Controller

Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (MPI) is looking for a detail-oriented and strategic Controller, preferably with experience managing pension, health plan, or trust fund finances. The Controller is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for the overall management of accounting, financial reporting, audits, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance functions for a multi-employer pension and health benefit plan. This individual ensures financial integrity, compliance with ERISA and other regulatory requirements, and supports strategic decision-making through timely, accurate financial insights, along with forward-looking cash flow and budget planning.

Please note this position works onsite in our office in Studio City, CA. Qualified candidates only, please submit letter of interest with resume and salary requirements for consideration.

MPI offers free employee health, dental, vision and life insurance ($50/month for family coverage), retirement and pension, and generous paid time off.

Responsibilities:

• Financial Management & Reporting
  • Manage day-to-day financial operations of the Plans, including cash management and forecasting, general ledger accounting, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, and account reconciliations.
  • Manage the monthly financial closes to ensure timely and accurate recognition of transactions.
  • Oversee the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements for four plans, including a thorough review of supporting schedules and documentation.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting to Trustees, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
  • Maintain banking relationships for multiple commercial and trust accounts.
  • Develop reports for management and the Board, detailing plan performance, costs, and financial projections.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Lead the development and management of the annual Plan Office budget in coordination with IT, department leads, and executive leadership.
  • Maintain rolling cash flow forecasts to ensure sufficient liquidity for benefit payments and operations.
  • Prepare and distribute monthly budget-to-actual reports, highlighting variances and recommending corrective actions as needed.
  • Maintain and update quarterly health plan projections for the Board.
• Compliance & Audit
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards (GAAP), ERISA regulations, IRS and DOL requirements, and other applicable federal and state laws.
  • Lead the preparation for the annual audits and tax and regulatory filings (e.g., Form 5500, etc.).
  • Coordinate with actuaries, auditors, and legal counsel on financial and plan matters.
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks associated with the plans.
  • Monitor and strengthen internal control systems to safeguard assets and ensure data integrity.
  • Maintain and update accounting policies to reflect best practices and regulatory standards.
• Process Improvement:
  • Lead initiatives to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of the financial close process.
  • Identify and execute opportunities to automate, simplify, or streamline recurring tasks and workflows.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to drive cross-functional process improvements that strengthen operational effectiveness and support strategic goals.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Supervise and mentor accounting staff of 13, including 3 direct reports; conduct performance evaluations and support professional development.
  • Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Model strong leadership traits and embrace diversity of thought, background, and experience.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA and/or Big Four public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years progressive accounting experience, including previous experience in a Controller or related role, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Trust fund accounting and pension and/or health plan experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and rolling cash flow forecasts.
• Experience with Taft-Hartley or multi-employer benefit plans, including working knowledge of ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations, is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; high attention to detail and commitment to accurate and timely reporting.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey financial concepts to diverse audiences.
• Sound judgment and strong sense of fiduciary responsibility, including the ability to identify critical issues and escalate appropriately.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; intermediate proficiency in other Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency in ERP financial systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a plus.
• Collaborative, ethical, and mission-driven leadership style.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $175,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held.

Submissions will be reviewed; only candidates most closely matching the requirements of the position will be contacted.

MPI requires employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19 with exceptions as required by law.

About MPI:

Located in Studio City, CA, the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans (MPI) are multi-employer trust funds established by collective bargaining agreements between various employers and over 30 Unions and Guilds representing employees in the motion picture industry.

Recognized as an Employer of Choice for its employee-focused work environment, competitive compensation, and benefits, MPI is a recipient of the World at Work Seal of Distinction and is Great Place to Work Certified!

Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (MPI) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age over 40, marital status, veteran status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. Any applicant who, because of disability, requires accommodation or assistance in completing this application or at any time during the application process should contact the Human Resources Department. MPI also provides reasonable accommodations to disabled employees consistent with its obligations under applicable law.