The Controller serves as the chief accounting officer for the College under the direction of the Vice President for Strategy and Finance. In addition to overseeing the College’s financial operations and performance, the Controller provides leadership and influence across the College, serving as the primary liaison to the College community for the development and administration of College financial policies, budgets, and procedures. The Controller provides senior leadership and direct oversight for the finance team, which includes Student Accounts, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and General Accounting.

The Controller possesses extensive accounting experience, with complete knowledge of fund accounting and GAAP for higher education. H/she is proficient at organizing and carrying out routine responsibilities as well as longer-term strategic projects, understands and applies the concepts of internal control, and is adept at performance management and employee engagement. S/he possesses strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, exceptional numerical proficiency, and strong leadership skills. Responsibility for maintaining relationships with investors, financial partners, and campus leadership is critical for success in the role.  Duties include:

• Supervises the daily operations of the finance department, including: accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grants and contracts accounting, cashiering and bank reconciliations, student loans, maintenance of general ledger, certain cash management, and investment activities, endowment management, financial reporting, and management reporting.
• Monitors the system of internal controls, including financial policies and procedures; develops and implements strategies resulting in minimizing College costs while maintaining service quality.
• Oversees the development, implementation, modification, and maintenance of in-house computerized financial applications.
• Coordinates year-end financial closing and annual audits and prepares or reviews all audit schedules.
• Supervises A-133 financial aid audit and coordinates activities between the College financial aid and accounting staff and the outside auditors.
• Work closely with the Vice President for Strategy and Finance in long- and short-range financial planning, campus education, change management, and to financially enable and execute

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree (prefer MBA) and in accounting, or finance/business administration with significant accounting coursework, required. CPA required.  The right candidate will have a minimum of eight years’ progressive experience in accounting operations management, preferably in the field of higher education or similar non-profit organization. Experience coordinating external audits and knowledge regarding student loans, grants, and the role of information technology systems. Demonstrated experience in process improvement and change management.

Excellent planning, organizational, and coordination skills commensurate with oversight and evaluation responsibilities for complex fiscal functions. Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with College administration, staff, faculty, parents, and students, as well as external contacts. Ability to develop, support, motivate, and supervise administrative and clerical staff to perform as an effective team and accomplish goals in support of the Saint Mary’s College Mission; to establish and communicate performance expectations and manage work performance effectively, and to develop and manage the Finance Office and General Administration budgets within resource expectations.

Technical Skills: Proven financial management skills with an extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and generally accepted auditing standards, a thorough understanding of fund accounting, and working knowledge of federal guidelines applicable to the higher education environment.

Technology Skills: Well-developed information technology skills with a working knowledge of integrated administrative and financial software systems, computer databases, and Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc.). Demonstrated comfort with financial information systems a plus. Minimal travel is required. 

Knowledge of marketing and communication principles, change management, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service—both to external audiences as well as the internal College community.

Saint Mary’s College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, in keeping with the College’s mission, Saint Mary’s is committed to increasing racial and ethnic diversity at all levels – students, faculty, and staff – and seeks applications from candidates who share this commitment.