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TITLE: Controller
DEPARTMENT: Finance and Administration
REPORTS TO: Vice President for Finance and Administration
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Vice President of Finance and Administration, the Controller provides leadership and effective management of the University’s accounting and financial reporting functions. The Controller is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the University’s annual financial statements in accordance with applicable GASB reporting standards; coordinating financial, governmental, and compliance audits; ensuring the integrity of financial records and internal controls; and supporting the implementation and effective use of financial systems in University operations and financial and management reporting. The Controller provides leadership and supervision to assigned staff and collaborates with departments across the University to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provide leadership and direction to support the accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions and coordinate the effective alignment of functional areas, including general accounting, fixed asset accounting, grant accounting, accounts payable, payroll, and treasury management.
- Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to assigned staff and promote effective performance, professional development, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Actively manage daily and long-term cash flow analysis to ensure adequate liquidity and maximize opportunities for the short-term investment of temporarily unused operating cash.
- Prepare and analyze operational and financial reports to provide timely and accurate information regarding the University’s financial position, including cash position, investment returns, and receivables management.
- Conduct ongoing general ledger account analyses to identify factors affecting the University’s financial condition and provide information to support sound financial and operational decision-making.
- Provide leadership for the ongoing implementation, development, and effective use of Banner financial systems and related reporting tools. Collaborate with Banner Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Information Technology, and other appropriate University personnel to support system functionality, data integrity, reporting, and process improvements.
- Coordinate and facilitate internal and external audits and serve as a primary University contact for audit-related matters. Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, accounting standards, grant requirements, and University policies and procedures.
- Prepare for and participate in Finance Staff, Board of Regents, Foundation Investment Committee, and other meetings as assigned.
- Review asset and liability account reconciliations in preparation for year-end closing procedures and annual audits.
- Coordinate year-end closing procedures and oversee the preparation of annual financial statements, supporting schedules, and audit work papers. Prepare financial reports required for state reimbursement, audit purposes, and other University financial reporting requirements.
- Provide leadership in ensuring the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and the integrity of the University’s financial records. Develop, implement, evaluate, and monitor financial and internal control systems, procedures, and processes.
- Interact professionally with banks, auditors, governmental agencies, grant administrators, and other University departments regarding accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and financial management matters.
- Monitor changes in accounting standards, governmental regulations, grant requirements, and other regulatory developments affecting accounting procedures, financial reporting, governmental funding, and audit requirements, and implement appropriate changes as needed.
- Identify and implement professional development opportunities for assigned staff and provide training regarding accounting procedures, financial systems, internal controls, and system enhancements.
- Provide responsive, professional, helpful, and courteous customer service to internal and external constituents.
- Maintain regular and reliable on-campus presence during scheduled work hours. The Controller’s on-campus presence is necessary to provide timely leadership and oversight of daily financial operations, supervise and support accounting staff, collaborate directly with University leadership and departments, participate in meetings and audit activities, address time-sensitive financial matters, and coordinate effectively with offices and personnel involved in financial, payroll, grant, and operational functions. Regular physical presence on the University’s main campus and other designated University facilities, as needed, is an essential function of the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, NIFA requirements, Uniform Guidance, governmental accounting, grant management, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit requirements.
- Knowledge of financial systems and enterprise resource planning systems, financial reporting tools, and accounting processes.
- Skill in financial analysis, general ledger management, financial reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, and audit coordination.
- Skill in Microsoft Office applications and ERP reporting tools. Banner and Argos experience preferred.
- Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate employees effectively.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet established deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a highly regulated financial environment.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with University leadership, faculty, staff, auditors, governmental agencies, financial institutions, and other internal and external constituents.
- Ability to adapt to organizational and technological change and lead others through process and system improvements.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive financial information appropriately.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- Provides leadership, supervision, direction, and performance management for assigned accounting and finance personnel. Responsible for assigning work, establishing priorities, providing feedback, supporting professional development, and ensuring assigned employees comply with University policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the financial and operational needs of the University.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
- Seven years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, internal controls, financial reporting, governmental accounting, or a related area.
- CPA certification preferred.
- Detailed knowledge of GAAP, GASB, NIFA, Uniform Guidance, governmental accounting, grant management, and financial reporting requirements.
- Banner and Argos experience preferred.
Licensing and Certifications: CPA certification is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with regular interaction with University employees, leadership, auditors, governmental agencies, financial institutions, and other external constituents. Regular and reliable on-campus attendance is required to perform the essential functions of the position. The position may require attendance at meetings and activities in various locations on the University’s main campus and at other designated University facilities. Occasional travel may be required for professional meetings, training, conferences, audits, or other University business.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
- Ability to move throughout campus to attend meetings and perform assigned duties.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
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