Controller

The Controller is responsible for the financial systems and accounting operations of the University. The Controller is a strategic thinker and collaborator who manages day-to-day finance operations and prepares, analyzes, and interprets financial data for management, control, planning and forecasting purposes. The Controller is a key contributor to the improvement of business processes including the integration of technology solution with operational processes. Must be able to support and promote the University’s Mission.

Essential Functions:

1. Directs the general accounting function. Assures that the general ledger is properly balanced and reconciled. Assist with the accounting of fixed assets. Supervise professional accountants.
2. Directs the preparation of routine and quarterly financial statements and reports for the Planning, Finance & Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees.
3. Responsible for managing daily cash flow. Maximizes return on short-term investments by analyzing weekly reports and timing withdrawals and sweeps accordingly. Secures competitive rates and services.
4. Exercises signature authority for all bank accounts and executes routine sales of gifted securities.
5. Coordinates the annual audit, prepares audit schedules, and prepares annual financial statements. Works cooperatively with the internal audit function.
6. Establishes and maintains appropriate internal controls over financial reporting.
7. Manages cash reserves and related investment activities to align with strategic, capital, and operational plans.
8. Manages debt administration by forecasting payments and meeting reporting requirements of bond issues. Serves as primary liaison with bond trustees.
9. Administers endowment fund operations analysis and makes quarterly withdrawals and additions. Serves as primary liaison with endowment custodians and managers.
10. Ensures compliance and timely reporting for all local, state, federal and other external financial reporting requirements (tax returns, IPEDS, debt covenants, etc.)
11. Collaborates with other team members to conceptualize, design and create financial analysis to assist the Leadership Team in operational analysis and strategic decision-making.
12. Assist the Vice President with Board Committee administration.
13. Manage office operations including: analyzing, documenting and designing all business office processes to maximize value and minimize waste/inefficiencies; regularly reviewing, updating and creating business related policies; and overseeing retention of business related records.

Demonstrated knowledge of general accounting, taxes, and investment management. Proficiency with ERP systems for comparable or larger sized institutions and Microsoft Office. Demonstrated effectiveness as a supervisor. Verifiable four-year business degree from an accredited institution.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or a related field required.

Experience: Seven to ten years of experience in positions of increasing fiscal responsibility, preferably in higher education, is required along with five years of supervisory experience.