Controller

About Salem Academy and College

Salem Academy and College is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for girls and women in the country. Since 1772 the institution has engaged in transformational change to innovate womens education. Founded with the mission of making education accessible to all Salem has a rich 254-year-old history and a long-standing track record of educating students who are prepared to make a bold impact locally nationally and globally through liberal arts education. Our graduates are committed to making the world a better healthier and more equitable place. Salem College is the nations only liberal arts college exclusively dedicated to developing the next generation of health leaders.

Position Summary

The Controller is a senior financial leader responsible for directing the accounting and financial reporting functions of the Academy and College while supporting the strategic financial direction of the institution. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance/Chief Financial Officer the Controller ensures the integrity of the institutions financial records maintains strong internal controls and provides accurate and timely financial information to support institutional decision-making.

This position provides leadership for the daily operations of the Controllers Office and oversees accounting financial reporting treasury management audits tax compliance grants accounting and financial systems. The Controller partners with campus leaders to develop financial strategies that support the Academy and Colleges mission while ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) federal and state regulations donor restrictions and institutional policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Controller will:

• Provide leadership and oversight for all accounting functions of the institution including:
  • General ledger
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • Cash receipts
  • Payroll accounting
  • Fixed asset accounting
  • Capital asset accounting
  • Month-end and year-end close processes
• Ensure the accuracy completeness and integrity of the institutions financial records while maintaining strong internal controls to safeguard institutional assets.
• Prepare and oversee:
  • Monthly quarterly and annual financial statements
  • Financial reports for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees
  • Budget-to-actual analyses
  • Cash flow reports
  • Financial forecasts and other management reports
• Coordinate the annual external financial audit Single Audit and preparation of financial statements while responding to auditor requests and implementing recommendations.
• Assist the Vice President for Finance/CFO with:
  • Annual operating budget development
  • Capital budget preparation
  • Multi-year financial forecasting
  • Long-range financial planning
  • Financial modeling and institutional decision support
• Oversee treasury management activities including:
  • Cash management
  • Banking relationships
  • Investment accounting
  • Debt accounting
  • Cash flow forecasting
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Federal and state regulations
  • IRS reporting requirements
  • Donor restrictions
  • Grant requirements
  • Debt covenant reporting
• Direct accounting and financial reporting for grants endowments restricted funds and capital projects while ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
• Develop implement and continuously improve financial policies procedures and internal controls that promote efficiency accountability and sound financial stewardship.
• Provide leadership in the implementation maintenance and optimization of financial systems accounting software reporting tools and ERP financial modules.
• Supervise coach and develop accounting staff by providing leadership performance management mentoring and professional development.
• Partner with Human Resources regarding payroll accounting employee benefits accounting retirement reporting and other employee-related financial matters.
• Collaborate with budget managers and departmental leaders by providing financial guidance budget monitoring and analysis to support sound fiscal management.
• Prepare financial analyses presentations and reports for executive leadership Cabinet Board committees accreditation activities and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor changes in accounting standards regulations and higher education financial practices and recommend improvements to ensure ongoing compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Serve on institutional committees and represent the Controllers Office on cross-functional initiatives and strategic planning efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Finance /Chief Financial Officer.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in accounting Finance or a closely related field.
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Financial reporting
  • Budget development
  • Internal controls
  • Auditing
  • Nonprofit accounting
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial information and communicate financial concepts to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Strong leadership organizational analytical and project management skills.
• Excellent written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• High level of integrity professionalism discretion and commitment to confidentiality.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of nonprofit and higher education accounting principles and financial reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of budgeting treasury management financial analysis and internal controls.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across the institution while providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to lead organizational changes improve financial processes and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial information systems.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment while maintaining the highest standards of ethics confidentiality and stewardship of institutional resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• Masters degree in a related field preferred.

Physical Functions

While performing the responsibilities of theControllerthe employee is required to sit for varying lengths of time; bend reach lift push and pull up to 25 pounds; occasionally stand walk and kneel and regularly ascend/descend stairs; use hands and fingers to handle or feel and manipulate keys on a keyboard; perform extended periods of work at a computer workstation view a computer monitor; perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and receive detailed information through oral communication; express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word; and work in an office setting.

Salem Academy and College is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color national origin age religion disability status sex sexual orientation gender identity veteran status pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by law.

For questions please contact Darrell Farewell Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance at