University Controller
Reports to: University President
Purpose of Position and Scope of Responsibility:
The University Controller serves as the chief accounting officer for the institution, providing strategic leadership and hands-on management of all accounting, financial reporting, and internal
control functions. This position ensures the integrity of the University’s financial data, ompliance with applicable regulations, and support for informed decision-making across the institution.
In addition to traditional controller responsibilities, the University Controller will serve as the primary liaison between the Business & Finance Office and the University’s Facilities Management and Auxiliary Services units and will oversee the University’s risk management and insurance administration functions to safeguard institutional assets and operations.
Under the administrative direction of President
Responsible for all shifts, 7 days/week, 24 hours/day. Incumbents are subject to callback as required.
Principal Accountabilities/Responsibilities:
1. Financial Management & Accounting
-Oversee all general ledger functions, including accounts payable,
accounts receivable, payroll, and grants accounting.
-Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial
statements in accordance with GAAP and higher education reporting
standards.
-Direct the annual financial audit process, coordinating with external
auditors and internal stakeholders.
-Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as
University policies and procedures.
- Manage cash flow forecasting, account reconciliations, and
endowment/fund accounting.
- Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard
University assets.
2. Budgeting & Analysis
- Collaborate with department heads and senior leadership to develop
and monitor operating and capital budgets.
- Provide variance analyses and financial projections to support decision-
making.
- Support long-range financial planning, enrollment modeling, and
scenario analysis.
3. Facilities Management & Auxiliary Services Liaison
- Serve as the primary financial and operational liaison to Facilities
Management, ensuring capital projects and maintenance activities are
aligned with approved budgets and timelines.
- Partner with Auxiliary Services (e.g., dining, bookstore, conference
services, housing) to monitor financial performance, identify revenue
opportunities, and manage cost controls.
- Facilitate communication between operations units including
Information Technology and Human Resources, and senior leadership
regarding project status, resource needs, and strategic initiatives.
- Assist in developing business plans for auxiliary enterprises and major
facilities initiatives
4. Risk Management & Insurance Administration
-Oversee the University’s risk management program, identifying,
evaluating, and mitigating potential risks to the institution.
-Administer all property, liability, and specialty insurance policies,
ensuring adequate coverage and cost efficiency.
-Serve as primary contact with insurance brokers, carriers, and claims
adjusters.
-Coordinate incident reporting and claims processing, maintaining
appropriate records and ensuring timely resolution.
-Develop and promote risk awareness programs in collaboration with
campus departments.
-Prepares other internal and external financial reports, such as, but not
limited to IPEDS, EZ Audit, Annual Report, SACS Financial Indicator,
FISAP.
5. Leadership & Collaboration
-Supervise accounting staff and provide mentoring, professional
development, and performance feedback.
-Collaborate with Information Technology to ensure financial systems
are secure, efficient, and meet institutional needs.
-Represents the University in professional organizations and at industry
conferences as appropriate.
6. Performs related accountabilities/responsibilities as required or directed.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities,
duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
Minimum Qualifications | |
Knowledge/Education Experience Licensure, Registration, Certification | -Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. -5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with at least -2 years in a supervisory role Strong knowledge of GAAP, Non-Profit accounting, and federal compliance regulations -Ability to prepare and interpret complex financial reports -Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills |
Desired Qualifications | |
Knowledge/Education Experience Licensure, Registration, Certification | -Masers’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field -Experience in higher education or nonprofit financial management and risk management -Proficience with Thesis Elements (CAMS), Sage Accounting Software |
Physical Requirements:
Work requires little or no physical effort. Lifting or performing other work requiring light physical exertion (up to 30 pounds) is intermittent (not a routine part of the job) and secondary to the job.
Environmental Conditions:
Work is performed under basically normal working conditions as in a standard office environment.
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