University Controller

Position Title: University Controller

Position Type: Regular

Salary Range:
$136,500 - $191,000; commensurate with experience

Pay Frequency: Annual A. POSITION PURPOSE
The University Controller is primarily responsible for management and direction of all operational functions involved with the processing, accounting and reporting of financial transactions of the University. As a member of the senior management team within the University Finance Office, this position manages personnel in these areas to ensure the timely and accurate accounting and reporting of financial data. The scope of the responsibility includes general accounting, tax compliance, accounts payable, purchasing, cashiering services, treasury services, financial reporting, student accounting and financial systems control. Additionally, this position provides expertise to executive-level staff on external regulations, internal financial operations and matters pertaining to the financial operations of the University.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and direct the work of staff professionals involved with all aspects of financial transactions including accounting and financial reporting functions. Ensure that the staff is operating efficiently, accurately and excellent collaboration and good communication are constantly maintained.
Implement, monitor, and control the approved fiscal policies and procedures ensuring compliance with best practices of accounting for higher educational institutions within the framework of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, federal OMB Uniform Guidance, Tax regulations, and other applicable state and federal laws.
Coordinate and oversee the annual external audit, the single audit over federal awards. the NCAA Agreed-Upon Procedures, and provide support for the annual benefit plan audits.
Coordinate the annual close of the University's books; prepare and review the yearly financial statements, participate in and review the production of year-end audit schedules and workpapers.
Coordinate with external auditors, tax preparers and consultants to ensure timely and accurate reporting and filings.
Prepare for and support the Board of Trustees Audit and Finance Committee meetings as needed and as directed by the Associate Vice President.
Provide training and guidance to staff on technical accounting issues and methods.
Interact with the University community to determine service and financial information needs.
Work closely with the University Budget Office and executive management on financial planning and operational data requirements.
Special projects including financial reporting and analysis and participation in the development of innovative financial management tools.
Ensure the financial system and all supporting systems are monitored and integrated efficiently to support accounting and reporting.
In the absence of the Associate Vice President for Finance, is the acting manager in the University Finance Office.
Serves as primary functional lead for financial systems
Other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President for Finance

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION
Manages a total full-time staff of sixteen with the following direct reports:
Assistant Controller (1.0 FTE)
Finance Systems Manager (1.0 FTE)
Purchasing Manager (1.0 FTE)
Accounts Payable Manager (1.0 FTE)

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Seeks continuous improvements in the processes and methods for areas of responsibility.
2. Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
3. Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
4. Maintains contact with customers and solicits feedback for improved services.
5. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
6. Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
7. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
8. Prepares and submits reports as requested and required, keeps the Associate Vice President for Finance abreast of situations in a timely manner
9. Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

E. QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

1. Knowledge

Excellent technical knowledge and working proficiency of accounting standards
Proficiency in financial statement compilation and presentation
Proficiency in large ERP systems
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, online systems required

2. Skills

Excellent analytic skills, detailed oriented but able to focus with a broader perspective of the business and operational concerns of the organization
Excellent decision-making skills
Outstanding judgment, including discretion in the management of confidential information
Superb oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to function as a team player who can interact with others at all levels to accomplish goals in an efficient, productive and collaborative manner
Ability to work with all levels in the organization
Ability to multitask on a daily basis and manage numerous requests
Ability to work well independently

3. Abilities

Proven problem-solving skills, outgoing and able to function effectively; proactive in problem-solving.
Must be able to distill and act on feedback from a variety of sources.
Outstanding organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills, working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
Strong customer service focus with an emphasis on outreach to departments and the ability to listen to and understand business needs
Possess a high degree of initiative, attention to detail and follow-through, as well as ability to adjust to changing requirements and priorities
Commitment to understand and willingness to support Santa Clara University's distinctive Jesuit educational vision and institutional values of competence, conscience and compassion in pursuit of its mission and goals

4. Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or other business field required, accounting preferred.

Professional designation (e.g. CPA) and/or MBA, or equivalent experience required.

5. Years of Experience

Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in accounting and/or finance.
Minimum five years of supervisory responsibility preferred.
Experience with non-profit and/or higher education accounting a plus

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.
May be required to occasionally travel to outside customers, vendors or suppliers.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Typical office environment.
Mostly indoor office environment with windows.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.

EEO Statement
​ Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/policies-reports/

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender, and prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. The Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is Jenna Elliott, Interim Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 408-551-3043, jrelliot@scu.edu , www.scu.edu/title-ix . Inquiries can also be made to the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services website . To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Santa Clara University affirms its' commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources , and 408-554-5750 and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at 408-554-5750 or by email at iahluwalia@scu.edu .

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services website . To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

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