Controller
About this position
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for maintaining the College’s financial and accounting systems and records. Oversees several functions within the College’s Business Office including accounts receivable, accounts payable, endowments, general ledger and financial business systems. The Controller is responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of financial information and funds to appropriate constituents and performs a wide variety of tasks as needed and identified by the Chief Financial Officer.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Oversees the daily operation of the accounting functional areas, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, endowments, general ledger and financial business systems. Provides guidance and support to a team of specialists in carrying out these functions. Responsible for management functions such as hiring, performance management and coaching and feedback.
- Implements and maintains the financial business systems with Jenzabar and excel, including modules for general ledger, fixed assets, budget, endowments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. In conjunction with this maintains the general ledger chart of accounts in accordance with GAAP and higher education industry practices.
- Works closely with leadership in campus departments to establish priorities for improving and enhancing financial systems and processes. Establishes university-wide training for financial tools and processes to support effective and efficient solutions.
- Assists the CFO in certain treasury functions such as cash management and reporting and short-term cash planning/forecasting as well as endowment investment accounting, unitization and unit market value.
- Ensures both cash and irrevocable planned gifts are recorded accurately and timely in the accounting system.
- Prepares and reviews account reconciliations. Monitors for timely completion of account reconciliation and monthly closing checklists.
- Ensures that all accounts are properly monitored and maintained and that accurate reports are provided to departmental budget managers on a timely basis.
- Assists with the coordination of the annual external audit and prepares audit schedules.
- Maintains and evaluates internal controls and key processes by developing/collaborating with internal constituents to implement best practices and streamlined processes.
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with internal and external constituents. Demonstrates initiative through early identification of problems and resourcefulness in timely resolution. Takes leadership in disseminating information and provides advice and counsel to constituencies.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position has no specific working conditions; the work environment is typical to that of a small private residential institution of higher education.
About our ideal candidate
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Preferred qualifications include: Master's degree in accounting, CPA, and experience working in a higher education setting.
- Significant managerial experience, specifically in the areas of accounting and financial reporting.
- Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); with knowledge of fund accounting being preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of accounting systems.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Works effectively with auditors to resolve issues or implement changes to improve work efficiency and internal controls.
Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of general and not-for-profit accounting theory and practice.
- Knowledge of computerized (distributed and personal computer) accounting.
- Knowledge of financial analysis and auditing.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to review and audit fiscal records.
- Familiarity with modern office practices and procedures, including on-line computer systems, personal computers, electronic mail, and internet.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to effectively relate to all levels of employees, students, and external contacts.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires no specific physical demands other than those typical in a modern office environment.
The use of specialized equipment listed here is representative of equipment an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires no specialized equipment other than equipment typically used in a modern office environment, including personal computers, calculators, and typewriters.
