Controller / Director of Financial Reporting

This is a managerial position responsible for general accounting, financial reporting, and payroll and tax related activities of the university. Responsible for promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including state and federal payroll and tax standards and regulations related to areas of responsibility. Responsible for validating the integrity of financial transactions recorded and reported to both internal and external customers. Responsible for reviewing and preparing the annual financial report and monthly financial reports, other financial reports, projections, analyses, and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Provides leadership and oversight of the department to include strategic planning. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Assistant Vice President of Finance and Business Services.

1. Oversees daily operation and reconciliation of university accounting system and recommends enhancements and modifications.

2. Prepares and reviews the annual financial report, monthly financial report, and other financial reports, projections, and analyses.

3. Monitors and implements legislative requirements and procedures related to accounting, financial reporting, tax, and payroll functions.

4. Monitors fiduciary fund activity and initiates corrective measures regarding account deficiencies.

5. Formulates, develops and documents operational procedures and policies as necessary.

6. Monitors accounting activity and recording of transactions related to reporting of university endowments and investments. Works with the Director of Treasury and Student Business Services to ensure that amounts reported externally agree to amounts reported in the university accounting system.

7. Hires, supervises, trains, develops, evaluates, and reviews the work of assigned staff.

8. Supervises general ledger accounting function and monitors transactions between the university and state comptroller’s office.

9. Monitors bank reconciliations, general ledger reconciliations, and state treasury transactions.

10. Provides support to departments regarding expenditure and tax compliance.

11. Ensures accurate completion and timely submission of financial reports required by internal or external entities.

12. Prepares, reviews, and approves journal entries for monthly closings of university accounting records.

13. Oversees preparation of Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the Integrated Fiscal Reporting System (IFRS), Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Expenditure Study, and other financial and tax reports.

14. Reviews records related to state appropriated funds, including but not limited to payroll reimbursements, vendor payments, and accounting transactions.

15. Oversees preparation of the 990T income tax return for unrelated business income.

16. Reviews and analyzes reports to ensure data integrity.

17. Monitors GASB and FASB pronouncements and state comptroller regulations and modifies systems and accounting and reporting procedures accordingly.

18. Receives and supervises the receipt of payments from students and others for departmentally sponsored activities.

1. May provide support to Student Business Services as needed.

2. May represent the department on various university committees.

3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

The individual must possess the following skills and abilities or be able to demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.

2. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and procedures.

3. Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously while maintaining a satisfactory work product.

4. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database and word processing software.

5. Ability to interpret state requirements.

6. Ability to manage changes in state appropriations.

7. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

8. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

9. Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.

10. Ability to problem solve a variety of situations.

11. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.

12. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

13. Ability to explain policies and procedures to staff and the public.

14. Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.

15. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

16. Ability to train and supervise others.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required.

Seven years of related experience or current CPA license and five years of related experience is required. Experience in higher education or governmental accounting is required. Demonstrated leadership and team management experience is required.

Master’s degree in accounting or business is preferred. Current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is preferred.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.

This position is eligible for participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), subject to the position being full-time and at least 4 ½ months in length, or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents Optional Documents