Controller

Job Title: Controller FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Controller’s Office Title of Manager/Supervisor: Vice President of Financial Affairs Number of Employees Reporting to this Position: 6 Range: $125,000-$145,000 based on experience Position Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of Financial Affairs, the Controller will plan, direct, and administer the general accounting and accounts payable operations of the University including: establishment of strategies, policies, guidelines, procedures, workloads, organizational structure, and other management decisions.
The Controller will also assist the CFO in communications with the Board of Trustees, internal management strategies, and external relations pertaining to financial management.
General Purpose: Responsible for the proper recording and administration of all accounting and financial transactions of the University.
Remote Workdays: This is a full time, on Campus, position with remote workdays allowed in compliance with University policy.
Position Responsibilities: Supervises and administers the preparation of all financial transactions required for proper accounting of the University’s assets, liabilities, and net assets.
Responsible for month –end and year-end internal financial statements and other special financial analyses.
Prepare a variety of financial reports and analyses reflecting progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
Serves as a primary liaison with bond trustees and asset custodians.
Prepares periodic financial statements and ratio analyses for submission to University note holders as required by loan agreements.
Administers building and equipment reserve funds established under bond issue or internal fund transfers; maintains accounting records for all trusts, annuity, and life income funds including valuations, income distributions, preparation of tax returns, and other related reports.
Maintains current knowledge of research activities and prepares the periodic indirect cost proposal used for negotiating cost recovery rates applicable to research functions.
Acts as chief negotiator with University’s cognizant Federal agency as regards indirect cost and fringe benefit rates.
Directs and accounts for all University endowment fund transactions.
Serves as primary liaison with endowment custodian and managers.
Monitors endowment portfolio performance and reports to the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees at least quarterly.
Establishes and terminates endowment accounts as needed.
Exercises signatory authority for all bank accounts for the University and executes the routine sales of gifted securities; establishes and reviews internal financial controls to ensure the proper safeguarding of the University assets.
Directs annual year-end audit of the University’s general financial statements; coordinates with independent auditors to schedule the fieldwork and the preparation of necessary work papers; communicates with internal staff to facilitate a timely and efficient audit.
Establishes and reviews accounting /financial systems and procedures to meet the needs of internal management and all external agencies.
Maintains a working knowledge of government regulations as they pertain to financial reporting and operations (e.
g.
, IRS Code and OMB Circulars); assists the VP as staff liaison to the Audit, Financial Affairs, Budget, and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees.
Directs the development and implementation of certain financial policies and procedures.
Serves as primary contact with University personnel to communicate and interpret such directives.
Provides advice and action on implementing generally accepted accounting principles to ensure that the University’s financial systems and practices meet requirements for unqualified audits.
Serve in a leadership role to the University’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee.
Chair the sub-committee on Finance and Insurance.
Provide guidance to ensure that the University complies with governmental regulations; responsible for preparation and filing of the annual IRS Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax and Form 990-T, and Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return.
Manage accounting, tax, auditing, and other activities for J.
R.
Weston, INC.
, THE University’s for-profit subsidiary.
This includes review of periodic fiscal reports, supervision of the accounting personnel, coordinating the annual independent audit, monitoring controls and procedures, etc.
Oversees monthly cash flow forecasting and manages draw downs/repayments on bank line of credit and other banking relationships.
Supervises a variety of personnel actions including, but not limited to, hiring, merit recommendations, performance evaluations, promotions, scheduling, and terminations.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification.
They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.
Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions.
All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.
Essential Skills: Exceptional organizational, data management, technical and systems expertise.
Proficient with sophisticated accounting systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong verbal & written communication skills with flexible and coaching management style.
High-level work ethic and ability to think outside the box.
Demonstrated record of accomplishment in maintaining the fiscal health of a large organization, including controls, audit, financial statement preparation experience.
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion, particularly in matters relative to sensitive or confidential information, personnel or organizational matters.
Experience leading a team Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Skills in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and analyzing, developing and implementing strategies to achieve goals.
Self-motivated and leadership initiative for assigned projects and programs.
Display original thinking, creativity, and ability to solve problems.
\ Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines and have strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills in a changing environment.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Education: Minimal Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Preferred Education: CPA Experience: Minimal Experience: 7 years of hands on, progressive accounting practices with financial statement preparation and audit experience.
Experience leading a team of professionals Preferred Experience: Higher education or non-profit accounting experience Physical Demands: The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Clarkson is committed to complying with the guidelines set forth under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required: Frequently stand, walk, and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; Occasionally required to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderated (up to 25 pounds) amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and coordination including use of a computer keyboard; may be required to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; Verbally communicate to exchange information.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics are primarily in a standard office environment with staff contact and interruptions.
The employee is expected to adhere to University policies.