross-functionally with team leaders to prepare an annual budget and will manage a mid-year re-forecasting process, updating key assumptions and budget requests and coordinating the approval process with the Principals.
• Overseeing financial accounting and reporting and variance analysis and directing the work of WEI accounting staff who support family member entities. In this capacity, the Controller will be responsible for the preparation and review of quarterly and annual financial reports and variance analyses, cash flow projections and monthly bank reconciliations, as well as corporate books and records for the office as well as select owned entities and related assets.
• Forecasting liquidity needs of family member entities. The Controller will engage entity leaders to understand and anticipate capital needs on the horizon, as well as funded and unfunded commitments, in order to ensure adequate liquidity while supporting the CIO’s commitment to optimizing portfolio construction to drive advantaged returns. The Controller will prepare quarterly forecasts and track capital budgets to be shared with the Capital Allocation Committee in support of its capital allocation responsibilities.
• Leading fund accounting efforts. The Controller will prepare fund financial statements for specific funds with various and complex structures. As part of this responsibility, the Controller will understand and periodically affirm compliance with agreed upon net asset valuation methodologies. The Controller will also track changes in equity positions and long-term incentives associated with various funds. The Controller will also engage colleagues and manage the process for determining the appropriate management fees to charge to each fund and to the private foundation. More generally, the Controller will work closely with WEI Accounting to maintain up-to-date and accurate records for all financial transactions including inflows, outflows, budgets, investments, receivables, payables, collectible assets, vendor contracts, insurance, and charitable donations and commitments.
• Managing the development and execution of a comprehensive risk management program. The Controller will drive the overall risk management assessment process and coordinate the development of risk mitigation plans for family member entities. The Controller will periodically reassess risks and make recommendations for continued improvements in controls and processes, as well as compliance with the Delegation of Authority.
• Other – The Controller will liaise with tax advisors for the preparation of year-end tax returns, assist with other regulatory reporting, and manage special projects as directed by the COO.
Experience and Basic Qualifications
The successful candidate will have at least 7+ years of experience in fund accounting with exposure to private equity/venture capital or family office investing. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, as well as CPA certification are required. An MBA is a plus, as is early training at a public accounting firm.
She/he will have a passion for driving change and having a positive impact on the world through their work. She/he will be a self-starter who enjoys building organizational capabilities from scratch, is adept at managing ambiguity and can develop or adapt solutions to address the needs of the family member entities and teams in a rapidly changing environment.
Additional characteristics that would support a candidate’s success:
• A professional demeanor with demonstrated ability to maintain discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• A builder of effective relationships and networks to achieve results with Principals, internal colleagues and external partners, as well as service providers
• Ability to think strategically, not just tactically, and to be a trusted thought partner to team leaders
• A willingness to roll up one’s sleeves and drive results through one’s own efforts without a big team
• The ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments and projects to meet deadlines with efficiency and accuracy
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills
• Positive, open attitude with flexibility to work on different projects under different timelines
• Excellent judgment, especially when it comes to managing and mitigating risk and influencing decisions
• Broad knowledge of venture capital / private equity investment finance
• Familiarity with family office exemption and private foundation compliance standards
• Advanced Excel skills
• Unquestionable ethics and personal integrity
Other Duties
Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate in this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may evolve or change over time.
Walton Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
• 7+ years of experience in fund accounting with exposure to private equity/venture capital or family office investing.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, as well as CPA certification.
• Self-starter who enjoys building organizational capabilities from scratch.
• Adept at managing ambiguity and can develop or adapt solutions to address the needs of the family member entities and teams in a rapidly changing environment.
• MBA is a plus, as is early training at a public accounting firm.
