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Controller, University of Montana

Job Details



The University of Montana seeks a financial professional to serve as Controller. This administrator leads the accounting operations and provides financial reporting expertise for the University. The Controller reports to the Associate Vice President for Operations and Finance. While the start date of this appointment is negotiable, the preference is September.

The Opportunity

The Controller oversees the University’s accounting operations, including revenues, expenses, endowments, property, cash flows, assets, and liabilities. Along with providing financial reporting expertise, this financial administrator also ensures compliance with all applicable regulations and fiscal policies and procedures. The Controller has direct contact with executive officers, deans, directors, faculty, staff, and the general public, as well as with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, external auditors, and various local, state, and federal agencies. In addition to serving the University of Montana, the Controller works collaboratively with accounting and business leaders concerning business operations at the affiliated campuses of Helena College University of Montana, Montana Technological University, and University of Montana Western. In management and supervision, the Controller is responsible for providing quality and efficient processes for customers through the leadership, analyses, and implementation of appropriate staffing levels. The daily management of the team of employees includes hiring, reviewing annually, motivating, recognizing, rewarding, coaching, counseling, training, and problem solving. The Accounting Manager reports directly to the Controller, with a team of four to six accountants reporting to the Accounting Manager.

Additional information is available on the position profile with Myers McRae .

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Accounting
  • Seven to ten (7-10) years of progressive experience in financial affairs leadership positions
  • Prior supervisory experience
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and GASB pronouncements
  • Comprehensive knowledge of annual financial reporting audit processes
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Federal and State annual reporting requirements
  • Demonstrated knowledge of management practices within a complex budgetary environment
  • Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections
  • Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
  • Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite
  • Knowledge of automated financial systems
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials
  • Ability to operate strategically and on a detailed level
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Graduate degree in accounting, business, economics, finance, or related field
  • Previous work experience in a higher education setting
  • Experience with Ellucian Banner ERP
Position Details
  • Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract Professional and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
  • Salary for this position is $120,000 per year.
Living in Missoula, Montana’s Garden City

Missoula, the second largest city in the state, is nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, between Montana’s crown jewels, Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. Surrounded by seven wilderness areas, five mountain ranges, and at the confluence of three rivers—Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot—Missoula is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

The city has more than 400 acres of parkland, 22 miles of trails, and nearly 5,000 acres of conserved open space. You can kayak, raft, or tube through downtown or take a hike to enjoy pure nature just minutes away. Missoula is located within the fly-fishing Golden Triangle, known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing and spectacular natural beauty. The outdoor recreational opportunities are limitless.

Founded in 1864, Missoula is considered the cultural center of Montana. More than 72,000 residents enjoy a cost of living substantially lower than the national average. Missoula’s expansive bike routes have led to its recognition as the 4th best bike commuting city in the United States. Public transportation primarily serves the center of the city and the University of Montana. Average commutes take between 10 to 15 minutes, well below the national average.

The vibrant downtown community embraces the state’s most sophisticated music and art scene and includes a new public library that houses the Families First Learning Lab, UM’s spectrum science museum, and the UM Living Lab. Just east of Missoula is the KettleHouse Amphitheater, ranking No. 45 out of the top 50 amphitheaters worldwide by Pollstar.

Missoula is easily accessible by intersecting highway systems running north-south and east-west and is served by Missoula International Airport.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Application & Nomination Process

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications
  1. Application packet must include:
    1. A letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position
    2. Curriculum résumé
    3. At least four references with full contact information including e-mails (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)
  2. Submit application packet (preferably as PDFs) to UMT-Controller@myersmcrae.com .
    1. Review of applications has begun. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of application


Nominations

Submit nominations to: UMT-Controller-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is assisting University of Montana with this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at kennydaugherty@myersmcrae.com .

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular

Company

University of Montana.

At UM, we approach everything with creativity because that’s what this evolving world needs. We are stewards of this place, its history and our future. We are driving forward together, affecting change that is right for our place and people. We know of no better place than Montana and its university to make a lasting impact on the common good.

As Montana’s flagship university, we set a high bar for academic studies, creative accomplishments and scientific exploration which benefit our students, our community and the world at large.

The University draws a diverse, global population to Missoula – our home and the state’s second-largest city with about 80,000 residents – and helps cultivate an educated, engaged and vibrant community. Our students receive a world-class education in a broad range of subjects that include the arts, sciences, trades, graduate and postdoctoral study and professional training.

Our main campus, nestled in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, spans 56 acres at the base of Mount Sentinel and along the Clark Fork River, and includes the park-like Oval at the center of campus, more than 60 architecturally unique buildings and a 25,200-seat football stadium. UM's 180-acre South Campus offers student housing, a golf course, soccer fields and an outdoor track facility. Missoula College occupies two sites, one just across the river from the main campus, and one on the southwest side of Missoula.

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