Controller

VP Area: Financial Accounting Services

Department: Financial Accounting Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefit Eligibility: Yes

Position Summary:

The Controller is responsible for the stewardship of the university's financial accounts and records, preparation of its financial statements (both GAAP and Management), tax filings and compliance, effective internal control systems and presentation of various financial and non-financial reports and interpretation of data to senior leadership and Trustees.

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and serves as a leader in the Financial Accounting Services Office providing direct supervision for the Assistant Controller and provides for the accounting and accounts payable teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in large, complex organizations including accounting and managerial experience is required. At least one year of accounting and managerial experience in the finance division of a higher education institution is required.

• CPA licensure is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A suitable combination of education and experience may be substituted for minimum qualifications.

Job Duties:

• Demonstrates an attitude and behavior that reflects the values and mission of the department and university.

• Establishes and monitors procedures, processes, and systems to support finance functions and strong internal controls over financial and business operations.

• Manages the administrative and operational activities associated with the collection and disbursement of funds and the recording of all financial transactions of the University. Prepares reports that summarize and forecast the university's financial activity, cash flow, and financial position in areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and expected operations.

• Develops and implements cash management strategies to optimize the use of the university's financial resources, including monitoring the university's endowment.

• Manages compliance with external reporting requirements, such as accounting standards; state and federal tax laws; grant requirements; debt compliance; U.S. Department of Education requirements; and accreditation requirements.

• Directs the annual financial statement preparation and audit process.

• Leads the development, execution, and monitoring of the annual operational budget.

• Prepares periodic reports and supporting materials for the Chief Financial Officer, the senior executive team, and Board of Trustees where appropriate.

• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, other university departments and the public.

• Develops competent, productive and efficient departmental staff through effective supervision, training, motivation, and professional development.

• Encourages a culture of transparency and collaboration in the accounting and finance team.

• Maintains current knowledge of FASB and other GAAP pronouncements that affect the university's financial system, and best practices in internal controls over financial reporting.

• Contributes to the university's overall success by performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong controllership skills including the documented ability to successfully manage external and internal audits.

• Advanced financial planning skills.

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and pertinent federal, state, and local laws.

• Extensive experience with and skill in enterprise information/accounting systems (general ledger, endowments, accounts payable, Payroll, etc.) as well as spreadsheets and databases.

• Ability to think strategically while consistently delivering operational and managerial reports with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.

• Ability to bring clarity to complex and technical issues.

• Extensive knowledge of GAAP.

• Ability to plan, conceptualize and make sound business decisions.

• Must exercise considerable independent and professional judgment in matters of significance.

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Strong planning and project management skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations verbally and in writing.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to work independently.

• Strong supervisory skills to lead and manage the accounting, payroll, and accounts payable teams in Financial Accounting Services.

• Advanced knowledge of fund accounting.

• Working knowledge of Banner/Ellucian/Colleague.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily indoors, but at times may be required to be in an outdoor environment when traveling between campus buildings or off campus.

• Will be exposed to frequent noise caused by telephones and office machines.

• Standard office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; some overtime may be required.

• Off-campus, state and regional travel may be required.