Controller

REPORTS TO: VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE 

STATUS: FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, SALARIED 

Lake Erie College, a small, co-educational, four-year, independent liberal arts college located in Painesville, OH, 30 miles east of Cleveland, invites applications for the full-time position of The Controller. The Controller is responsible for managing the business and accounting services of the college, assuring that financial and operating reports are prepared and that they accurately reflect the condition of the college. They are also responsible for oversight of the campus budget within the authority delegated by the Vice President of Finance. The Controller assists in carrying out the mission of Lake Erie College as established by the President and Board of Directors. The Controller ensures that financial operations comply with generally accepted accounting principles, federal and state regulations, and the College’s internal policies.  They serve as the primary liaison with the external auditors, coordinate the annual financial audit, and lead the preparation of financial statements, reports, and analyses that inform strategic decision-making.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manages general accounting functions and the preparation of reports and statistics reflecting the financial status of the college. 

• Develop, maintain, and monitor internal controls for all college processes, policies and procedures to ensure the protection of college assets. 

• Supervises accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, student accounts/Bursar, general ledger functions, mailroom services, and the bookstore.   

• Is responsible for cash movement under the direction of the VP of Finance, to ensure sufficient funds are available for the College to maintain a positive cash flow. 

• Oversees financial month-end and quarterly-close processes. 

• Coordinates annual financial audit through preparation of financial statements, footnotes, and audit work papers. 

• Provides support to all units within the college with respect to budget preparation and oversight. 

• Works in collaboration with Financial Aid to ensure that the college is always in compliance with various regulations. 

• Maintains reconciliations of Title IV funds and necessary student loan databases and acts as liaison between students, outside agencies, and the college. 

• Ensures compliance with college policies and procedures, county, state and federal regulations, and accreditation requirements, as applicable. 

• Provides direction and leadership for campus financial functions. 

• Reports the results of operations to the Vice President of Finance and departmental budget managers through preparation and distribution of reports, when applicable. 

• Provides assistance with review and preparation of external contracts to ensure that the time period aligns with budgeted goals and that termination clauses are appropriate. 

• Ensures monthly reconciliation, such as gifts and donations, cash, payroll, and net assets. 

• Serves as a member of various college committees, as well as an institutional representative to professional organizations such as CACUBO and NACUBO.  

• Travels, as required, to undertake the business of the college. 

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Vice President of Finance. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & KEY COMPETENCIES: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution. 

• Six or more years of professional accounting experience. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, detail-oriented, and organizational skills. 

• Ability to work well as part of a team, as well as across academic and administrative departments. 

• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and professional conduct. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and excellent skill with Microsoft Excel. 

• Growth and “doer” mindset and institutional teamwork ethic. 

• Creative, strategic, thoughtful, and has a sense of humor.