Controller

Position Information

Position Title: Controller

Working Title: Controller

Position Number: 004406

Full-Time Or Part-Time: Full Time

Time Limited Position: No

Number of Vacancies: 1

Department: Finance and Administration

Posting Number: 0401840

SHRA/EHRA: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)

Job Category: Professional

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Overall Position Competency: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)

Primary Purpose of the Organization

This position is responsible for management of all accounting functions at Fayetteville State University. Responsibilities require a sound knowledge of budget and accounting principles, fund accounting, auditing and risk assessment. Manage and coordinate all disbursement (accounts payable and payroll), accounts receivable, student accounts, student loans, general ledger and subsidiary accounting activities, investment, reconciliation and control activities and the University cashiering function. This position is responsible for providing timely and accurate financial data for use by the University community and management.

Primary Purpose of the Position

This position serves as the Chief Accounting Officer and Internal Control Officer of the University, supervising units responsible for the above activities and being the point of contact for all financial accounting activities for the University. This position prepares financial analyses and reports, including annual Financial Statements, coordinates annual audit, ensures daily operation of all subordinate units, directly supervises two staff members who serve as supervisors of their respective areas, and approves journal entries. The Controller is accountable for the maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records and a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risks that enhance the accuracy of reported financial results and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles as established by GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board).

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for all financial reporting, fixed assets, financial statement preparation, most financial reconciliations, and Foundation and Endowment Accounting.
• Coordinates the annual financial statement audit and is required to monitor and prepare information for the annual audit.
• This position is responsible for ensuring the daily operations of all subordinate units, directly supervising two staff members that serve as supervisors of their respective areas, approving journal entries, preparing financial analysis and reports, accurately reporting financial data, and performing other financial analyses as needed.
• Responsible for collaborating with individuals across the University at all levels and roles to ensure the University’s financial policies, procedures, operations, and practices are effective and efficient.
• Exercises broad supervision of unrestricted and restricted fiscal activity to ensure sufficient fiscal controls to safeguard institutional funds while allowing the institution to accomplish its programmatic missions.
• Oversees major system development projects that impact financial reporting.
• Ensures financial compliance with all local, state, and federal financial reporting requirements, including GASB and FASB, for the University.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance or other discipline related to the area of assignment with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework and three years of professional accounting experience, of which at least one is supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional credit hours of accounting coursework. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of assets and funds management principles, methods, and techniques. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal and State financial laws, regulations, and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education, and the ability to interpret and apply complex laws and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to meet schedules and deadlines related to the role and demonstrated flexibility in approaching tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

A CPA certificate and/or a Master’s degree in accounting, business, finance or another related discipline is preferred.