What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY?
Job Details
Description
POSITION TITLE: Controller
DEPARTMENT: Accounting Office
SUPERVISOR: Chief Financial Officer / University President
FLSA Status: Exempt
GENERAL JOB FUNCTION
The Controller is responsible for the direction of fiscal affairs. This senior position manages the accounting records and functions within the University, and performs and supervises a variety of specialized and/or technical accounting functions.
EXPECTATIONS (Responsibilities include, but not limited to):
■ Commitment to the University mission
■ Development and implementation of sound fiscal policies and procedures
■ Development, implementation, and maintenance of the annual University budget and periodic forecasts
■ Preparation of advanced journal entries related to month end close
■ Preparation, review, and presentation of the University’s monthly financial statements in an accurate and timely manner
■ Review of University bank accounts; reconcile multiple bank accounts
■ Recording and reporting the University controlled Endowment Fund
■ Closing of accounting records at year-end and preparation of the annual audit schedule
■ Coordinate with outside auditors on the annual audit.
■ Approval of University purchases, including property, equipment, and supplies
■ Acquisition and maintenance of University contracts.
■ Assist HR and General Counsel with the acquisition and analysis of University insurance programs
■ Compliance with various state and federal guidelines and reporting
■ Preparation of semi-monthly and monthly payroll and associated reporting and journal entries, when the Director of Human Resources is unavailable
■ With the CFO, coordinate communication with the University board, finance and audit committees
■ With the CFO, prepare managerial costs analysis on contribution margin and drive financial performance
■ With the CFO, assist and manage the risks of the University.
■ Train and develop staff to assume greater roles, including ultimately the Controller
■ Other duties/tasks as may be assigned and/or requested by the supervisor
DECISION MAKING AND MANAGEMENT
■ Exercise executive judgment and assume responsibility for decisions, consequences, and results having an impact on people, costs, and/or quality of service within the department/division.
■ Position directly supervises the Assistant Controller, Accounts Payable Associate, and the Staff Accountant.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
■ Required: Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and three to four years of related accounting experience
■ Preferred: Graduate degree in business (Accounting or MBA)
■ Preferred: Certified Public Accountant
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
■ High proficiency in the use of business information systems, specifically Microsoft Office, also including Great Plains, Blackbaud Financial Edge, Asset Keeper, Management Reporter, Virtuous, and/or similar experience with other accounting related software
■ Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to prioritize duties and be multi task oriented
■ Demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality, as well as excellent organization, record keeping, and reporting skills
■ Must have poise, even temperament, and willingness to accept all assignments
■ Must possess interpersonal skills to interact with staff, faculty, and other customers
■ Proven record of three (3) or more years of experience in a strong administrative/management role, preferably at the senior-level
■ Significant experience in higher education and/or state government administration and a thorough understanding of federal and state administrative procedures.
■ Desire and potential to become the University’s CFO
