Position Summary
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. The financial affairs of the College which the Controller oversees include: financial management and accounting operations, independent audits & compliance, endowment & gift accounting, investments oversight and reporting as well as purchasing. The incumbent is responsible for the development, continuing assessment, refinement, and integrity of financial and business practices and procedures in keeping with the most recent professional standards.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCIAL:

• Oversees general accounting functions to include 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 creates and develops the financial statements and footnotes for external auditors during the annual audit process for financial reporting purposes and for uniform guidance audit requirements.
• Responsible for all statutory reporting required of 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 the performance of the endowment, the value of funds included in the endowment, and asset allocation percentages. Coordinates reporting and analysis in conjunction with the Investment/Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Provides guidance for gift accounting policy and the associated internal controls as well as for scholarship activities in coordination 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 as needed as well as campus meetings and collaborative initiatives as appropriate.
• Supports other department budget managers, Provost, Student deans and college committees in assessing financial aspects of academic and other supporting programs and activities.

PLANNING:

• Along with the CFO and Director of Business Ops/Admin & Finance, works with administration and committees (particularly the campus committees: benefits, enrollment management and strategic long-range planning) in assessing financial implications of policies and strategies.

BUSINESS:

• Responsible for safeguarding and control of all the college physical assets.
• Promote 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 being followed.

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

Trustee Committees: Audit, Planning, and Finance Council.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

At a minimum, an undergraduate degree in accounting or in business management/finance with, at least, six years experience in accounting and management, CPA status preferred. Technical aptitude and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel and database programs required. Knowledge of Workday and Banner administrative software systems is a plus. Must be familiar with applicable federal and state regulations as well as GAAP & FASB guidelines, especially related to private colleges and universities. Experience with academic financial management practices and NACUBO standards are advantageous. Candidates must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, a professional customer service demeanor, and the ability to work with confidential information. Other attributes include: good judgment and initiative, intuitive instincts, good interpersonal management skills, a sense of humor and the ability to work effectively in a challenging and changing environment. General qualities required are a commitment to educational goals, values and leadership of a liberal arts college undertaking rapid change; an ability to contribute effectively to a community which operates on Quaker Procedure of inclusion and consensus.

At this time, Guilford College is currently able to hire employees who will perform work in North Carolina only. This limitation is based on current payroll tax registration, employment compliance, and administrative requirements.

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.