Controller

Guilford College; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Guilford College is looking for a Controller responsible for managing the financial operations of the College. The Controller will oversee accounting functions, manage endowment funds, and support various departments in assessing financial implications of strategies.

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in accounting or business management/finance and at least six years of relevant experience. The role requires strong proficiency in financial systems and a commitment to the College’s mission.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of accounting and management experience; CPA status preferred.
• Familiarity with applicable federal and state regulations and GAAP & FASB guidelines.
• Experience with academic financial management practices and NACUBO standards is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversees general accounting functions including accounts payable and receivables.
• Manages restricted and unrestricted endowment funds and various planned gift funds.
• Supervises the financial operations staff and oversees staff development.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

Workday

Banner

Attention to detail

Customer service

Interpersonal management

Education

Undergraduate degree in accounting or business management/finance

Job description

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for the operating financial affairs of the College and for using these resources to further the mission of Guilford College. The position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Specific Responsibilities

• Financial: Oversees general accounting functions including accounts payable and receivables and cash and treasury management. Manages restricted and unrestricted endowment funds and various planned gift funds. Manages annual audit preparation and develops the financial statements and footnotes for external auditors during the audit process. Responsible for statutory reporting to the department of education and other state and federal jurisdictions. Oversees bonding, debt service and reserve funds. Provides indirect oversight of student accounts and collection of student loans.
• Endowment, Gift Accounting & Investments: Oversees preparation of reports on endowment performance, fund values and asset allocation percentages. Coordinates reporting and analysis with the Investment/Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees. Provides guidance for gift accounting policy and internal controls, as well as scholarship activities with institutional advancement and financial aid. Supervises short–term investments for the College.
• Management: Supervises the financial operations staff; oversees staff development, training and evaluation. Participates in faculty and staff meetings and campus collaborative initiatives. Supports other department budget managers, the Provost, student deans and college committees in assessing financial aspects of academic and supporting programs.
• Planning: Works with the CFO and Director of Business Ops/Admin & Finance and campus committees to assess the financial implications of policies and strategies.
• Business: Safeguards and controls all college physical assets. Promotes effective communication and strong working relationships across campus departments and constituencies.
• Direct Reporting Departments: Accounting Office and Purchasing, with indirect oversight of Student Accounts Office ensuring proper financial controls and policies are followed.
• Committee Responsibilities: Trustee Committees: Audit, Planning, and Finance Council.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in accounting or business management/finance with at least six years of accounting and management experience; CPA status preferred.
• Technical aptitude and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Access and Excel, and database programs.
• Knowledge of Workday and Banner administrative software systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with applicable federal and state regulations and GAAP & FASB guidelines, especially related to private colleges and universities.
• Experience with academic financial management practices and NACUBO standards is advantageous.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, professional customer service demeanor and ability to work with confidential information.
• Additional attributes: good judgment, initiative, intuitive instincts, strong interpersonal management skills, sense of humor and ability to work effectively in a challenging and changing environment.
• Commitment to educational goals, values and leadership of a liberal arts college undergoing rapid change; ability to contribute effectively to a community operating on Quaker Procedure of inclusion and consensus.

Location and Work

At this time, Guilford College is currently able to hire employees who will perform work in North Carolina only. Applicants must reside in, or be willing to work from, North Carolina at the time of hire and throughout employment, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the College. As part of the application and hiring process, candidates may be required to provide current address and work location information to ensure compliance with applicable payroll, tax and employment laws. Guilford College reserves the right to update work location eligibility requirements as business and regulatory needs change.

EEO Statement

Guilford College does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation. See our full Statement of Non-Discrimination.