Controller

University of Hartford; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Hartford is seeking a Controller to oversee the university's financial reporting and internal controls under the direction of the CFAO. The role guides Financial Accounting Services and ensures compliance with GAAP, regulatory standards, and safeguarding university assets.

Key responsibilities include leading audits, refining business processes, and delivering timely, auditable financial data to support decisions across the university.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or CPA required.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Knowledge of Banner system and university financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage development, implementation and maintenance of internal controls in line with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee financial reporting and audits to ensure timely, accurate financial statements.
• Provide leadership to Financial Accounting Services and related units.
• Support budgeting processes and parameter development affecting university operations.
• Communicate financial results to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s degree

CPA certification

Tools

Banner system

Job description

Controller

Assumes responsibility for the management of the University of Hartford’s overall financial reporting and internal control structure under the direction of the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO). Directs and oversees financial reporting in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles as well as regulatory and statutory requirements that support the University’s financial operation and safeguard its assets. Provides management, guidance and direction to Financial Accounting Services. Performs all duties in full support of the University’s mission, understanding that the positive and effective execution of these duties are instrumental to the education of the University’s students.

Salary

• Budgeted salary is $130,000 to $160,000, depending upon experience

Working Hours

• Weeks Per Year: 52
• Work Week: 40 hours (minimum)

Reporting To

Assistant Vice President for Budget Planning and Financial Management

Location

200 Bloomfield Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117

Working Conditions

Normal office situation, requires travel including overnight stays.

Education

Master’s degree required and/or CPA required

Physical Effort

Typcially sitting at a desk or table, light lifting or carrying 25 lbs or less.

Special Skills

• The ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• CPA
• Higher education experience and knowledge of Banner system.

Key Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive system of internal controls and procedures designed to comply with federal and state requirements, generally accepted accounting principles and institutional policies and procedures. Oversees internal and external audits and preparation of audit reports. Interprets accounting rules and regulatory requirements that pertain to the University, trains staff in the execution of such requirements as well as develops related policies and procedures which are communicated effectively to the University community in a timely manner. Handles highly sensitive information with confidentiality and tact.
• Assists the Assistant Vice President for Planning and Financial Management in development of budget parameters and ongoing impact on the University’s overall operations.
• Provides strong leadership and oversight over the integrated financial accounting system in an effort to ensure the continuous refinement of business processes designed to increase overall efficiencies and effectiveness within processes/systems functions to provide reliable, auditable financial data, that these processes/systems are linked appropriately to other systems throughout the University, and that such processes/systems provide information useful to management for business process re‑engineering and for decisions making.
• Consistently analyzes financial data and presents financial reports in an accurate and timely manner. Clearly communicates monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and pertinent information to internal constituents as well as external groups.
• Prepares regulatory and financial reports as well as federal and state tax filings as required to satisfy federal, state and higher education requirements. Prepares, analyzes and/or interprets data for presentations of audit results, financial statements and IRS Form 990 to the appropriate Board Committee(s) throughout the year.
• Assumes responsibility for the oversight of institutional business units, including Financial Accounting Services. Provides management guidance, direction and evaluation to ensure that the daily operations of these units comply with all regulatory requirements as well as meet the needs of the University community. Develops, implements and maintains the University’s debt policy in an effort to ensure debt compliance with bond covenants.
• Serves as liaison and/or leads on various University committees as deemed necessary and/or appropriate. Assists the CFAO with staffing the Investment Committee of the Board of Regents and directs the activities associated with the security and investment of the University’s assets and funds.
• Establishes, cultivates and maintains effective working relationships with external auditors. Serves as a primary liaison with the University’s independent auditors. Recommends and implements changes with regard to audit findings. Oversees and/or participates in all other external audit activity.
• Assists the CFAO with special ad hoc projects pertaining to highly sensitive issues and performs other related duties as assigned.