Controller
Department:
Job Summary
Position Purpose
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer the Controller is responsible for the leadership and management
of the Universitys accounting treasury financial reporting and business systems functions. The Controller
ensures the integrity of financial information maintains effective internal controls and provides timely
and accurate financial reporting to support institutional decision-making. The Controller partners closely
with campus leadership to enhance business processes strengthen 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
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 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:
- Bachelors degree in accounting finance or business administration. Preferred
qualifications include: Masters 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 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 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.
Salary Range:
$80000-$120000