Controller

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

The University of Bridgeport is hiring a Controller to oversee its financial operations, ensuring financial integrity and compliance. This role includes managing budget and treasury operations, developing accounting policies, and coordinating audits. Candidates must have a Bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or related field, and at least 5-7 years of experience in financial management, preferably in higher education. The position offers substantial benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.
• Ability to analyze data and develop financial reports for cash flow and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the University’s accounting and financial reporting functions.
• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the University’s annual year-end audit.
• Develop and maintain written accounting and financial policies and procedures.

Skills

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field

MBA or CPA preferred

Tools

Excel

Datatel Colleague

Job description

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

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.
• Coordinate and oversee 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; manage the relationship with the University’s external auditors.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of the annual IRS Form 990 tax return; review and adjust University policy appropriately for changes in the IRS tax code; advise 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 Budget team, coordinate annual budget development process, projected revenue and expenses, cash flow, and other critical financial metrics including analysis of actual versus budget financial performance.
• Continuously review, develop, and test internal controls and available technology in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of controls and operations.
• 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.
• Responsible for short and long term investments; assures alignment with Investment Policy as well as recommending revisions to Investment Policy as necessary.
• Take full responsibility for the chart of accounts and general ledger, including the review of entries prepared by others and reconciliations.
• Serve on University committees as requested.
• Assist VP/CFO on bond financing, covenant compliance, and debt analysis.
• Assist VP/CFO with the preparation of materials for the Board of Trustee Meetings.

Knowledge, Ability, and Skill

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and 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 communication skills are essential.
• 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 is required; familiarity with financial reporting systems such as Datatel Colleague is preferred.

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.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Work Environment: None

Outdoor Weather Conditions: X

Work with fumes or airborne particles: X

Work near moving mechanical parts: X

Risk of electrical shock: X

Vibration: X

Physical Activity: None; Under 1/3; 1/3 to 2/3; Over 2/3

Standing: X

Walking: X

Sitting: X

Talking & Hearing: X

Using hands/fingers to handle/feel: X

Climbing or balancing: X

Bending, pulling, pushing: X

Driving: X

Lifting Requirements: None; Under 1/3; 1/3 to 2/3; Over 2/3; Up to 10 pounds; Up to 25 pounds; Up to 50 pounds; Up to 75 pounds; Up to 100 pounds; Over 100 pounds: X

Vision Requirements: Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less); Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more); Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors); Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point); Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships); No special vision requirements.

Full-Time Employee 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

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.

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, leave of absence, compensation, and training.