Controller

Equiliem
United States, Maryland, St. Marys City
Apr 30, 2025
TITLE: Controller (Exempt) LOCATION: St Marys City, MD (On-site) JOB SUMMARY: The Controller oversees the operations of the College's financial accounting department, including preparation of the annual financial statements. The Controller must have a deep understanding of GAAP and fund accounting and a complex chart of accounts, and experience in managing grants, restricted and unrestricted gifts, and investment and banking transactions. The Controller should possess strong leadership and communication skills, be a self-starter with excellent judgment, and work effectively with senior management in the development of financial plans. The Controller must be able to clearly communicate policies and procedures and build an environment of trust and support, establishing strong, collaborative relationships with campus partners. The Controller should possess a broad set of critical skills, the ability to effectively analyze and interpret data, have attention to detail, be proficient at organizing and completing routine and long-term responsibilities, and in applying internal controls, and be technologically proficient. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Must be able to develop and effectively communicate clear, strong guidelines and procedures to business office staff and campus stakeholders. Supervises, develops, and evaluates the performance of the Assistant Controller/Director of Accounts Management, Assistant Controller, and all Accountants. Develops and implements processes and procedures that strengthen and support the College's finance operations. Approves journal entries in both the College and State financial systems, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, authorization, and completion of the transactions so represented. Coordinates the year-end financial closing process, prepares the annual financial statements, and serves as a liaison between the external and legislative auditors in the satisfactory completion of their work on behalf of the College and the State. Coordinates with the Office of Information Technology to ensure computerized mainframe-based accounting operations are performed accurately and timely and to gain the advice and cooperation needed to implement procedural changes which include different or greater use of technology. Ensures that changes in the College's or the State's financial accounting systems are incorporated into the workflow and procedures of the Business Office with a minimum of disruption and with the achievement of objectives including efficiency, accuracy, flexibility, timeliness, and compliance with internal control and financial reporting needs. Manages the College's outstanding debt, ensuring timely debt service payments, accurate record keeping, and compliance with debt covenants; participates in debt issuance as needed, including interacting with securities, insurance, and legal professionals. Ensures that the College's accounting policies and procedures are prudent and appropriate and result in the periodic generation of accurate and timely audited financial statements. Discusses, receives, and responds to findings of independent and/or legislative auditors, implements procedural changes as needed and represents the College's response to the findings as appropriate. Maintains compliance with financial accounting and reporting standards in accordance with professional standards. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting or in business administration with significant accounting coursework. CPA required and MBA preferred. Experience: Minimum of eight years of experience in controller and business operations preferred. Higher education and/or non-profit experience is preferred. A comprehensive set of both quantitative and critical skills, including an in-depth understanding of financial concepts and principles; an ability to effectively analyze and interpret data with attention to detail; strong leadership and communication skills; an ability to work effectively with senior management in assisting with the development of financial plans. In-depth knowledge of fund accounting and GAAP. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel spreadsheet applications. #ZR