Controller

Full-time, Part-time, or Temporary:    Full-time

Benefits Eligibility Status:                  Eligible

Job Summary

The Controller supervises all of the accounting and cash functions and systems of the University, ensures the development, implementation, and monitoring of appropriate internal controls, and serves as functional owner of the system finance module. The Controller ensures that the institution’s accounting practices satisfy the highest ethical requirements, as must his or her own behavior.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and directs the University’s fiscal function.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of internal controls at the University and implements changes in consultation with the CFO.
• Coordinates all external audits of the University.
• Prepares financial statements and footnotes for auditors and other interested parties.
• Manages financial accounting and reporting for the University.
• Evaluates the impact of proposed regulatory action or changes to accounting standards.
• Provides timely and accurate analysis of financial reports.
• Enhances and/or develops, implements, and enforces policies and procedures by way of systems and processes that will improve overall operations, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Leads efforts to reconcile and manage University Endowments. Supervises and reviews the reconciliation of University bank accounts, investment accounts, and other balance sheet activity;
• Evaluates office structure and team to help ensure continual improvement.
• Develops and implements procedures to manage the University cash flow. Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Plans, oversees and directs the financial functions of the university as related to general accounting, billing, collections, payroll, accounts payable, procurement, sponsored programs, grants and contracts.
• Monitors financial services and activities; ensures compliance with federal regulations and laws; coordinates and reviews financial reporting.
• Ensures orderly, timely and accuracy of processing transactions, closing of the general ledger, recording, and preparation of financial reports.
• Establishes accountability controls such as account reconciliations and timely resolution of resolution of reconciling differences.
• Reviews, evaluates, and recommends improvements to the university’s accounting and financial internal control systems and procedures.
• Provides staff supervision and direction for designated staff; evaluates job performances and develop professional development plans for staff; and ensures that staff receives appropriate training.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives for Business and Finance.
• Establish schedules and methods for providing financial services to the campus community; implement policies and procedures.
• Participates in strategic planning activities pertaining to financial services.
• Serves on councils, committees and task forces to represent Finance area.
• Assists the Vice President for Business and Finance with special assignments and projects as needed.
• Ability to use software employed to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports.
• Ability to establish, direct, and enforce financial control systems, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to gather data, analyze and compile information, and prepare reports. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a wide range of constituents.   
• Ability to select, manage, develop, and empower the people who are part of the Director of Business and Finance’s Office team.
• Leadership ability within a diverse environment. 
• Extensive knowledge, training, and experience of accounting and auditing standards and regulations.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field; Master’s Preferred.
• Five (5) years’ experience in fiscal affairs at a university.

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