"Assistant Controller"

Job Details

SUMMARY

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a managerial position responsible for assisting the controller in the planning, operation and supervision of the offices reporting to the controller. Responsible for all activity regarding the accounting and financial reporting of the university. Supervises assigned staff in the Office of Financial Reporting. Interacts with the state accounting system and ensures university compliance with state regulations. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Controller.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting and five years of related experience or current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and three years of related experience is required. Master’s degree in accounting or business is preferred. Current CPA license is preferred.

Supervisory experience is required. Experience in higher education or governmental accounting is preferred. Demonstrated leadership and team management experience is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Oversees the daily operations of the university accounting system.
2. Maintains university records concerning state appropriated funds in the Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS), to include approving payroll reimbursements and vendor payments from state appropriations, processing necessary accounting transactions to maintain compliance with various state comptroller accounting policies, and processing transactions necessary for loading annual financial report figures into USAS.
3. Prepares journal entries necessary for monthly closings of university accounting records.
4. Hires, supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff in the Office of Financial Reporting.
5. Supervises all activity as it relates to bonds, bond payments, and bond reporting requirements.
6. Provides support to Accounts Payable and Procurement and Business Services regarding state expenditure compliance issues.
7. Assists university departments in complying with state and university policies and procedures related to financial matters. Works to maintain a positive and helpful working relationship between the Office of Financial Reporting and other university departments.
8. Works closely with State Comptroller Appropriation Control Officer to assure university compliance with state fiscal requirements.
9. Ensures accurate completion and timely submission of financial reports, including the monthly financial reports, the annual financial report, IPEDS, and other financial reports required by internal or external agencies.
10. Assists the controller in producing the university’s annual financial report.
11. Works with Information Technology Services on implementing accounting system upgrades.
12. Coordinates with Facilities Services and Campus Operations to ensure accuracy of assets reported in accounting system.
13. Supervises activity related to the reporting of the university investments with departmental accountants and works with Treasury and Student Business Services to ensure amounts reported externally agree with amounts reported in the university’s accounting system.
14. Acts on behalf of the controller in their absence.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. May provide support to Student Business Services during registration periods and other times as needed.
2. May assist controller with various projects as assigned.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university and departmental policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting procedures and principles.
3. Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously while maintaining a satisfactory work product.
4. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database and word processing software.
5. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
6. Ability to interpret state requirements.
7. Ability to adapt to constant changes in state appropriations.
8. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
9. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
10. Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
11. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
12. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
13. Ability to explain policies and procedures to staff and the public.
14. Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
15. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
16. Ability to supervise and train others.
17. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.