Controller

About Lake-Sumter State College

This is an exciting time at Lake-Sumter State College! Under the leadership of President Heather Bigard, we are embarking on a bold journey to transform the ways in which we connect and educate our students while embracing our rich history of high-quality education and personalized student support services. We currently serve over 6,500 students each year and plan to grow to over 10,000 in the next several years.

As a Lakehawk, you’ll have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with incredible faculty and staff who are focused on making a real difference in the lives of students in our community. Together, we will continue to create a significant impact to meet the needs of today’s students and prepare for future generations.

We invite you to join us in our commitment to student success!

The Controller supports the Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer in all aspects of the College's budget, procurement, accounting, treasury / investment / banking, student accounts billing and collections, financial reporting, audit, and financial internal control functions. This position creates, approves, and/or implements financial policies and procedures to comply with federal and state laws, regulations, policies and practices. The Controller works closely with the VP of Finance/CFO for the development and implementation of strategic long-term planning/visioning and short-term goals and objectives for the college’s financial operations.

Job Summary

1. Directs, oversees, and coordinates the maintenance of all financial records, reports and accounting services for all student and College financial resources.
2. Supervises the preparation and timely submission of required federal, state, and local financial reports including, but not limited to, the annual financial report, cost analysis report, and other reports as requested.
3. Ensures appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties are in place with respect to such activities as, but not limited to, payroll processing, cash and treasury management activities, and other financial management activities.
4. Responsible for keeping accurate and timely accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, and rules and regulations established by the State of Florida and institutional policies and procedures.
5. Oversees the student accounting, cash handling, and bad debt collections processes.
6. Oversees month-end and fiscal year-end closes and reconciliation of all asset and liability accounts on a daily to monthly basis.
7. Ensures accurate and timely vendor payments, expenses reimbursements, student refunds, and other disbursements as required.
8. Manages, oversees, and makes recommendations on the College’s invested funds and depository accounts.
9. Assists in providing procurement expertise and service to campus departments and identify and secure institution-wide cost savings and quality enhancements.
10. Assists in the preparation of the annual budget and prepares subsequent budget amendments.
11. Develops and provides training to ensure sound financial practices and internal controls are understood and followed.
12. Initiates and recommends changes to College policies and procedures on matters affecting areas of responsibility.
13. Prepares and submits District Board of Trustees agenda items within area of responsibility requiring the approval of the President or the District Board of Trustees.
14. Recommends the hiring, training, coaching, performance management, promotion, and transfer of assigned staff.
15. Performs other duties as may be required or assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Required: Master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration or related field. Five years of supervisory experience. Five years of progressively responsible experience in financial or accounting management and reporting.

Desired: Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Five years of progressively responsible experience in financial or accounting management and reporting in higher education.

Minimum Qualifications & Education

1. Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

2. Public relations and presentation skills.

3. Leadership and supervisory skills.

4. Excellent skills in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to become proficient in MS Teams.

5. Excellent planning, organizational and attention to detail skills; ability to anticipate outcomes.

6. Ability to use appropriate technology to organize, synthesize, and communicate data.

7. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

8. Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to deal with ambiguity, resolve complex problems, and effectively manage projects.

9. Ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence a variety of stakeholders.

10. Ability to consult with, challenge, and influence management to align processes and practices with college objectives.

11. Ability to maintain discretionary judgment in dealing with confidential matters.

12. Ability to meet deadlines and work independently in a fast-paced multi-priority environment.

13. Ability to exhibit a professional, courteous demeanor.

14. Committed to working in a multicultural environment.