Controller

People are drawn to Guilford College for a number of reasons, including the College’s Core Values of community, diversity, equality, excellence, integrity, justice, and stewardship. Working at Guilford provides you with a rewarding opportunity to impact the developing lives of students from a range of diverse backgrounds. Guilford attracts those who are seeking a professional challenge and career advancement, as well as those who want to enjoy a beautiful campus and location in the dynamic city of Greensboro, North Carolina.

About the Role

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 Controller oversees financial management and accounting operations, independent audits and compliance, endowment and 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Supervises the financial operations staff, including 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.
• 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, alongside the CFO and Director of Business Ops/Admin & Finance.
• Responsible for safeguarding and control of all the college physical assets.
• Promotes 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.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in accounting or in business management/finance.
• At least six years of 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.
• Familiarity 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and a professional customer service demeanor.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Good judgment and initiative, intuitive instincts, and strong interpersonal management skills.
• A sense of humor and the ability to work effectively in a challenging and changing environment.
• Commitment to educational goals, values, and leadership of a liberal arts college undertaking rapid change.
• Ability to contribute effectively to a community which operates on Quaker Procedure of inclusion and consensus.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays.
• Tuition remission.
• Health insurance, telemedicine, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Retirement plan.
• Optional dental and vision insurance.
• Access to numerous discounts for products, services, and attractions.

At this time, Guilford College is currently able to hire employees who will perform work in North Carolina only. 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.