Controller

Prairie View A&M University•Prairie View, TX

18d

About The Position

The Controller, under general direction, leads and directs all financial operations for the university, with emphasis on general accounting, financial reporting, payroll and tax compliance, and treasury services. Identifies, analyzes, and leads key accounting and financial initiatives and reporting. Ensures accounting functions are preeminent among U.S. universities, the TAMUS and HBCUS as well as be integrated and high functioning. The Controller is responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust and effective internal control environment. The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a business-related field.
Ten (10) or more years of related experience in a financial management leadership role, preferably in higher education or the public sector to include two years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge of relevant financial software applications as well as word processing and spreadsheets applications.
Knowledge of GASB and NACUBO standards.
Knowledge of federal and statewide annual financial reporting processes.
Knowledge of the federal and state legislative appropriations process and associated financial analyses.
Generally supervises.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting.
Ten years of experience as a Controller, Finance/Budget Director, Assistant Controller or similar position in a public higher education institution; more specifically, a Texas public higher education institution.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Exceptional knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, cost accounting and cost control principles, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Excellent computer skills; experience in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite; Access, database, or other systems.
Proficiency with accounting software and financial management systems
Advanced knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations.
Analytical ability to develop and implement improvements or recommendations.
Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, and project management skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and management about the finances of the business and justify certain financial recommendations.
Proven ability to work well with senior executives and team, as well as mentor/lead other team members.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and quality oversight of all core accounting operations, including accounts payable and receivable, student accounts, payroll, general ledger, purchasing card programs, debt service, construction and fixed asset accounting, grants management, credit card/ACH processing, endowment and annuity accounting, and lease accounting.
Maintains accounting records in compliance with GASB, GAAP, and other appropriate authoritative literature.
Provides final review and management direction for the annual financial report, state financial reports and other financial reports.
Implement financial safeguards to prevent fraud and ensure accountability to include monitoring restricted funds and ensuring compliance with government funding programs.
Responsible for Cash Management, including working closely with various banks on cash management issues, monitoring cash flow, monitoring potential fraud issues, and ensuring the availability of cash for daily operations.
Collaborates with university leadership to develop financial strategies that support long-term sustainability.
Provides guidance in fiscal matters related to the operation of the University.
Serves as primary contact with State Auditor’s Office and System Internal Auditors on accounting and financial audit matters.
Provides financial and accounting support for all university operations.
Works with the Budget team to contribute to the annual budget development process, projected revenue and expenses, cash flow, and other critical financial metrics, including analysis of actual versus budget financial performance.
Develops standardized business practices across the institutions to ensure appropriate financial standards and compliance.
Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and higher education reporting standards.
Implements technology systems that interface with each other, improve business processes, and inform decision-making.
Recommends and maintains fiscal policies and procedures.
Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and University rules/regulations.
Improves the efficiency of operations.
Develops and maintains written accounting and financial policies and procedures.
Advises SVP/CFO on all accounting, tax, financial, and internal control matters.
Provides advice and support to faculty and staff on college accounting and financial matters.
Serve on the executive team for the Division of Business Affairs.
Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate a team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Performs other duties as assigned.