Controller

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Full Time, Exempt employee responsible for supervising personnel in the Business Office which includes a staff of 4 full-time employees. Direct activities performed in the Business Office which includes general ledger accounting, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, cash and treasury management, accounts receivable, debt, Perkins loan program, fixed assets, endowment accounting, annuity funds, construction project accounting, bond accounting, investment reporting, restricted funds, government grants, & stock gifts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/ NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Compliance with the University's Service Expectations

• Responsible for supervising personnel in the Business Office which includes a staff of 4 full-time employees.
• Direct activities performed in the Business Office which includes general ledger accounting, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, cash and treasury management, accounts receivable, debt, Perkins loan program, fixed assets, endowment accounting, annuity funds, construction project accounting, bond accounting, investment reporting, restricted funds, government grants, & stock gifts.
• Detail review of all accounts receivable transactions, and accounting journal entries. Weekly review of accounts payable check runs and monthly review of payroll.
• Assign staff responsibility for monthly reconciliation of account balances and ensure an appropriate level of segregation of duties. Evaluate and enhance, as necessary, the University's system of internal controls over financial reporting. Review and approve reconciliations.
• Prepare 990 tax returns annually. Ensure that Converse is in compliance with federal and state tax regulations.
• Maintain relationship with the bank and serve as a point of contact for lenders. Ensure that Converse is charged fees in accordance with agreements. Prepare regular debt covenant compliance calculations as required.
• Track daily cash for the operating account and line of credit activity. Approve all bank transfers.
• Reconcile pledge balances with the Advancement Office quarterly. Maintain Endowment balances, actively serve on the Scholarship Committee, calculate annual Endowment spend based on Board approved rate annually.
• Plan annual audit with independent audit firm. Schedule dates for preliminary work and fieldwork. Assign audit schedules to staff. Complete remaining audit schedules including audit book containing all schedules.
• Coordinate audit of federal programs (Uniform Guidance Single Audit, Subpart F) and South Carolina Tuition Grants program with independent audit firm. Prepare annual FISAP report for the Perkins Loan Program.
• Prepare annual financial statements including footnotes. Maintain current knowledge with generally accepted accounting principles to ensure Converse is in compliance.
• Prepare and submit annual NCAA required reporting (EADA report). Every 3 years, coordinate NCAA agreed-upon procedures review with independent auditing firm.
• Maintain working knowledge of accounting software packages to be able to support staff and follow up on programming errors as needed. Oversee implementation of software conversions when upgrades or changes occur.
• Respond to requests for financial information for surveys and studies that Converse wishes to participate in and internal requests for history or analysis.
• Maintain the University's operating budget in linked excel spreadsheet. Investigate budget variances monthly. Compile annual budget requests from budget managers. Load annual budgets from excel into Jenzabar. Work with VP for Finance and Business to balance operating budget.
• Actively participate in the formulation of budgets, long-term financial plans, and financial modeling. Provide support in the creation of the annual budget. Perform ongoing detailed reviews of the budget to ensure data accuracy and integrity. Actively serve on the University's Budget Committee.
• Ensure financial records are maintained and stored as required by internal and external retention requirements.
• Responsible for overseeing campus copy fleet which is outsourced. Ensure proper accounting of copy jobs and convenience copiers as well as billing from outside vendor.
• Work with staff of Business Office to keep procedures current with customer expectations. Always ensure that customer service is a priority.
• Participate and assist with various contract negotiations and Requests for Proposals.
• Work closely with a third-party investment advisor who makes manager recommendations to the Investment Sub Committee and monitor the University's endowment.
• Keep Vice President of Finance and Business informed of activities reporting to Controller and provide strategic decision-making support to the VP of Finance and Business and other University leaders. Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications:

• Degree in Accounting (Master's preferred)
• Current CPA certification (preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a higher education setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Supervisory skills
• Advanced knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to exhibit strong organizational and customer service skills for all levels of University constituencies
• Ability to take appropriate steps to promote and sustain effective working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment
• Strong project management skills from inception to completion and ability to suggest new techniques to improve productivity and save resources (human, time, and money)
• Ability to understand and communicate the goals of the project and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of student information systems (the University uses Jenzabar EX)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Well-grounded philosophy of honesty, integrity, and respect
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various constituents including both internal to the organization and with the public
• Ability to work with and engage a diverse group of people
• Ability to work independently yet value and support a team-based environment
• Demonstrated professionalism and positive attitude

GUIDELINES AND SUPERVISION:

Full Time, Exempt employee responsible for supervising personnel in the Business Office which includes a staff of 4 full-time employees. Direct activities performed in the Business Office which includes general ledger accounting, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, cash and treasury management, accounts receivable, debt, Perkins loan program, fixed assets, endowment accounting, annuity funds, construction project accounting, bond accounting, investment reporting, restricted funds, government grants, & stock gifts. The Controller will report directly to the VP for Finance and Business.

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

We believe that a diverse faculty and staff are essential to achieving academic excellence; thus, we strongly encourage applications from candidates from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.