Controller

Furman University
Controller

Furman University, one of the nation's premier liberal arts and sciences universities, located in Greenville, South Carolina, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its next controller. Furman has a formal remote work policy which, for this position, provides a remote work option after a three to six month on campus period.

Founded in 1826, Furman University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts and sciences universities, offering rigorous academics, broad research opportunities, a robust visual and performing arts program, and NCAA Division I athletics. Furman University is the oldest private university in South Carolina and among the 75 oldest institutions of higher education in operation today. Total enrollment at Furman is approximately 2,400, and Furman recently ranked #45 as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. Furman's 800-acre campus is known for being one of the top 50 most beautiful campuses in America.

The Position

The controller, reporting to the associate vice president for finance, is an integral part of Furman University's Finance and Administration Division, providing leadership for the accounting functions of the university. The controller directs financial audits, works closely with the audit committee of the board, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and provides strong leadership and management skills to the unit. The controller oversees an experienced and seasoned team of four in the accounting department, including the bursar, fiscal operations specialist, accounting manager, and senior/grant accountant. The controller formulates and implements policies and controls to ensure the stewardship of assets and works collaboratively with senior leadership and campus constituents to provide core business services vital to accomplishing the university's mission and goals.

Salary Range: please inquire with Jim Prince at jep@spelmanjohnson.com

Qualifications

• This position requires a bachelor's degree and a CPA credential.
  
• Seven years of experience in accounting (preferably from higher education) that includes management, supervision, and oversight of complex accounting systems.
  
• Effective analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to summarize and present information are required.
  
• The successful candidate must be capable of learning a robust general ledger system; working with the centralized accounts payable system; becoming adept at learning Workday, the university's management enterprise software which integrates with the development office's Razor's Edge software, and enrollment and financial aid's Slate and PowerFaids software; and oversight of internal payroll system (tax reporting done by an external company).
  
• Must exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, as well as excellent written, oral, and electronic communication skills.
  
• Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting principles.
  
• Ability to promote strong leadership, strategic planning, budget, and resource management, and continuous improvement.
  
• Requires the ability to positively motivate employees to perform their best, supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  
• Reflects high professional standards with a personal code of ethics characterized by honesty, integrity, openness, and fairness.

Application and Nomination

Furman University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin Friday, August 2, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/controller/

• Contact James Prince at jep@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries and nominations.
  
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Furman University website at www.furman.edu

Diversity Statement
"At Furman, we embrace meaningful diversity and equality as embodied by both implicit values and explicit practices in all of our endeavors. As a university community, we are committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff from every walk of life. For Furman, diversity goes beyond any single category and includes the full range of differences that encompass all that makes us unique, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, disability, religion, worldview, and many others."

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