Controller - Worcester State University

About Worcester State University:WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY is a liberal arts and sciences university with a long tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1874, as well as an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to reflect the diversity of its community. Our workforce is dedicated to academic quality, student-centered programming, engaged citizenship, open exchanges of ideas, diversity and inclusiveness, and civility and integrity. We are looking for job applicants who share these values and commitment to our students.

Worcester State is centrally located in Massachusetts, about an hour's drive from Boston, Springfield, and Providence, Rhode Island. Our 58-acre campus is nestled in the residential northwest side of Worcester--the second largest city in New England and home to 37,000 college students at more than a dozen colleges and universities. Over 6,000 of those students attend Worcester State--approximately 5,300 are undergraduates and 1,000 are graduate students. Learn more about us at worcester.edu/about .

Job Description:OFFICIAL TITLE: ControllerSUPERVISION RECEIVED: Vice President for Administration & Finance/ CFOSUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises all Accounting staff.

General Statement of Duties: The Controller position is accountable for the accounting operations of the University, to include the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the University's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles. The position involves supervision of accounting staff, cash, journal entries, grant finances and reconciliations.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead the Accounting Department to effectively manage the financial accounting processes and control financial transactions. Manage, motivate, and train professional staff to ensure high-quality work and timely delivery. Develop an overall work plan for the team and monitor progress to ensure objectives are met. Create a collaborative team environment that fosters effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Plan resource needs and develop strategies for achieving departmental objectives. Provide guidance and support to the accounting staff, fostering their professional development and growth within the organization. (55%)

2. Ensure compliance with federal, state and local requirements. Maintain knowledge of new, proposed or changing filing regulations that affect the University. Ensure the university is in compliance with existing and new guidelines issued by the AICPA and GASB. Review compliance with accounting policies and assists in establishing consistent standards and procedures on new accounting issues. Evaluate deficiencies and make recommendations on remedies to internal control structure. Prepare documentation on financial processes and procedure to comply with SAS112. (20%)

3. Report on financial results and coordinate University financial closing. Prepare University financial statements. Plan, coordinate and implement annual fiscal closing and audit with external auditors. Develop and report on financial results. Respond to audit requests and implement audit findings. (10%)

4. Plan resource needs and develop strategies for achieving departmental objectives. Continuously evaluate current accounting practices and recommend changes and improvements as necessary. Drive the implementation of new processes and systems to increase efficiency and effectiveness. (15%)

(E) = Essential

(E) Develop, analyze, and interpret statistical and accounting information in order to appraise operating results in terms of performance against budget, and other matters bearing on the fiscal soundness and operating effectiveness of the University. (E) Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures, system of accounts, and records on all University transactions and assets. (E) Oversee the operations of the accounting department staff and functions, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives. (E) Issue and complete financial statements timely. (E) Prepare and issue monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports. (E) Ensure that monthly bank reconciliations are completed accurately and on time. (E) Maintain the chart of accounts, an orderly accounting filing system, and a system of controls over accounting transactions. (E) Calculate and issue financial and operating metrics and provide for a system of management cost reports. (E) Provide financial analyses as needed, in particular for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations. (E) Perform various accounting functions according to documented procedures to ensure that monthly and year-end close processes are completed accurately and on time. (E) Streamline reconciliation processes to complete relevant accounting tasks on time. (E) Prepare reports that outline the University's financial position in the areas of income, expenses, and based on past, present and future operations. (E) Coordinate the provision of reports and other information to external auditors for the annual audit and address general ledger related audit control comments. (E) Monitor debt levels and compliance with debt covenants. (E) Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings. (E) Assist departments in budgeting financial needs, accelerating cash receipts, and controlling disbursements, overseeing bank balances, proper grant accounting, and evaluating and implementing computerized accounting systems. (E) Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-service oriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff and students. (E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan. (E) Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field with at least six (6) years of experience. Eight (8) years of the required experience in accounting field may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree in a related field. At least five years of accounting experience with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience. Skills in budgeting, grants accounting, receivables, financial statement preparation, tax preparation and audit support. Demonstrated working knowledge of EDP-oriented accounting systems and non-profit accounting practices, and GAAP. Exceptional ability to manage staff effectively. Outstanding skills in math, accuracy and precision, interest in business, organized, willingness to follow recommended procedures, honest, patience, good written and oral communication skills, good people skills, team player. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, organization, and operational/financial infrastructure of a public university. Highly developed and comprehensive financial management skills gained in a large, multifaceted public institution. Strategic planning skills. Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals. Knowledge of investment strategies and techniques. Ability to review and assess the operational and financial viability of new and existing contractual arrangements and grant proposals. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. Strong human resources development and management skills. Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate. Knowledge of assets and funds management principles, methods, and techniques. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal and State financial laws, regulations, and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education and academic medical centers. Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or MBA preferred.

Additional Information:This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, non-unit professional position. The firm annual salary for this position is $125,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education.

Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options life insurance up to 8x the annual salary long-term disability coverage dental insurance 20 vacation days accrued per year 15 sick days accrued per year 5 personal days per year paid holidays tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:Applicants must apply online and may do so by visiting www.worcester.edu/careers, and submitting a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of three professional references.

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URL: www.worcester.edu