Controller

financial stewardship, and advance the strategic goals of the University

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the daily operations of accounting and financial administration, including accounts receivable, student accounts, accounts payable, general ledger, treasury operations, endowment accounting, and financial business systems. Provides guidance and support to a team of specialists in carrying out these functions. Responsible for management functions such as hiring, performance management, coaching and feedback.
• Implements and maintains the financial business systems, including modules for general ledger, fixed assets, budget, endowments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. In conjunction with this maintains the general ledger chart of accounts in accordance with GAAP and higher education industry practices.
• Oversees grants accounting and compliance activities, ensuring proper accounting, reporting, and stewardship of restricted federal, state, and private grant funds.
• Assists with debt compliance, covenant reporting, and preparation of information required by lenders, rating agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Works closely with leadership in campus departments to establish priorities for improving and enhancing financial systems and processes. Establishes university-wide training for financial tools and processes to support effective and efficient solutions.
• Assists the Chief Financial Officer in the preparation and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets and supports multi-year financial forecasting and scenario analysis.
• Develops and maintains financial reports, dashboards, and business intelligence tools that provide meaningful information to leadership, budget managers, and the Board of Trustees.
• Oversees the treasury function including cash management, reporting on short-, mid-, and long-term cash planning/forecasting, endowment accounting, spending calculations, investment reconciliations, and all related financial reporting.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of required external financial reports, surveys, and accreditation-related financial information, including the preparation and review of annual tax filings including Form 990, Form 990-T, state filings, and other required regulatory reports.
• Ensures that all accounts are properly monitored and maintained and that accurate reports are provided to departmental budget managers on a timely basis.
• Leads the coordination of the annual external audit, prepares audit schedules, serves as primary liaison to external auditors, and implements recommendations to strengthen internal controls and financial processes.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with internal and external constituents. Demonstrates initiative through early identification of problems and resourcefulness in timely resolution. Takes leadership in disseminating information and provides advice and counsel to constituencies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Preferred qualifications include: Master's degree in accounting, CPA, and experience working in a higher education setting.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and financial reporting, including supervisory experience. Experience in higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); with knowledge of fund accounting being preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Works effectively with auditors to resolve issues or implement changes to improve work efficiency and internal controls.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general and not-for-profit accounting theory and practice.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial information into meaningful insights for non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrated experience leading financial systems implementations, upgrades, process improvements, and reporting enhancements within an ERP environment.
• Knowledge of financial analysis and auditing.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to review and audit fiscal records.
• Familiarity with modern office practices and procedures, including on-line computer systems, personal computers, electronic mail, and internet.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to effectively relate to all levels of employees, students, and external contacts.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position has no specific working conditions; the work environment is typical to that of a small private residential institution of higher education.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires no specific physical demands other than those typical in a modern office environment. This position requires standard office equipment, including computers, printers, telephones, and other technology commonly used in a modern office environment.

Direct Reports

Direct reports may include positions responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, student accounts, treasury, grants accounting, and financial systems administration. Specific reporting relationships may evolve based on institutional needs and the experience of the successful candidate.

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