Controller

Lincoln University; Lincoln University (PA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln University seeks a Controller responsible for the accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls across the university. The role includes supervising the accounting staff, cash, journal entries, grants, and reconciliations to ensure accurate financial results and adherence to GAAP.

The position requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to coordinate with external auditors and finance leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration is required.
• CPA certification and MBA preferred.
• At least five years of accounting experience with 3–5 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with budgeting, grants accounting, receivables, financial statement preparation, tax preparation and audit support.
• Knowledge of GAAP and non-profit accounting practices.
• Strong staff management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting department operations and staffing.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely bank reconciliations.
• Maintain chart of accounts and internal controls.
• Coordinate external audits and respond to audit findings.
• Monitor debt levels and compliance with covenants.
• Support budgeting and grant accounting processes.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration

CPA certification

MBA

Staff supervision

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Internal controls

Non-profit accounting

Communication skills

Tools

Accounting software

Grants accounting software

Job description

Job Title: Controller

Classification: Professional

Division: Fiscal Affairs & Administration

Department: Office of the Controller

Reports: Vice President, Finance and Administration

FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The controller position is accountable for the accounting operations of the company, to include the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the University’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles. The position involves supervision of accounting staff, cash, journal entries, grants and reconciliations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and MBA preferred.

At least five years of accounting experience with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience. Skills in budgeting, grants accounting, receivables, financial statement preparation, tax preparation and audit support.

Demonstrated working knowledge of EDP-oriented accounting systems and non-profit accounting practices, and GAAP.

Exceptional ability to manage staff effectively.

Outstanding skills in math, accuracy and precision, interest in business, organized, willingness to follow recommended procedures, honest, patience, good written and oral communication skills, good people skills, team player.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, analyze, and interpret statistical and accounting information in order to appraise operating results in terms of performance against budget, and other matters bearing on the fiscal soundness and operating effectiveness of the University.


• Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures, system of accounts, and records on all University transactions and assets.


• Oversee the operations of the accounting department staff and functions, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department’s goals and objectives.


• Issue and complete financial statements timely.


• Prepare and issue monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.


• Ensure that monthly bank reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.


• Maintain the chart of accounts, an orderly accounting filing system, and a system of controls over accounting transactions.


• Calculate and issue financial and operating metrics and provide for a system of management cost reports.


• Provide financial analyses as needed, in particular for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.


• Perform various accounting functions according to documented procedures to ensure that monthly and year-end close processes are completed accurately and on time.


• Streamline reconciliation processes to complete relevant accounting tasks on time.


• Prepare reports that outline the University’s financial position in the areas of income, expenses, and based on past, present and future operations.


• Coordinate the provision of reports and other information to external auditors for the annual audit and address general ledger related audit control comments.


• Monitor debt levels and compliance with debt covenants.


• Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.


• Assist departments in budgeting financial needs, accelerating cash receipts, and controlling disbursements, overseeing bank balances, proper grant accounting, and evaluating and implementing computerized accounting systems.


• All relevant duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.


• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, organization, and operational/financial infrastructure of a public university and affiliate health system.


• Highly developed and comprehensive financial management skills gained in a large, multifaceted public institution.


• Strategic planning skills.


• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.


• Knowledge of investment strategies and techniques.


• Ability to review and assess the operational and financial viability of new and existing contractual arrangements and grant proposals.


• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.


• Strong human resources development and management skills.


• Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate.


• Knowledge of assets and funds management principles, methods, and techniques.


• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision making skills.


• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal and State financial laws, regulations, and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education and academic medical centers.


• Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a university campus environment and requires a flexible schedule including evening and weekend work. Travel for administrative and legislative work is expected. The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions and protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.