Controller

Position Overview

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Business and Finance and CFO. The controller oversees the daily activities of the University’s Accounting, Financial Reporting, Accounts Payable, Treasury, Purchasing and Grant Management areas. The Controller coordinates and leads all financial, federal and state compliance audits of the financial statements, and other required financial compliance reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Essential Duties and Functions

• Oversees the Office of the University Controller and directly oversee all accounting staff activities for timely and accurate maintenance of the general ledger and financial management reporting.

• Performs advanced accounting work utilizing a centralized accounting system serving University community, including completing periodic financial statements

• Develops and implements financial management systems and internal controls.

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

• Establishes or recommends to management financial strategies, objectives and policies for the university.

• Prepares reports which summarize and forecast the university’s financial activity and financial position in areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present and expected operations.

• Coordinates all external audits of the University.

• Works directly with the Financial Aid Office and the Office of Research, Sponsored Programs and Program investigators in developing written replies and corrective actions in response to external and internal auditors' reports.

• Prepares reports for all regulatory agencies as required, including the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate, and the Department of Health and Human Services Annual Operating Report.

• Reviews the Office of Business and Finance budget proposals, and prepares necessary supporting documentation and justification.

• Direct determination of depreciation rates to apply to capital assets.

• Performs other duties as assigned by CFO.

Education, Certifications and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a senior professional accountant plus experience in a senior managerial level position within a large, sophisticated environment, preferably in a higher education setting.

• Demonstrated in depth knowledge of GASB, FASB, GAAP, A-21, and A-133 and their application to a university, research, and/or similar environment.

• Proficient use of personal computer software and ability to interface with complex financial accounting, procurement and administrative information systems.

• Experience in supervising staff or managing a department, with demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership, vision, supervision, professional development, and training to ensure individual staff development and achievement of organizational goals and provide high levels of customer-focused services and continuous improvement in the fiscal services area.

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of accounting principles and methods, preferably with an emphasis in college or university financial reporting.

• Excellent technical accounting skills and knowledge (including IRS regulations, etc.).
  
  

• Breadth of expertise in grants and contracts administration; regulatory compliance, systems implementation and management reporting.

• Working knowledge of state funding process as it applies to higher education.

• Ability to prepare accurate monthly financial reports.

• Knowledge of management methods and ability to provide administrative guidance and provide direct training and supervision as needed.
  

• Excellent oral and written communication skills coupled with negotiation skills necessary to formulate policies and programs and arrive jointly at solutions with clients and stakeholders.
  
  

• Excellent relationship management abilities; the ability to manage through influence and persuasion at all levels of an organization.
  

• Personal attributes - including ethics, integrity, patience, flexibility, adaptability, persistence, and tact - necessary to deal with a highly decentralized environment.

Preferred Qualifications
Public accounting experience; MBA or other advanced degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field; experience preparing consolidated financial statements for large, complex organizations; extensive knowledge of both Federal and State Grant funding requirements. Reasonable knowledge of the U. S. Depart of Education Federal Student Aid guidelines. Experience with Jenzabar Financial Software or its equivalents.