Position Purpose
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for the leadership and management
of the University's accounting, treasury, financial reporting, and business systems functions. The Controller
ensures the integrity of financial information, maintains effective internal controls, and provides timely
and accurate financial reporting to support institutional decision-making. The Controller partners closely
with campus leadership to enhance business processes, strengthen financial stewardship, and advance the
strategic goals of the University
Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees the daily operations of accounting and financial administration, including accounts receivable,
student accounts, accounts payable, general ledger, treasury operations, endowment accounting, 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, coaching
and feedback.
- Implements and maintains the financial business systems, 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.
- Oversees grants accounting and compliance activities, ensuring proper accounting, reporting, and
stewardship of restricted federal, state, and private grant funds.
- Assists with debt compliance, covenant reporting, and preparation of information required by lenders,
rating agencies, and other external stakeholders.
- 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 Chief Financial Officer in the preparation and monitoring of the annual operating and capital
budgets and supports multi-year financial forecasting and scenario analysis.
- Develops and maintains financial reports, dashboards, and business intelligence tools that provide
meaningful information to leadership, budget managers, and the Board of Trustees.
- Oversees the treasury function including cash management, reporting on short-, mid-, and long-term cash
planning/forecasting, endowment accounting, spending calculations, investment reconciliations, and all
related financial reporting.
- Oversees the preparation and submission of required external financial reports, surveys, and accreditation-
related financial information, including the preparation and review of annual tax filings including Form
990, Form 990-T, state filings, and other required regulatory reports.
- Ensures that all accounts are properly monitored and maintained and that accurate reports are provided to
departmental budget managers on a timely basis.
- Leads the coordination of the annual external audit, prepares audit schedules, serves as primary liaison to
external auditors, and implements recommendations to strengthen internal controls and financial
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.
Qualifications
Education and; 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.
- Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and
financial reporting, including supervisory experience. Experience in higher education,
healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations preferred.
- 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 and Abilities:
- Knowledge of general and not-for-profit accounting theory and practice.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial information into meaningful insights for non-
financial audiences.
- Demonstrated experience leading financial systems implementations, upgrades, process
improvements, and reporting enhancements within an ERP environment. 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.
Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation 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.
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 accommodation 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.
This position requires standard office equipment, including computers, printers, telephones, and other
technology commonly used in a modern office environment.
Direct Reports
Direct reports may include positions responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, student
accounts, treasury, grants accounting, and financial systems administration. Specific reporting
relationships may evolve based on institutional needs and the experience of the successful candidate.
Salary Range:
$80,000-$120,000
