Controller - job 1 of 2

Agency

Department

The Controller, under general direction, leads and directs all financial operations for the university, with emphasis on general accounting, financial reporting, payroll and tax compliance. Identifies, analyzes, and leads key accounting and financial initiatives. Ensures accounting functions are preeminent among U.S. universities, the TAMUS and HBCUS as well as be integrated and high functioning.

Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and management to general accounting, financial reports, payroll, and tax compliance.

• Maintains accounting records in compliance with GASB, GAAP, and other appropriate authoritative literature. Provides final review and management direction for the annual financial report, state financial reports and other financial reports. Implement financial safeguards to prevent fraud and ensure accountability to include monitoring restricted funds and ensuring compliance with government funding programs.

• Collaborates with university leadership to develop financial strategies that support long-term sustainability. Provides guidance in fiscal matters related to the operation of the University. Serves as primary contact with State Auditor’s Office and System Internal Auditors on accounting and financial audit matters. Provides financial and accounting support for all university operations. 

• Develops standardized business practices across the institutions to ensure appropriate financial standards and compliance. Implements technology systems that interface with each other, improve business processes, and inform decision-making.

• Recommends and maintains fiscal policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and University rules/regulations. Improves the efficiency of operations.

• Serve on the executive team for the Division of Business Affairs. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a business-related field.

• Seven or more years of experience in a financial management leadership role, preferably in higher education or the public sector. Prior supervisory experience is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of relevant financial software applications as well as word processing and spreadsheets applications.

• Knowledge of GASB and NACUBO standards.

• Knowledge of federal and statewide annual financial reporting processes.

• Knowledge of the federal and state legislative appropriations process and associated financial analyses. 

• Generally supervises.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting.

• Ten years of experience as a Controller, Finance/Budget Director, Assistant Controller or similar position in a public higher education institution; more specifically, a Texas public higher education institution.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

• Exceptional knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, cost accounting and cost control principles, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Excellent computer skills; experience in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite; Access, database, or other systems.

•  Proficiency with accounting software and financial management systems Advanced knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations.

• Analytical ability to develop and implement improvements or recommendations.

• Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, and project management skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and management about the finances of the business and justify certain financial recommendations.

• Proven ability to work well with senior executives and team, as well as mentor/lead other team members.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.