Controller

This position is responsible for the integration of the day-to-day financial operations of the University. The position oversees various financial areas ensuring that all financial activities are in line with University goals and objectives, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and complying with government regulations and covenant obligations. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Safeguard the University’s assets through planning, organizing, and directing the activities of General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Grant Accounting, Student Receivables, Cash Management, and Payroll, providing management with accurate and timely information necessary to make strategic, investment and operating decisions. Ensure optimum performance of the financial function and assist with cash management and budget functions. Ensure the integrity of financial data produced, including adequate review of coding, student receivables, and all expense and financial position accounting. Understand and comply with local, state, and federal government tax reporting requirements filings. Plan, coordinate and conduct various annual audits including, financial, federal and state single audit, audit of retirement plan, and APU Foundation audit. Develop understanding to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements and statutes, as well as with higher education, and changes to GAAP. Schedule and review periodic and year-end financial entries. Review and prepare financial statements and other reports. Develop and review departmental process, internal controls, and procedure for ongoing compliance. Ensure that established policies, rules, regulations and agreements are understood and followed. Assist with and maintain annual budget preparation, training, monitoring and analysis. Evaluate technical development and process improvements as tools toward meeting University strategic plan and goals. Coordinate maintenance of software systems producing financial and student-related data. Assist to correct system problems, ensure timely updates, and coordinate training needs for staff. Interview, hire, plan, assign, direct work, reward and discipline employees, perform evaluations, address complaints and resolve problems. Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to assigned staff. Encourage individual employee growth and development. KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS Knowledge of accounting principles, practices and applications. Knowledge of higher education accounting and compliance. Knowledge of principles of grant management. Knowledge of related federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations. Knowledge of the principles and practices of cost accounting and strategic planning. Knowledge of budget preparation and analysis techniques. Skill in effectively managing and leading staff, and delegating tasks and authority. Skill in analyzing financial issues and making logical recommendations based on findings. Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands. Skill in analyzing and evaluating accounting and internal control methods and financial reports. Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees. MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATION A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline. Progressively responsible work-related experience in a senior executive position, or completed coursework in accounting, finance or strategic planning may be considered as an alternative for a college diploma. PREFERRED EDUCATION QUALIFICATION A Master’s Degree in Business Administration. MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION Non-supervisory – Ten (10) years professional work experience in Accounting or Finance. An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or training may be substituted for experience. Supervisory – Five (5) year involving professional employee supervision in Finance or related field. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION Experience working as a Controller. PREFERRED CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATION CPA and/or CMA are preferred. MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The following demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to lift approximately 25 pounds. #J-18808-Ljbffr