Controller

Job Description

Job Description

ProNexus has been retained by Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA to assist with the search for a Controller.

The Position:

Controller

Job Summary:

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller provides oversight and direction for all business processes associated with the College’s fund accounting, accounts payable, treasury, grant and gift accounting, endowment and investment accounting, and payroll functions. The Controller is responsible for maintaining accounting ledgers of the College, proper documentation, control and disbursement of funds, preparing routine and special reports, and managing a team of accounting, procurement, and administrative staff.

This position also serves as the College’s primary hands-on accountant, performing technical and advanced accounting duties including gift and grant accounting, bank and investment reconciliations, month-end and year-end closing processes, credit card data reconciliation, and general ledger entries. The Controller works closely with Advancement, grant managers, external auditors, and campus colleagues to maintain compliance with donor restrictions, grant requirements, and institutional accounting standards.

Schedule & Benefits

At Muhlenberg, we believe in supporting our employees with a highly competitive benefits package that promotes well-being and professional growth. This full-time position includes generous paid time off (22 vacation days per year) and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, tuition opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level and a college fitness center membership. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Muhlenberg is also a qualifying employer under the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The College & Surrounding Area

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences and social sciences; pre-professional programs in law, health and theology; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. A diverse city of 125,000 located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is the third-largest city in the state and is located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The region, also comprising neighboring Bethlehem, Easton and more, is home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, and a rich blend of diverse cuisine.

Characteristic Duties & Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare the College’s annual financial statements and Form 990 returns; present drafts to the Audit & Compliance Committee of the Board.
• Schedule and manage the College’s annual independent audits; prepare schedules for auditors and all other financial-related questionnaires.
• Supervise the monthly and fiscal year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Complete debt tests and compliance certificates relative to bond covenants.
• Maintain salary and benefit cost records.
• Establish and execute effective cost savings strategies.
• Complete special projects as assigned by the CFO.

Gift Accounting

• Oversee the recording of all restricted gift transactions to ensure proper accounting and compliance with donor restrictions.
• Record, reconcile, and monitor all donor gifts in compliance with donor intent and accounting standards, including daily posting of gift integrations and monthly reconciliation between the donor system and Workday.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies with Advancement staff, including manual posting of transfers.
• Process securities gifts (stock/bonds/mutual funds), recording at the average of the high/low values upon liquidation.

Grant Accounting

• Oversee grant accounting, including reporting to the grant source.
• Review grant agreements for allowable expenses, reporting requirements, and grant periods; set up grant funds/accounts in Workday as needed.
• Monitor expenses charged to each grant for allowability; reconcile grant balances monthly and submit drawdown requests as needed.
• Communicate with grant managers regarding budget status and issues; record fringe benefits and indirect costs for eligible grants.
• Maintain clear documentation for audit purposes; monitor for expenses posted after grant end dates.

Accounts, Reconciliations & General Ledger

• Post account reconciliations for key general ledger accounts monthly, including cash, investments, suspense accounts, receivables, and liability accounts.
• Post monthly bank statement reconciliations for all College bank accounts (operating, student loan, payroll) and non-endowment investment accounts.
• Review monthly credit card data, expense reporting and prepare monthly journal entries.
• Maintain the College’s property schedules throughout the year and calculate depreciation annually; maintain and process fixed asset and depreciation records in the accounting system.
• Monitor spending through procurement cards and invoices; ensure timely payments and tax compliance.

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise the Director of Accounting Services and support their professional development.
• Instruct and approve work for designated staff.
• Maintain excellent communication with Business Office staff and campus colleagues to resolve questions regarding departmental financial reports.
• Coordinate with Advancement, Grants Office, IT, and Finance staff to ensure smooth operations.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• CPA required.
• Experience with Workday Finance preferred.
• Minimum seven years of progressive, relevant professional experience required; higher education or not-for-profit setting preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of non-profit Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and fund accounting is essential.
• Experience with gift accounting, grant accounting, and restricted fund management preferred.
• Extensive computer skills, including advanced knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office tools in analysis and reporting.
• Management experience in a team-oriented workplace with demonstrated ability to lead and develop a department and staff.
• Strong quantitative, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks.