Controller

Presbyterian College; Clinton (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Presbyterian College is seeking a Controller to serve as the chief accounting officer, overseeing the College's financial records, accounting operations, internal controls, and reporting. You will lead the Business Office, ensure GAAP compliance, and support annual audits, budget development, year-end close, and policy implementation.

You will work closely with the CFO to provide accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and strategic financial decision-making, including coordination of the

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting or related field required.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience leading annual external audits.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining strong internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, payroll accounting, investments, and endowment accounting.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Prepare financial analyses and reports for senior leadership, Board committees, and external stakeholders.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Oversee month-end and fiscal year-end closing processes.
• Ensure accurate accounting for restricted gifts, grants, endowment activity, and agency funds.
• Prepare IPEDS reports and EADA report.
• Maintain and strengthen internal control environment; develop accounting policies and procedures.

Skills

Leadership & supervision

GAAP & financial reporting

Audit leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Customer service orientation

Education

Master’s degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Banner ERP

Excel

Financial reporting tools

Job description

• Reports To: Vice President for Finance & Administration/Chief Financial Officer
• Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Controller serves as the College’s chief accounting officer and is responsible for the integrity of the institution’s financial records, accounting operations, internal controls, and financial reporting. The Controller provides leadership for the Business Office and ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable federal and state regulations, donor restrictions, debt covenants, and College policies.

Working closely with the Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO, the Controller supports strategic financial decision-making through accurate reporting, strong internal controls, continuous process improvement, and effective stewardship of institutional resources. The Controller plays a critical leadership role during the annual audit, budget development, year-end close, and implementation of financial policies and systems.

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, payroll accounting, investments, and endowment accounting.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Prepare financial analyses and reports for senior leadership, Board committees, and external stakeholders.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Oversee month-end and fiscal year-end closing processes.
• Ensure accurate accounting for restricted gifts, grants, endowment activity, and agency funds.
• Prepare Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) reports and Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) report.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and continuously strengthen the College’s internal control environment.
• Develop, implement, and monitor accounting policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, NCAA, IRS regulations, donor restrictions, and other applicable accounting standards.
• Support compliance with SACSCOC financial standards and accreditation requirements.
• Monitor compliance with debt covenants and other financial obligations.

Audit Coordination

• Lead timely preparation for the annual independent financial statement audit.
• Coordinate audit requests and serve as primary liaison with external auditors, including preparation of Form 990s and NCAA Membership Financial Reporting Agreed Upon Procedures (NCAA MFRS AUP).
• Oversee preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions.

Cash Management & Financial Operations

• Oversee daily cash management activities and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee student billing operations.
• Monitor institutional liquidity and assist the CFO with cash flow forecasting.
• Review investment accounting and endowment reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate accounting for debt, capital assets, leases, and other complex financial transactions.

Budget Support

• Support development of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance.
• Assist departments with financial reporting and budget analysis.
• Assist with reports for the Board of Trustees.
• Partner with the CFO on long-range financial planning and forecasting.

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise Business Office staff, including accounting and financial operations personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Establish appropriate cross-training and succession planning within the department.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as functional leader for the College’s financial ERP system.
• Recommend and implement improvements to accounting processes, workflows, and reporting capabilities.
• Partner with Information Technology on financial system enhancements and reporting tools.
• Promote automation and efficiencies that improve accuracy, reduce risk, and strengthen internal controls.

Other Responsibilities

• Support Board committees as assigned.
• Participate in institutional strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience leading annual external audits.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining strong internal controls.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, judgment, and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure strongly preferred.
• Experience in higher education accounting.
• Experience with fund accounting.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Banner.
• Experience with endowment, investment, debt, and restricted fund accounting.
• Experience supporting accreditation or regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information for non-financial audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service and collaboration.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems.

Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment. The position requires extended periods of computer work and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. Some evening and weekend work may be required periodically.

Presbyterian College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to creating and sustaining an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.