What are the responsibilities and job description for the University Controller position at EVANGEL UNIVERSITY?
EVANGEL UNIVERSITY
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: University Controller
DEPARTMENT: Business and Finance
CLASSIFICATION: Salaried Exempt/Commensurate with education and experience
STATUS: Full-time/12 mo. Staff
EU MISSION STATEMENT: Evangel University is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to become Spirit-empowered servants of God who impact the Church and society globally.
JOB SUMMARY: The University Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting functions of the university, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining the integrity of timely financial reporting. This role provides strategic financial guidance and analytical support, develops policies and procedures to enhance financial operations, ensures sound fiscal management to support the university’s mission, and works collaboratively with university and external partners.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management and Reporting
- Oversee the preparation and maintenance of timely and accurate financial records and reports.
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Account Principles (GAAP) and federal and state financial reporting requirements.
- Lead financial audits, liaising with external auditors and regulatory agencies.
- Develop and implement internal financial controls to safeguard university assets.
Accounting and Compliance
- Manage all accounting functions, including but not limited to the general ledger, accounts payable, grant accounting, fixed assets, and endowment management.
- Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including IRS Form 990 reporting and other financial filings.
- Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective financial operations of the Accounting Office and the individuals and offices that it serves throughout the university.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as university policies and procedures.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- In cooperation with the CFO, manage the annual budgeting process, including the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
- Develop and provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic and timely decision-making.
- Monitor financial performance identifying areas for cost savings and operational improvements.
- Monitor cash flow, investments, and debt management to ensure financial stability.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to ensure financial transparency and efficiency.
- Supervise and mentor the accounting and finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment, modelling a high level of customer service.
- Collaborate with other departments to support financial planning and resource allocation, providing tools and assistance to department managers to aid their management responsibilities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, preferably in a higher education or a non-profit organization.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, fund accounting preferred, financial reporting, and budgeting.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in financial accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Effective leadership and team management abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
- Excellent communication and people skills.
Evangel University is an equal opportunity employer participating in the E-Verify program.