Comptroller

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Comptroller serves as a member of HSSU’s financial management team and oversees all the university’s financial operations. This professional and executive level position ensures the accuracy of the university’s financial accounting and reporting activities. The Comptroller is the day-to-day manager of all financial records and ensures the integrity of HSSU’s financial operations. The Comptroller advises on key policy issues which have direct impact on the University’s financial operations. This position requires principled, effective, and efficient leadership, management and oversight for all the financial activities of the university. The position requires both policy-level vision as well as the ability to oversee daily operations to ensure compliance with state statutes, audit requirements, and Harris Stowe State University’s Rules and Procedures. The Comptroller further assists in the planning and management of university financial operations, advising on the establishment of financial policies and standards, while directing and overseeing the operations of the Bursar and Accounting Office.

Essential Functions

• Develops and maintains a system of general ledger accounting to control financial resources of the University and facilitates reporting.
• Supervises all internal and external financial reporting for the University.
• Supervises work assignments and prioritizes work of accounting office.
• Develops and maintains internal accounting controls to protect resources and detects and eliminates errors in accounting practices.
• Solves accounting problems in the areas of payroll, accounting, cashiering, expenditure accounting, revenue accounting, and sponsored program accounting.
• Assists in external A133 Single audit for the University.
• Reconciles and analyzes accounting financial statements.
• Supports and enhances the University’s purchase card program.
• Represents the University at State legislative sessions, before State bodies and Federal agencies, in support of institutional goals and objectives.
• Directs, plans, coordinates, and manages the university’s financial functions assets -i.e., operating cash, endowment funds, physical inventory, etc. Develops the university-wide budget, recommending policies and procedures relating to financial operations, and advising the university President and other senior staff on related issues.
• Supports the VP/CFO by providing vision, leadership, coordination, accountability, and advocacy for university financial resources in support of the Harris Stowe State University’s mission.
• Participates in the leadership of the College through interaction with the VP/CFO and other Vice Presidents as required.
• Directs Financial Services areas including accounting and finance, budget and endowment reporting, manages institutional financial risks, and other identified functions.
• Develops long-range and annual plans for accounting services that support University operations and facilitate implementation of the University’s goals and strategic initiatives.
• Administers budget control processes and facilitates involvement of university personnel.
• Recommends policies and standards for university financial operations and compliance with all necessary policies and regulations.
• Perform other duties and assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Minimum Education and Experience

• At least eight (8) years of work experience in higher education financial management accounting (public sector preferred), with at least five (5) years at the supervisory level.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification active and in good standing.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with higher education environments is preferred.
• Experience consulting and advising senior-level executives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Requires extensive knowledge in finance and accounting and/or singular knowledge of a specialized advanced discipline. Able to integrate information from many diverse areas. Requires extensive organizational and/or business knowledge to manage university financial operations. Recognized expert in the field and consultative resource by others outside of the university.
• Expert knowledge of principles and practices of fund-based accounting and finance for a public institution of higher education.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, procedures and processes governing the Comptroller’s areas of responsibility.
• An ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of contacts of considerable importance within, and outside of, the university.
• Excellent organizational skills, with special attention to details.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines while working independently.
• Must be able to exercise sound independent judgment and discretion within assigned role to complete assignments.
• Ability to work well with others at all levels of the organization.
• Experience with computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to maintain extremely confidential information and manage very sensitive situations.
• Ability to work independently on broad general activities with the responsibility for planning and delegation of work.
• Ability to make major decisions within broad limitations of policies, professional standards with work reviewed through consultation and agreement with others rather than by directives from superiors.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Yes, supervises the following staff:
  • Accounting
  • Bursar
  • Grants Accounting

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must have a valid driver license.
• Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a signification degree.

Working Conditions and Environment

• Work is routinely performed in a typical interior/office environment.
• Very limited or no exposure to physical risk.

EOE Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.