What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title: Controller
Location: Albany State Rec. Location
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 290332
About Us
Albany State University is a fully accredited senior unit of the University System of Georgia. Employees receive benefits provided by the University System of Georgia, including, but not limited to: medical and major medical insurance, group life insurance, participation in the Teachers' Retirement System of Georgia, the Optional Retirement Plan (for faculty and exempt employees only), Social Security, and the Tuition Assistance Program (after six months of employment).
Location
Our West Campus is located at 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707. Our East Campus is located at 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705. The Human Resources office for both campuses is located on the West Campus in Building K, Suite 209.
Job Summary
The University Controller serves as the chief accounting officer and plays a critical leadership role in the strategic management of the University's central financial operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the University's financial systems and reporting while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
As a key member of the finance leadership team, the Controller oversees all accounting functions, including general accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, and financial compliance. The Controller works closely with university leadership, faculty, and staff to support financial planning and decision-making, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and promote operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration.
At least 10 years of professional accounting experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree
CPA or equivalent professional certification
Accounting experience within a state agency or higher education institution
Proposed Salary
Compensation is competitive and will be based on the candidate's education, experience, and qualifications.
Required Documents to Attach
Cover letter
Resume
List of three professional references with contact information
Knowledge
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026 or by email at hrasu@asurams.edu. For technical support, please call OneUSG Connect Support at (877) 251-2644 or by email at sscsupport@ssc.usg.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Excellence
We achieve outcomes of the highest quality, hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard and are committed to continuous improvement in University programs and services.
Respect
We are directed by tenets of ethics, treating other with courteous regard, and being civil in our interactions.
Community
We strive to build community and value a good mindset.
Teamwork
We seek partnerships within the University and community. We practice a supportive spirit that results in the implementation of plans, actions and shared results.
Learning
We cultivate a practice of global pedagogies in a learning environment.
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Albany State University.
Certain positions may also require the selected candidate to submit to or have:
Albany State University is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity and affirmative action institution. It is the policy our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, AREA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50). Albany State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Albany State University Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 229-500-3442.
Location: Albany State Rec. Location
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 290332
About Us
Albany State University is a fully accredited senior unit of the University System of Georgia. Employees receive benefits provided by the University System of Georgia, including, but not limited to: medical and major medical insurance, group life insurance, participation in the Teachers' Retirement System of Georgia, the Optional Retirement Plan (for faculty and exempt employees only), Social Security, and the Tuition Assistance Program (after six months of employment).
Location
Our West Campus is located at 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707. Our East Campus is located at 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705. The Human Resources office for both campuses is located on the West Campus in Building K, Suite 209.
Job Summary
The University Controller serves as the chief accounting officer and plays a critical leadership role in the strategic management of the University's central financial operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the University's financial systems and reporting while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
As a key member of the finance leadership team, the Controller oversees all accounting functions, including general accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, and financial compliance. The Controller works closely with university leadership, faculty, and staff to support financial planning and decision-making, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and promote operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Develops, documents, implements, and maintains accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls related to the processing of the University's financial information, including stateside, self-support, and other trusts.
- Ensures internal policies and procedures comply with all Federal, State, USG and University requirements, as well as applicable GAAP and GASB standards. Assesses the impact of substantive changes in regulations, legislation, and University policies; advises leadership of potential impacts; and implements appropriate modifications to internal policies and practices.
- Manages monthly accounting functions, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and requests for reimbursement of state funds.
- Responsible for annual financial reporting, including preparation of required year-end journal entries, account reconciliations, and summary reports.
- Prepares and submits required reports throughout the fiscal year and generates ad hoc reports as needed.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors.
- Monitors cash flows by reviewing bank and accounts payable transactions. Collaborates with the Bursar's Office and the Office of Grants and Contracts regarding the timing of fund drawdowns and disbursements.
- Advises the Vice President for Finance and Administration and senior management on accounting, tax, financial, and internal control matters.
- Provides advice and support to faculty and staff on University accounting and financial matters, including training, as appropriate.
- Monitors and interprets changes in laws and regulations related to finance and financial reporting, evaluates their impact on University operations, and develops and implements necessary policy and procedural changes.
- Proactively identifies opportunities to enhance financial efficiency and strengthen internal controls, and collaborates with department directors to implement effective corrective actions and process improvements.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration.
At least 10 years of professional accounting experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree
CPA or equivalent professional certification
Accounting experience within a state agency or higher education institution
Proposed Salary
Compensation is competitive and will be based on the candidate's education, experience, and qualifications.
Required Documents to Attach
Cover letter
Resume
List of three professional references with contact information
Knowledge
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local financial regulations and university accounting practices.
- Knowledge of applicable software such as PeopleSoft and Banner.
- Knowledge of GAAP, GASB and university financial policies.
- Skilled in mentoring and training.
- Skilled in oral and written communication.
- Skilled in collaboration.
- Ability to recognize and implement efficiencies in processes and procedures.
- Ability to research and validate data.
- Ability to prepare financial statements and supporting schedules.
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026 or by email at hrasu@asurams.edu. For technical support, please call OneUSG Connect Support at (877) 251-2644 or by email at sscsupport@ssc.usg.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Excellence
We achieve outcomes of the highest quality, hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard and are committed to continuous improvement in University programs and services.
Respect
We are directed by tenets of ethics, treating other with courteous regard, and being civil in our interactions.
Community
We strive to build community and value a good mindset.
Teamwork
We seek partnerships within the University and community. We practice a supportive spirit that results in the implementation of plans, actions and shared results.
Learning
We cultivate a practice of global pedagogies in a learning environment.
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Albany State University.
Certain positions may also require the selected candidate to submit to or have:
- a credit check completed for "Positions of Trust" and/or approved departmental purchase card usage
- a motor vehicle report for positions that require driving an Albany State University vehicle
- a successful pre-employment drug test
Albany State University is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity and affirmative action institution. It is the policy our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, AREA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50). Albany State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Albany State University Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 229-500-3442.