Controller

Southwestern University, located in Georgetown has an immediate opening for a Controller in the Business Department. This position is primarily responsible for the operation of the central accounting and financial control systems for the University. This position is eligible for one day of Hybrid work a week after the initial probational period of 90 days. The Controller position is a full-time, fully benefited, exempt position who reports to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Accounting.

Primary Duties:

• Oversee the purchasing and accounts payable systems, including Southwestern University (SU) credit cards, and supervise the related staff.s.
• Supervise accountants which includes oversight of all grant’s funds, restricted accounts, designated accounts, agency accounts, as well as plant project accounting.
• Perform review of all check runs and e-checks done on a semi-weekly basis.
• Submit and maintain all annuity payments as required.
• Submit Western Union wire information for second SU approval.
• Submit online payment to vendors as necessary, including BCBS and JP Morgan.
• Review grant reports and proposal budgets prior to submission.
• Ensure compliance for government/private grants and related financial reporting.
• Prepare reports required by federal, state, and other governing bodies or similar authorized organizations.
• Responsible for the annual workers’ compensation audit.
• Oversee the fixed asset software (FAS) and fixed asset accounting processes.
• Prepare monthly gift reconciliation and maintain gift backup for audit.
• Prepare and approve journal entries as needed, ensuring proper segregation of duties.
• Oversee tracking of gift cards to SU students and employees.
• Oversee study abroad program accounting.
• Maintain lease records and prepare related accounting entries.
• Review and prepare year-end pledge working papers in collaboration with the University Relations division.
• Review and approve all payments over $1,000.00.
• Oversee and manage daily cash balances in operating accounts.
• Ensure timely processing of daily tuition ACH batches, annuity, and gift payments.
• Serve as the primary contact for resolving health services payment issues within the Medicat system, including billing discrepancies, payment processing, and coordination with internal teams.
• Assist in establishing and overseeing a coordinated system to ensure the integrity and accountability of all financial and operational activities, including financial reporting and internal control systems.
• Oversee Concur software for travel expenses and credit card charges.
• Set-up all new accounts for all funds except 12 and endowment accounts.
• Responsible for updates to the Business Office website as needed.
• Answer inquiries related to accounting from faculty and staff.
• Assist the Associate Vice President for Finance & Accounting as needed and act as a backup in their absence.
• Conduct special analyses and projects as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or BBA in Accounting.
• Minimum of five years (5) of progressively responsible hands-on experience in accounting or finance, with three years (3) supervisory experience.
• Possess strong accounting and data analysis skills and astute problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated strong understanding in budgeting, project accounting and financial record keeping.
• Demonstrated advanced excel and word processing software skills as well as google suite products.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks with a keen attention to detail.
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with internal and external university stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partner
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, perform well in stressful situations, and produce a reliable work product.
• Possess the applications of tact, diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to understand and embrace the values of a liberal arts education and engage effectively with faculty and the academic community.
Ability to maintain consistent attendance and adhere to a regular work schedule.

Position Preferred Requirements:

• Work experience in higher education.
• Certified Public Accountant License

To apply: The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/162147. Interested persons must submit a letter of interest, resume, the name and contact information of three professional references and salary expectations. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee. The Committee will review all completed applications until the position is filled. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer. EOE/M/F

Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds* are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community. Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating.

*including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities.