Controller

ABOUT BENNETT COLLEGE:

Bennett College, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a private, historically Black liberal arts college for women dedicated to empowering students through academic excellence, leadership development, and social justice. Founded in 1873, Bennett has a distinguished legacy of educating women who become transformative leaders in their professions, communities, and beyond. As one of only two historically Black colleges for women in the United States, Bennett combines a rich tradition of educational excellence with a forward-looking commitment to innovation, institutional growth, and student success. The College fosters a collaborative, mission-driven environment where faculty and staff work together to advance strategic priorities, strengthen operational effectiveness, and support the holistic development of every Bennett Belle. Bennett College seeks professionals who value integrity, accountability, and excellence in service and operations. The College recognizes the essential role of strong financial management, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and fiscal stewardship in supporting its mission, safeguarding institutional resources, and ensuring long‑term financial sustainability.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the College's accounting operations and ensures the integrity of financial records, internal controls, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with the Director of Finance, the Controller manages the accounting staff, oversees the monthly close process, and supports budgeting, audits, grants administration, and financial analysis. The Controller serves as the College's chief accounting executive and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the institution's financial records and accounting operations. The position demonstrates leadership in cultivating collaborative relationships with colleagues across campus. The Controller is a full-time, exempt position reporting directly to the Director of Finance. The position generally operates during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, flexibility is required to accommodate critical financial reporting deadlines, audits, fiscal year‑end activities, and other institutional priorities. As a key member of the College’s finance team, the Controller plays an integral role in ensuring sound financial management, compliance, and operational effectiveness. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are representative of the position and are not intended to be all‑inclusive. The Controller may be assigned additional responsibilities, special projects, or other duties as directed by the Director of Finance to support the College’s mission, strategic objectives, and financial stewardship.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the College's general ledger, preparing financial reports, performing account reconciliations, supporting grant accounting activities, and coordinating audit preparation. The Controller serves as the operational leader of the accounting function and acts on behalf of the Director of Finance when necessary. Accounting Operations Develop, implement, and monitor internal accounting controls and financial procedures. Develop and maintain accounting policies consistent with GAAP and College policies. Maintain the integrity of the College's general ledger and chart of accounts. Prepare journal entries and account analyses. Perform and review monthly reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records. Supervise and participate in month‑end close Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Financial Management Record and reconcile fixed assets, depreciation, investments, debt, endowment activity, and net asset transactions. Assist with budget monitoring and variance analysis. Compliance Serve as the primary internal coordinator for the annual audit. Assist with the monitoring and compliance of grant requirements Ensure proper accounting of the receipt and use of restricted funds. Leadership Supervise, train, and mentor Business Office staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, and financial reporting efficiency. Collaborate with departments across the College to provide financial information, resolve accounting questions, and support sound financial decision‑making. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree preferred or related experience in accounting Minimum of 5 years prior related experience Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Ability to organize, prioritize and solve problems with frequent interruptions Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel A working knowledge of accounting systems; experience with Financial Edge preferred Working knowledge of payroll accounting and payroll controls. Understanding of non‑profit accounting preferred Supports Bennett College’s mission statement and core values. #J-18808-Ljbffr Socket.dev