Associate Vice President For Finance And University Controller

Working Title Associate Vice President for Finance and University Controller Position Number Posting Number AP00391P Type of Recruitment General Public Is this position restricted? No Work Location Radford Division Finance & Administration-20 College/Unit Financial Services-E&G-2010 Department Financial Services-20101 Hours Per Week 40 Months Per Year 12 Academic or Calendar Year Calendar Year Full Time/Part Time Full Time If part time, enter Percent Time

Work Schedule

Normal Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

Evenings and weekends as required.

Physical Demands

Posting Text

Contact Name for Applicant Pamela Fitchett Contact Phone for Applicant 540-831-5411 Education/experience

A Master's degree in Accounting or Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, or Bachelor's degree with significant work experience that equates to an advanced degree is required.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration (VPFA), the Associate Vice President for Finance and University Controller (AVPF & UC) provides strategic leadership and sound operational management of the core financial operations of the University to include accounting, reporting, student accounts, cash management, disbursements, payroll, policy, tax, internal controls, and risk management. The AVPF & UC is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the accounting records, overseeing the production of timely and accurate financial reporting, recommending, and maintaining appropriate fiscal policies and internal controls, and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, state and federal laws and University policies.

The AVPF & UC serves as a critical member of the division leadership team, assists the VPFA in the development of strategic goals, coordinates and executes major initiatives and special projects, and implements financial plans and policies. Leading a high-functioning team, the AVPF & UC works collaboratively across the University to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate controller functions of the University

Major Responsibilities of Position:

• Directs and manages the financial operations and provides oversight for the Associate and Assistant Controller operations to include departments of Accounting Services (Accounts Payable, SPCC/check-write, Vendor Management), Payroll, Financial Reporting, General Accounting, and Bursar (Student Accounts/Cashier), and Tax. The Controller oversees all university disbursements, both state and local; preparation of annual financial statements; account reconciliations; grant reimbursements; payroll disbursement; receipt of university revenues; functions associated with student accounts receivable; compliance with federal and state policies and procedures. Ensures the provision of financial services and management that enables the University to achieve operational and strategic goals and initiatives in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Works closely with the Vice President for Finance & Administration in researching, analyzing, planning, developing, and implementing financial plans, policies, ad-hoc projects for the University. Recommends and interprets fiscal policies.
  
  Supports University leadership by providing sound financial data, analysis, and information to inform and support strategic decision making. Serves on University working groups upon the request and/or concurrence of the VPFA. Assists in preparing financial information and reports for Board of Visitors meetings. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Coordinates with the Director of Policy and Special Projects and the Assistant Controller to conduct risk assessments, auditing techniques, and business process analysis necessary to prepare a comprehensive and ongoing evaluation and documentation of business processes and key internal accounting controls over all the university's fiscal processes to ensure compliance with the State Comptroller's Agency Risk Management and Internal Control Standards (ARMICS). Oversee the audit process and any other financial reporting or accounting-related audits, including coordination of the timely and accurate delivery of requested schedules and oversight of answers made to Internal Audit. Assists in the development and implementation of corrective action plans and assesses the need for modifications to training programs. Ensure University policy needs are met and coordinated in accordance with internal and external requirements.

• Serves as the primary Finance Data Owner, primarily responsible for the policy and practice decisions regarding University data, and is responsible for the following: Evaluating and classifying sensitivity of the data; assessing protection requirements for the data based on the sensitivity of the data, any legal or regulatory requirements, and business need; defining requirements for access to the data; completing annual role-based training; approving access to data; managing accounting structures and the University's chart of accounts to accurately record transactions and maintain financial accountability; ensuring proper implementation of technology concerning fiscal or accounting systems.

Work actions employee makes without prior approval of supervisor:

• Oversee Controller Office areas of responsibilities to include Accounting Services, Financial Reporting, General Accounting, Tax, Policy, Risk Management, Finance Systems and Security, Internal Controls and Student Accounts/Cashier.

Nominations and Applications

Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting Radford University in the search.

Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner & Dr. Pelema Ellis, Associate Partner

at radfordcontroller@buffkinbaker.com

Required Qualifications

Comprehensive experience in all accounting areas; in-depth knowledge of current accounting standards (GASB, GAAP, etc.); ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, laws and regulations; thorough knowledge and high-level technical skills with complex integrated financial systems, complex reporting and analytic abilities; experience with strategic planning, project management, and process transformation; ability to understand and communicate complex financial requirements, financial reporting, and audit requirements; exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; at least five years in a managerial/supervisory capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in non-profit or higher education financial accounting, or with expert level knowledge of fund accounting in a non-profit or public accounting setting required. Commonwealth of Virginia experience is preferred.

Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 02/15/2024 Application Review Date Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Nominations and Applications

Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting Radford University in the search.

Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner & Dr. Pelema Ellis, Associate Partner

at radfordcontroller@buffkinbaker.com

Employment Conditions Must have a criminal background check, Statement of Economic Interest is required Statement of Economic Interest is required Alternate work schedule Required Licenses Describe other job related licenses and/or certifications

CPA certification is strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years' of crime statistics for our campus.

As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.radford.edu/postings/14029