Controller

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration, the Controller will manage and oversee the overall accounting, financial planning, and financial reporting of the University.  The Controller ensures that these activities are in compliance with business policies and procedures, state and federal fiscal management laws, established legal, regulatory and University procedures, and generally accepted accounting standards.   

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports directly to the Vice President for Finance & Administration.  Works closely with the University Business Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Controller will be responsible for planning and project management, will work collaboratively with other Business Affairs and University staff, and may exert management oversight as needed for successful outcomes. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as the chief accounting officer, which includes initiating and issuing standard accounting practices and procedures for all University accounting.  Ensure compliance with accounting rules and regulating bodies.

Prepare monthly and annual financial statements; prepare other financial analysis as required.

Maintain overall responsibility for general ledger and authorizes approval of all journal vouchers.  Ensure monthly reconciliation of all accounts and a timely annual close process.

Has responsibility for financial and accounting aspects of various grant and restricted funds.  Apply accounting for restricted gifts and scholarships using fund accounting principles.

Responsible for preparation, analysis and entry of Budget into CRM.

Responsible for running the annual audit with the outside auditing firm including 133 audits and loading clearing house data.

Manage tax responsibilities and assure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.  Running the preparation of Form 990 tax return.

Establish and maintain internal controls to protect University resources, prevent and identify abuse, misuse, or fraud.

Maintain and monitor relationships with banks and other financial institutions.

Provide proper accounting for debt instruments and compliance with debt covenants.

Monitor and properly account for University endowment funds and earnings on investments.

Maintain accounting for capital outlays and fixed asset depreciation schedules.

Manage account reconciliation process and coordinate with other University departments.

Complete various external surveys and reports.  Oversee appropriate record and data retention procedures.

Review and interpret technical accounting literature, pronouncements, regulations, and other guidelines.

Assist in financial planning, forecasting, and annual budgeting. Monitor, analyze, and report on performance to budget.

Perform other responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the Vice President.

CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work. 

• Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.

• Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.

• Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.

• Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.

• Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.

• Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.

• Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Professional Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; and,

(B) Five (5) to seven (7) years successful professional accounting experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Auditor; and

(C) Willingness to pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation if not already obtained.

Preferred Education and Experience:

(A) Master’s degree

(B) Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

(C) Experience in higher education or other not-for-profit organizations

(D) Experience using Banner enterprise system

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Comprehensive knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting, budgeting functions and principles of fund accounting.

Ability to prepare and maintain complex and detailed financial worksheets and reports.

Ability to provide immediate and accurate information and perform ad-hoc analysis.

Ability to plan and organize.

Ability to multi-task a myriad of assignments and projects.

Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.

Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

Willingness to work an altered or extended schedule when projects or deadlines require.

Excellent proficiency with personal computer applications such as Microsoft Excel and Word.

Knowledge of Banner financial system or similar.

A commitment to support the University’s mission and values.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:  Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to:  personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, adding machine, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting.  The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear.  The employee may occasionally be subject to a variety of outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifteen (15) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and entertainment venues, all of which may be indoor or outdoor.  The noise level in the work environment will range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud. 

SELECTION GUIDELINES:  The Controller will be selected after a formal application procedure, education and experience rating, oral interview, and reference check.  Job related tests may be required.  All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background screen, motor vehicle record search, drug and alcohol screen, physical and / or psychological examination at the University’s discretion.