Position: Controller – Full Time/Exempt

Department: Accounting & Finance

Reports to: Vice President, Finance

Location: Arizona Cardinals (Tempe, AZ)

Format: In-person

Cardinals Organizational Summary:

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club is a professional football team within the National Football League (NFL). We compete in the National Football Conference (NFC) West division and call State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, our home.

As one of the oldest pro football franchises in the U.S., the Club has established itself as a sport and cultural hallmark within Arizona, as well as a trailblazer for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives and firsts around the League. Our vision is to build a leading sports organization that competes for championships, drives business results, creates loyal fans, develops proud employees, and inspires hope in our community. We are relentless in our pursuit of greatness on and off the field, while positively impacting our people, our fans, and our community.

If you want to join an organization that values putting the team first, doing what is right, growing with positivity, valuing every voice, while driving performance, we would love for you to join our team. Learn more about the Arizona Cardinals and see what’s happening here.

Job Summary:

The Controller will lead the day-to-day accounting operations, focusing on process improvements and the accuracy of financial reporting for the Football Club. The Controller will be responsible for overseeing daily accounting functions, ensuring strong reconciliation processes in accordance with GAAP, treasury management and enhancing financial efficiency and compliance. The candidate will play a significant role in long-term planning, including initiatives geared toward operational excellence. They will act as an ambassador and liaison for club departments, clients and vendors while advancing a culture of excellence and a positive, passionate and creative work environment. Stepping into the role, this leader will continue to assess, improve and optimize processes throughout the function while empowering the accounting team to develop and grow in their roles and responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will be a curious, hands-on leader willing to roll up their sleeves and shape something new. They should also have a player-coach mentality, intentionally leading and developing their team while working together.

Primary Job Duties:

The Controller will have the daily responsibilities including, without limitation, to the following:

Lead the accounting team and manage daily accounting operations, consisting of payables, revenue, and general accounting staff, setting goals, monitoring progress, and ensuring professional growth and development
Develop and ensure maintenance of robust reconciliations for all accounts, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to GAAP
Regularly review and audit high-risk areas, including a periodic assessment of cash management processes, duty segregation, and compliance with applicable regulations
Identify and direct the implementation of process improvements to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and reduce manual accounting processes
Direct all audits, including the review and timely completion of audit schedules and necessary reports and the management of external auditors to ensure accurate, efficient audit completion
Ensure compliance with applicable tax laws, including sales tax, payroll tax, and local business regulations.

Improve and implement strategies for efficient treasury management and banking relationships.
Oversee the evaluation and adoption of new accounting standards, technical memos and related footnotes.
Ensure deadlines are met for monthly close, sales and other tax processing, annual audit submissions, agreed-upon procedure report submissions, and ad hoc reports and requests
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by creating professional development opportunities for staff, encouraging skill building in technical accounting proficiency, financial analysis, strategic thinking, and leadership.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and either CPA or MBA strongly preferred
Experience: Minimum 8 years of accounting, leadership, and management experience
A strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Skills in business operations, process improvement, strategic planning, leadership, project management, and staffing management
Effectively implement strategic planning initiatives, use analytical thinking to make critical decisions, and solve real-world business problems
Must be able to handle high-stress situations and timelines that sometimes require rigorous work schedules
High proficiency with PC operating systems and Microsoft Office Software, including advanced Excel skills
Ability to multi-task and troubleshoot in a fast-paced work environment
Excellent communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail
Must be detail-oriented and highly self-motivated with a shared commitment to excellence
A proactive problem-solver, possessing a strong work ethic.
A good attitude and a commitment to teamwork are a must
Must complete all pre-employment forms and successfully pass a background check

Cardinals Benefits/Perks Summary:

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club has developed a comprehensive benefits package that provides economic and inclusive benefits to full-time employees. The Cardinals benefits offer care, protection, and support for employees and their loved ones. The Cardinals organization encourages an environment that is conducive to living a healthy, productive, and flexible lifestyle.

Benefits and Perks include, but are not limited to:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options; effective the first day of hire
401 (k) retirement option with employer match contribution
Paid Time Off Accruals (including sick time accruals)
Paid Time Off for most Federal holidays
Time off for Maternity, Paternity, Military, and Bereavement
MDLIVE: 24/7 medical support
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Care Saving Account options
Discounts on Cardinals gear & paraphernalia
Tuition reimbursement & Professional Growth opportunities
Daily free lunch
Complimentary season tickets
Subsidized gym memberships

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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