Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The University Controller serves as the senior officer for financial controls across the institution.  The Controller oversees the work of two direct reports and ensures smooth operations of multiple functional areas, including general accounting, payroll, financial reporting, fixed asset accounting, investment accounting, financial analysis, financial training, and outreach.  The Controller maintains records of assets, liabilities, income and expenses, prepares annual financial reports, and develops and monitors internal financial controls.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement accounting and financial policies and procedures in accordance with non-profit higher education industry standards, current laws, and University policy
• Monitor adherence to University’s policies and procedures ensuring proper internal controls and oversight over University’s various functional areas
• Oversee and supervise work of two direct reports: Assistant Manager of Accounting and International and Budget Analyst
• Perform monthly close of the accounting and financial books of the University and the affiliated entities ensuring the completion of monthly accounting activities including bank reconciliations, clearance of suspense accounts, contract payments, and banking transactions maintaining proper cash balances
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting for management’s review
• Supervise completion of annual audit and preparation of financial reports needed to maintain University’s accreditation and compliance with various accrediting entities throughout the year
• Oversee timely completion of University’s and affiliated entities’ annual budget
• Design special reporting and cash flow analysis to monitor revenues and expenses across various departments and cost centers ensuring adherence to annual budget
• Maintain proper accounting ledgers to ensure tracking of gifts, endowments, and grants and University’s compliance with associated agreements and reporting
• Review and approve semi-monthly payroll and benefits processing and serve as backup administrator for employee payroll and benefits companies’ systems administration
• Review and ensure timely compilation and processing of University’s Form 5500 and tax return
• Serve as departmental point person for accounting and budgeting systems’ administration
• Configure and adjust financial and accounting systems structures to meet the growing financial reporting needs of the University 
• Prepare and direct the preparation of complex ad hoc, special financial reports, surveys or analyses for senior management, accounting allocations related to student deferred revenues, comprehensive fee revenue, recovery or revenue state reallocation, and various other activities
• Perform regular and unscheduled internal audits to ensure accuracy in financial documents, expenditures, and investments
• Provide senior management with financial information to assist with strategic decision-making
• Effectively direct the efforts of accounting and other staff to accomplish departmental and University goals and objectives

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Accounting with 8+ years of financial management experience (or experience in lieu of advanced degree)
• Certified Public Accounting (CPA)
• Mastery of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Mastery in inter-company activity reporting and reconciliations
• Extensive knowledge of the accounting functions, including general ledger accounting, accounts receivable and payable, cash receipts and disbursements, fixed asset management, auditing, and budgeting
• Knowledge of accounting standards related to non-profits and universities and federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Previous experience in performing fiscal planning, including creating and managing an operational budget and forecast
• Proven track record of building, leading, motivating, and assessing diverse teams of varying levels
• Proven track record of translating complex information and providing highly specialized financial consultation
• Proven ability to design, manage, and implement University programs to fulfill state and federal polices and regulations
• Experience with accounting software, such as Great Plains or Sage Intacct
• Proven track record of systems and process streamlining and reorganization for achieving higher efficiencies
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and desire to keep up with the advancement in financial systems and administration 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate financial information to all levels of the institution, including University leadership, faculty, management, and staff
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and treat confidential matters with tact and discretion
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy
• Excellent computer skills, particularly in MS Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Exceptional customer service skills and professional demeanor
• Ability to work with a highly diverse staff, faculty, and student body

Additional Information

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed indoors in a typical university office setting.  Employees will: have a moderate level of social contact with students, staff, and faculty; communicate with staff and faculty in a one-on-one setting as well as via e-mail and phone; work in a group or as part of a team; and manage conflict situations in which students or employees may be upset.  Work requires handling complex and sensitive financial data that may have institutional impact or legal ramifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee must be able to: communicate with students, staff, and colleagues; read and interpret accounting regulations; operate personal computer equipment; stand or sit for up to eight hours at a time; and move around campus for meetings.  At times, the employee may be required to lift or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.