Controller

Washington College is recruiting for a full-time Controller to support and lead financial operations within our Business Office.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance and Administration (VPFA) the Controller in a senior-level management position within the Colleges business and financial operations department i.e. the Business Office. The Controller is responsible for ensuring the accuracy integrity and transparency of the Colleges financial records; overseeing core transactional and accounting functions; and maintaining a strong internal control environment.

The Controller acts as a strategic partner to the VPFA and Deputy CFO in matters related to financial reporting audit risk management and budget development while retaining primary responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the Colleges accounting banking accounts payable accounts receivable and endowment administration functions.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee the Colleges general ledger chart of accounts and all accounting records to ensure accuracy completeness and compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare and review monthly quarterly and annual financial statements and related analyses for senior leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP GASB/FASB standards fund accounting principles and applicable federal and state reporting requirements.
• Serve as a technical accounting resource to campus leaders departments and programs.

Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable & Banking

• Provide direct oversight and leadership of accounts payable and accounts receivable functions ensuring timely processing strong internal controls and high-quality customer service.
• Oversee banking operations cash management reconciliations and daily liquidity monitoring.
• Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and internal controls related to cash handling disbursements and receipts.
• Manage relationships with financial institutions at an operational level and support the VPFA in broader banking strategy discussions.

Endowment Investments & Debt Accounting

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting related to endowments investments and debt in accordance with donor restrictions Board policy and UPMIFA.
• Ensure accurate tracking of endowment activity spending policy calculations and financial reporting.
• Provide analytical support and reporting to inform investment and endowment decisions led by the VPFA and governing boards.
• Monitor compliance with debt covenants and reporting requirements and coordinate related accounting activities.

Audit Compliance & Risk Management (Strategic Partner Role)

• Coordinate and manage the operational execution of the annual external financial statement audit serving as the primary staff liaison to auditors.
• Prepare audit schedules documentation and draft responses and support the VPFA in audit communications and presentations.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Colleges internal control framework and financial risk mitigation practices.
• Serve as a partner to the VPFA on institutional risk management compliance strategies and audit planning; does not serve as the institutions internal auditor of record.
• Support business continuity and operational risk planning for finance and business office functions.

Budget Development & Financial Planning

• Support the VPFA in the development of the annual operating and capital budgets by providing historical analysis forecasts and financial modeling.
• Monitor budget performance and provide timely variance analysis and trend reporting.
• Partner with departments and academic leaders to improve financial understanding and support data-informed decision-making.
• Assist with long-range financial planning initiatives as assigned.

Systems Data & Process Improvement

• Serve as functional lead for the Colleges financial systems and ensure data integrity system controls and appropriate user access.
• Partner with technology services to implement system enhancements process improvements and reporting tools.
• Lead efforts to improve efficiency accuracy compliance and service quality within financial operations.

Leadership & Supervision

• Recruit supervise mentor and evaluate Business Office and accounting staff.
• Establish clear expectations performance standards and professional development goals.
• Foster a collaborative service-oriented culture grounded in accountability integrity and continuous improvement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in accounting finance or business administration from an accredited institution.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial operations.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing accounts payable accounts receivable cash management and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting audit coordination internal controls risk management and budget development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit financial management.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
• Masters degree in accounting finance or business administration.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of accounting standards fund accounting and internal controls.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate insights clearly.
• Strong judgment integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a shared-governance environment.

Salary: $110000