Controller

The University of Bridgeport; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pet insurance

401(k) employer match

Great tuition benefits

PTO program

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

The University of Bridgeport is looking for a Controller to ensure financial integrity and oversee accounting and financial reporting functions. Responsible for managing audits, developing financial policies, and coordinating budget processes, the Controller will lead financial planning and compliance efforts.

Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 5-7 years of financial management experience, preferably in higher education. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Strong ability to interpret financial transactions and events.

Responsibilities

• Designs and maintains accounting and financial policies.
• Coordinates annual year-end audit and manages relationships with auditors.
• Oversees preparation of IRS Form 990 tax return.

Skills

Data analysis

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Team management

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business

MBA or CPA

Tools

Excel

Datatel Colleague

Job description

Position Description Summary/Purpose

The Controller reports to the Vice President of Finance/CFO and is responsible for maintaining the financial integrity of the University. The Controller is responsible for the University’s accounting and financial reporting functions and directs, coordinates, and oversees the University’s various financial, accounting, budget and treasury operations. The Controller establishes University accounting and financial policies and standards and manages monthly and fiscal year‑end closing and financial reporting processes as well as a variety of accounting, tax, and related processes, policies and procedures. The Controller directs, guides and oversees staff responsible for accounting, budget and financial planning, treasury, financial reporting, taxes, bursar operations and financial compliance. The Controller is responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust and effective internal control environment.

Essential Job Functions / Primary Responsibilities

• Designs, establishes and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the division’s overall goals and objectives; directs and oversees the hiring, development, management and evaluation of divisional staff.
• Develops and maintains written accounting and financial policies and procedures. Advises VP/CFO on all accounting, tax, financial and internal control matters. Provides advice and support to faculty and staff on University accounting and financial matters.
• Co‑ordinates and oversees all aspects of the University’s annual year‑end audit including financial results, pension plan, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, OMB circular A‑133 Federal Aid and state financial aid. Manages the relationship with the University’s external auditors.
• Oversees and co‑ordinates the preparation of the annual IRS Form 990 tax return. Reviews and adjusts University policy appropriately for changes in the IRS tax code. Advises the VP/CFO on tax issues.
• Supervises areas of Accounts Payable, Accounting, and Budget. Performs continual review of operations and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Ensures the implementation of practices that meet emerging and developing standards within the higher education industry.
• Working with the Budget team, co‑ordinates annual budget development process, projected revenue and expenses, cash flow and other critical financial metrics including analysis of actual versus budget financial performance.
• Continuously reviews, develops and tests internal controls and available technology in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of controls and operations.
• Manages Cash Management, including working closely with banks on cash management issues, monitoring cash flow, monitoring potential fraud issues, and ensuring the availability of cash for daily operations.
• Manages short and long‑term investments, ensuring alignment with Investment Policy and recommending revisions as necessary.
• Takes full responsibility for the chart of accounts and general ledger, including the review of entries prepared by others and reconciliations.
• Serves on University committees as requested.
• Assists VP/CFO with bond financing, covenant compliance and debt analysis.
• Assists VP/CFO with the preparation of materials for the Board of Trustees Meetings.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Ability to analyze data and develop financial reports for cash flow and financial analysis, forecasting and trending.
• Strong ability to interpret financial transactions and events for users.
• High degree of oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to hire, supervise, motivate and train direct reports.
• Excellent organization and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently with self‑confidence and strong communication skills.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally with departments such as Advancement, Budget, HR, IT and Academic Affairs.
• Effective planning, prioritization, and execution of projects within tight deadlines.
• Effective use of technology, including fluency in Excel. Familiarity with financial reporting systems such as Datatel Colleague is preferred.

Qualifications / Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• Minimum 5‑7 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Pet insurance
• 401(k) employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules

Full‑time employees require a commitment to the University of Bridgeport’s mission, which includes promoting academic excellence, personal responsibility, and service. The University provides the following benefits to eligible employees as outlined above.

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the University has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.