PRSA is recruiting for a newly created Chief Operating Officer to play a key role in advancing the organization’s new strategic plan while also modernizing and transforming the Society. The COO will provide leadership and direction for the overall operational strategy of the organization and to direct the operations and fiscal functions of PRSA and PRSA Foundation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and industry standards.
To participate as a member of the executive staff to counsel the CEO, participate in decision making regarding the day-to-day operations of the Society and give strategic input in problem solving and issue management. To form part of a team that can lead the Society in the absence of the CEO.
Specific responsibilities include developing and implementing organization processes and standard operating procedures, managing/supervising staff, instituting and maintaining internal financial controls, conducting overall budgeting, financial projections and reporting, and supervising regular accounting operations.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Finance & Accounting • Provide guidance and define processes with departmental management teams to develop clear and accurate annual budgets and periodic revenue and cost projections. Advise staff in financial planning and analysis of new business proposals; monitor and evaluate budget and business trends to actual financial performance; prepare financial reports to management, Board and external parties. Evaluate proposed capital projects to ensure they are supported by a proper business case, achieve desired financial returns, and are in line with organization’s strategies and priorities. Perform financial analyses of operating units to achieve operational efficiencies, cost cutting measures and profitability reviews. Participate in strategic planning process.
• Oversee daily accounting functions performed by accounting team including but not limited to recording revenue items and expenses; processing accounts payable; reconciling and managing bank accounts; preparing accruals, inter-company accounts and other items as needed; preparing taxes and instituting programs to reduce tax exposure; testing accounting entries for accuracy; preparing statutory reports. Train accounting staff in internal controls, business analysis and budgetary functions. Maintain overall sound accounting operating methods and financial controls.
• Counsel CEO, Board and other key managers on issues relating to accounting policies and procedures, financial management and controls, planning and analysis and information technology. Perform due diligence and other analysis as required for proposed contracts and other contemplated transactions. Coordinate and review the preparation and execution of business plans, including the financial aspect of strategic plans, annual operating plans and interim forecasts. Provide counsel and direction to ensure alignment with organization’s strategies and objectives.
• Provide guidelines and supervise compliance with procedures for check handling, wires and other forms of incoming and outgoing funds. Ensure appropriate record-keeping and filing of all financial records; review accounting procedures and testing for accuracy of trail balances; ensure compliance with tax, regulatory and other authorities. Coordinate audits and special reviews with external auditors.
• Lead financial strategy formulation of PRSA and Foundation in relation to business sustainability and growth, asset allocation, cash management, asset custodianship and management, as well as other areas of the organization’s current and projected financial goals.
• Track performance and return of PRSA and Foundation’s financial assets. Manage liquid resources to obtain satisfactory yield and financial stability; oversee daily cash functions and determine short, intermediate and long-term investments; monitor and evaluate investments by financial advisor; work with Board committee and outside financial advisors on successful investment operations. Maintain banking relationships.
Operations Management • Work with the senior leadership team to establish standard operating procedures, processes and planning timelines.
• Foster and develop a performance-based culture, emphasizing collaboration and innovation, with shared goals and accountability tracking across all staff.
• Manage all contract administration and negotiations, working with outside legal counsel as necessary.
• Provides counsel and guidance to PRSA volunteer chapter and professional interest section leaders in alignment and support of overall PRSA objectives.
• Work with CEO on the evaluation of PRSA headquarters location, building lease negotiations and/or the transition to hybrid or fully remote operations.
Human Resources • Serve as pension trustee and oversee administration of the 401(k) profit sharing plan.
Information Technology • Select, monitor, and budget for business software systems with IT staff including general ledger systems, membership, general business and web activities. Ensure IT strategy and function is aligned with and supports PRSA’s business strategies and objectives, by providing cost effective information and communication solutions for the organization and facilitating organization critical business processes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance or related field. MBA preferred; CPA preferred. Certified Association Executive (CAE) a plus.
Experience: Over 10 years in operations and/or financial executive management positions in for-profit or not-for-profit organizations with a member-based focus and experience with an organization budget similar or larger in scope to PRSA.
Related Skills: Senior level problem solving and planning skills with hands-on financial experience gained in a public, private or non-profit organization. Requires strong financial discipline along with advanced knowledge of complex systems and operations; strong analytical experience relating to the creation of new business initiatives within a multi-faceted non-profit organization geared toward customer service. Must exercise excellent judgment, and possess solid problem-solving, strategic, technical and organizational skills. Must have the ability to establish and carry out a strategic direction to ensure the growth and success of the organization. Must be able to work as a team player with all levels of staff within the organization, and in partnership with volunteers and other professionals. Requires strong negotiating skills with the ability to take risks. Must maintain high ethical standards as position serves as an educator and mentor to staff Must be able an articulate and persuasive communicator both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to deal with changes in a fast-paced environment. Must have expert knowledge of financial, accounting, operational systems and databases, as well as MS Office products.
Other Requirements: Some overnight travel required.
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.
