Controller

Shenandoah University is seeking a Controller. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance and CFO, the Controller serves as a financial business and accounting leader for the University.

The Controller is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating all accounting functions of the University as well as serving as a senior level advisor for the VP for Finance and CFO and other University executives on the financial position of the University.

This is a full-time benefited exempt position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia, which may be partially remote following the initial 90-day probationary period.

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate all accounting functions of the University; serves as a senior level advisor for the VP for Finance and CFO and other University executives on the financial position of the University.
• Provides oversight of the Office of the Controller including general accounting, endowment, gifts and grants accounting, purchasing and accounts payable, payroll, and other accounting operations.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate maintenance of general ledger, transaction, and financial management reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, reconciliations, tax returns, compliance surveys and management reports.
• Responsible for producing ad hoc financial reports and analysis to support decision making.
• Provides support for the accounting for endowments and investment activities, including endowment management software and spending distributions.
• Ensures alignment with Finance Division and University-wide strategy, goals, and objectives.
• Develops metrics to ensure activities support this alignment.
• Assists in compilation and preparation of financial analyses, trends, and reports, whether financial or operational in nature.
• Oversees financial accounting functions and data processing, ensuring accounting procedures are being followed utilizing GAAP/FASB.
• Manages the University's external financial reporting process. Manages the timeliness and completeness of monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations and reports to support continuous external auditing and financial reporting integrity for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Establishes and maintains comprehensive internal controls designed to mitigate risk, protect assets, and support the financial infrastructure of the university.
• Ensures appropriate financial systems and internal controls are in place to safeguard University assets and accounts are appropriately maintained to accurately reflect accurate financial data.
• Monitors and oversees all University asset and liability accounts; ensures proper accounting methodology, techniques, policies, and reconciliations are adopted in Finance Division and University operations.
• Establishes accounting policies and procedures for the University's accounting and financial transactions, ensuring they meet standards of internal control and compliance and consider an appropriate balance of cost vs. benefit.
• Partners with Human Resources on procedures and operational areas that affect payroll services and fringe benefit pool decisions.
• Assists the Vice President of Finance and CFO with budget development and operational area analysis in coordination with Budget and Resource Planning staff
• Provides oversight to the annual external audit process and the compilation of the University's corporate and other GAAP financial statements.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert for financial audits and must be able to work successfully with external auditors.
• Ensures timely distribution of the University's financial statements and other financial data to all internal and external users.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

Required Experience

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or related field and
• 10+ years of accounting or financial reporting experience which must include higher education accounting, large complex organization accounting and/or auditing experience and direct management experience.
• An in-depth working knowledge of GAAP, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and federal compliance requirements.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or other ERP financial systems is required.

Position Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Demonstrated effective interaction with cabinet members and governing board members
• Master's degree in Business, Accounting, or related field is strongly preferred.

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check, as well as a satisfactory driving record, will be required as a condition of hire.

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Salary Type
Not Applicable