Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller

Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders.  Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation.  Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts and its legendary equestrian program. Its finances are robust, and validated by balanced budget and positive bond ratings.

Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. Its campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary and greenhouses.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

Job Title:  Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller

Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Vice President for Finance

Job Summary/Objective: The incumbent will serve as a member of the financial leadership team to provide financial and working capital planning, capital and operating budgets, and technical and managerial leadership in maintaining the College’s financial condition by effectively directing and guiding the College’s financial systems.  

Position Type/Expected Work Hours: Full time, Monday-Friday 8:30 – 5:00 pm.  May work extended or non-standard hours based on project or business needs. Ability to work occasional nights and weekends required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Student Accounts
• Accounts Payable
• Cashiering
• Senior Accountant

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Prepare annual and multi-year operating, working capital, and capital campaign budgets and forecasts. 
• Plan and direct the operation of the Business Office.  Maintain overall responsibility for General Accounts, Endowment and Investment Accounts, Accounts Payable, Student Accounts, Restricted and Unrestricted Fund Balances and related record keeping.  
• Prepare or direct the preparation of monthly and annual financial reports and other reports as needed. 
• Manage the current cash investments and overall cash position to ensure effective use and maximum return while maintaining resources for restricted funds and capital campaign.
• Develop and maintain written policies for department systems and procedures that ensure adequate internal accounting control and efficiency.
• Ensure that systems and procedures employed result in the disbursement of funds in accordance with the College’s expenditure policies and approved budget.  
• Coordinate and provide support for the annual financial audit, A-133 Single Audit, and special audits as needed. Responsible for preparing the audited financial statements in accordance with GAAP. 
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of 990, IPEDS, NCAA, Federal Indirect Cost Proposal, and S&P reports.
• Supervise and develop a staff that is well qualified, trained, and motivated to perform duties professionally and efficiently.
• Function as a liaison with banks, investment managers, and other financial institutions.
• Ensure office technology is maintained at a level consistent with operational needs.
• Ensure contracts with third party vendors (e.g. banks, collection agencies, loan processor, credit card vendors, payroll processor) are maintained at favorable market rates.  
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Finance.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• Six years in accounting with three years in a supervisory capacity
• Strategic vision with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment and a
  strong operations and systems focus
• Well organized and self-directed individual who exhibits a high level of integrity
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Intelligent and articulate, able to relate to people at all levels of an organization

Preferred Qualifications: 

• CPA license
• Banner experience
• Progressively more responsible experience in a college or university business office, including knowledge of higher-education required topics, e.g. 990’s and endowments

Work Environment: Office environment, primarily indoors, although some work in external, varying weather conditions may be required.

Physical Demands: Extensive periods of sitting/standing and computer work are required.  

Travel: As needed for professional development, compliance training, etc.

Deadline for Submission: Application reviews begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  

Other Duties: This job description is not a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new positions relevant ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply: If applying for a faculty or staff position, please ensure you have attached a cover letter, résumé and three professional references to your online application, and that you have fully completed the online applicant profile information.