Description

JOB TITLE: Controller

DEPARTMENT: Business Office

SUPERVISOR: Vice President for Finance and Administration

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Controller serves as the chief accounting officer for the University. The Controller is responsible for all accounting functions, treasury, debt management, financial reporting, coordination of audits, and supervision of the business office staff. The Controller insures a strong system of internal controls and high-quality financial reporting for strategic decisions. The Controller works closely with the VP for Finance and Administration on long-term financial planning and strategic matters.

In addition, they will partner with senior leadership, Human Resources (HR) and information technology (IT) staff to enhance and better integrate finance, HR, and IT functions and make recommendations for improving University-wide financial management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Develops and maintains the University's financial accounting function in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), government regulations and industry best practices. Maintains and develops accounting policies, procedures, and processes to ensure efficient and effective accounting operations. Performs regular reviews of the stated policies, procedures, and processes and communicates changes as needed;
• Responsible for monitoring cash and the liquidity of the University through effective management of cash flows. Continues to move the University towards becoming a cashless campus and develops strong controls around cash and cash collection;
• Oversees financial reporting, which includes compliance, management, and board reporting. Compliance reporting include Grants, Tax, NCAA, and Annual Audit report as well as variety of externally-imposed financial recording and reporting regulations. Ensures these reports are accurate and timely filed;
• Coordinates the annual audit by the independent CPA firm in accordance with GAAP, and oversees the financial statements and footnotes, supporting schedules and analyses, and provides auditors with all requested documentation, as required. Ensures the annual receipt of an unqualified opinion on the financial statements for presentation to the University's Board of Trustees;
• Oversees the internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with A-133 requirements to ensure the proper controls are in place and enforced University wide. Provide University guidance and support on grant accounting requirements;
• Effectively supervise staff, provides the team clear direction and professional development opportunities, successfully lead change and deploy innovative technology and efficiencies through strong leadership and management skills. Establishes major economic objectives and policies for the University and prepares reports that outline the University's financial position in the areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and future operations;
• Responsible for tax planning and compliance with all federal, state, and local corporate, payroll, and other applicable taxes;
• And other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Education:

Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration

Experience:

A minimum five (5) years' experience. A CPA, Master’s Degree strongly preferred.

*Knowledge of accounting standards related to not for profits and universities and federal, state, and local laws and regulations are strongly preferred.

*Knowledge of our Software Systems (Sage Intacct, Solver, PowerCampus) and or/similarly complex accounting systems.

*Experience in implementing software systems including experience training power and non-power users as well as developing the related policies, procedures, and internal controls.

*Effective leader and people manager with demonstrated ability to mentor and develop a team.

*Exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; and strong presentation skills.

*Demonstrated ability to build strong collegial relationships across all levels of the organization and lead effective work groups.

*Possess excellent problem solving, analytical and business skills; and strong project management skills to meet deadlines and work effectively with others.

*Demonstrated ability to present complex financial issues to Board of Trustees and all levels of management.

*Proficient in complex accounting systems and possess strong understanding of the use and potential of technology in the area of financial management.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Interdependence: Fosters collaboration

Communication: Strong decision making and communication skills

Accountability: Formulates effective and progressive strategies aligned with University mission and values

Respect: Creates an engaging, collaborative work environment by bringing diverse people and ideas together.

Entrepreneurship: Influences and Inspires

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to sit and stand for long periods, read, write, type, reach, and bend.

Travel

Periodic travel, including airline travel and overnight stays, may be required.

BENEFITS

Tiffin University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Tiffin University offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), Supplemental plans, Group Whole Life Insurance, tuition reimbursement, Parental leave, professional development, regular employee appreciation events, and so much more.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS

All qualified and interested candidates should submit resume along with cover letter and a minimum of three references.

We are strongly committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. These values are central to our beliefs. Candidates who have worked with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students and who can contribute to our mission of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences and interests. Tiffin University actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Tiffin University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for employees, applicant for employment, students or applicant for admission, access to educational opportunities on the basis of race, religion, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, social-economic class, place of business, residence, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies. All complaints of sexual harassment/misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, bullying, cyber-bullying, stalking, or discrimination should be reported to Equity, Access, & Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator. 

Requirements

• Develops and maintains the University's financial accounting function in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), government regulations and industry best practices. Maintains and develops accounting policies, procedures, and processes to ensure efficient and effective accounting operations. Performs regular reviews of the stated policies, procedures, and processes and communicates changes as needed;

• Responsible for monitoring cash and the liquidity of the University through effective management of cash flows. Continues to move the University towards becoming a cashless campus and develops strong controls around cash and cash collection;

• Oversees financial reporting, which includes compliance, management, and board reporting. Compliance reporting include Grants, Tax, NCAA, and Annual Audit report as well as variety of externally-imposed financial recording and reporting regulations. Ensures these reports are accurate and timely filed;

• Coordinates the annual audit by the independent CPA firm in accordance with GAAP, and oversees the financial statements and footnotes, supporting schedules and analyses, and provides auditors with all requested documentation, as required. Ensures the annual receipt of an unqualified opinion on the financial statements for presentation to the University's Board of Trustees;

• Oversees the internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with A-133 requirements to ensure the proper controls are in place and enforced University wide. Provide University guidance and support on grant accounting requirements;

• Effectively supervise staff, provides the team clear direction and professional development opportunities, successfully lead change and deploy innovative technology and efficiencies through strong leadership and management skills. Establishes major economic objectives and policies for the University and prepares reports that outline the University's financial position in the areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and future operations;

• Responsible for tax planning and compliance with all federal, state, and local corporate, payroll, and other applicable taxes;

• And other duties as assigned.