Controller

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controller is a senior finance officer responsible for the integrity accuracy and transparency of the institutions financial operations. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration / Chief Financial Officer (VPFA/CFO) the Controller oversees the universitys accounting functions financial reporting internal controls audits and compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

As a key leader within the finance division the Controller ensures the proper stewardship of institutional resources through effective financial management practices. The role is responsible for supervising general accounting accounts payable grants and restricted funds accounting endowment accounting and student financial services (e.g. bursar functions). The Controller also plays a critical role in the preparation of the universitys audited financial statements annual tax filings (e.g. IRS Form 990) and financial reports for the Board of Trustees and senior leadership.

The Controller works closely with colleagues across campus to ensure timely accurate and meaningful financial reporting and to support a culture of fiscal responsibility and compliance. This position requires a strategic thinker an experienced technical accountant and a collaborative leader who can foster continuous improvement and innovation in financial operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Financial Reporting & Regulatory Compliance

o Prepare and manage accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and FASB standards applicable to non-profit organizations.

o Ensure compliance with IRS Department of Education and other regulatory reporting requirements including Form 990 and financial disclosures.

2. Accounting Operations Management

o Oversee daily accounting operations including general ledger accounts payable accounts receivable payroll accounting and endowment accounting.

o Manage the month-end and year-end close processes and ensure timely reconciliations.

3. Audit and Tax Coordination

o Serve as the primary point of contact for external financial audits and tax filings.

o Coordinate preparation of schedules lead sheets and documentation for annual audits and the universitys IRS Form 990 filing.

o Implement corrective actions and recommendations from audit findings.

4. Endowment and Investment Accounting

o Oversee the accounting and tracking of endowment funds including unitization restrictions and spending policy compliance.

o Ensure accurate reporting of investment activity and coordination with external investment managers.

5. Restricted Funds and Grant Compliance

o Ensure proper accounting for restricted gifts grants and sponsored projects including donor restrictions and reporting requirements.

o Collaborate with Advancement and Sponsored Programs to maintain accurate fund tracking.

6. Internal Controls and Risk Mitigation

o Develop and enforce internal control systems to protect institutional assets and ensure operational efficiency.

o Monitor financial activities for fraud prevention segregation of duties and policy adherence.

7. Cash and Treasury Management

o Monitor daily cash positions and manage short-term investments and banking relationships.

o Oversee cash disbursements wire transfers and reconciliation of bank accounts.

8. Supervision and Team Development

o Lead supervise and mentor a team of accounting professionals including roles such as Grants Accountant Bursar and Accounts Payable Manager.

o Foster a culture of accountability continuous improvement and professional growth.

9. Collaboration and Strategic Support

o Work closely with the CFO and Budget Office to support multi-year financial planning scenario modeling and budget monitoring.

o Provide financial data and insight to inform executive decision-making and board reporting.

10. System Management and Process Improvement

o Oversee financial systems ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency.

o Lead initiatives to improve financial processes reporting and automation.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Nonprofit and Higher Education Accounting: In-depth understanding of U.S. GAAP FASB standards (especially ASC 958 for not-for-profit entities) and fund accounting principles specific to private colleges and universities.

Audit and Tax Requirements: Knowledge of audit processes financial statement preparation and IRS tax compliance for nonprofits including IRS Form 990.

Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with federal and state financial aid regulations donor restrictions and grant compliance rules particularly OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).

Endowment Accounting: Understanding of endowment unitization UPMIFA compliance restricted/unrestricted funds and investment pool accounting.

ERP Systems: Proficiency in university enterprise systems (e.g. Ellucian Colleague) and financial reporting tools.

Technical Skills

Financial Reporting: Strong ability to produce interpret and analyze complex financial statements and management reports.

Internal Controls: Ability to design implement and assess internal control frameworks to reduce financial risk.

Budget Monitoring: Competence in analyzing budget vs. actual performance and preparing variance analyses.

Grant and Gift Accounting: Experience with the proper classification tracking and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds.

Excel and Data Tools: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables VLOOKUPs and data validation. Familiarity with database queries and report writing software.

Leadership and Managerial Skills

Staff Supervision: Demonstrated ability to lead motivate and evaluate a finance team with a collaborative management style.

Project Management: Effective planning prioritization and execution of projects within tight deadlines.

Training and Development: Ability to build capacity within the finance team and support professional growth.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Written and Verbal Communication: Strong ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

Collaboration: Proven ability to work cross-functionally with departments such as Advancement Budget HR IT and Academic Affairs.

Customer Service Orientation: Commitment to providing excellent service to internal and external stakeholders including faculty staff and donors.

Strategic and Analytical Abilities

Problem Solving: Skilled at diagnosing accounting issues and developing practical compliant solutions.

Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and organization in managing complex financial data.

Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect day-to-day accounting operations to broader institutional goals.

Professional Disposition

Integrity and Ethics: Strong ethical standards and a commitment to confidentiality and compliance.

Adaptability: Comfortable navigating change new technologies and evolving institutional priorities.

Commitment to Mission: Understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of private higher education institutions.

Education: Bachelors degree in finance accounting or a related field. Masters Degree preferred but not required.

Experience: Seven (7) years or more of progressive leadership experience in accounting or related areas. Must have a history of financial leadership experience within a higher education setting.

Licenses or Certificates: Must hold a valid CPA license in Tennessee.

Additional Requirements: A background and/or credit check will be required of the successful applicant. An official transcript (if applicable) and names addresses and phone numbers of three references required.