Controller

LOCATION:Wayland Baptist University (WBU) - Plainview Campus

DEPARTMENT:Business Office

SUPERVISED BY:Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

POSITION CLASSIFICATION:Exempt (Executive)

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:All Business Office positions

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:The Controller is responsible for assisting the Chief Financial Officer in managing the business and financial affairs of the university as well as developing and recommending polices related to each of these areas. The Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the Business Office staff.

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES:

• Leads and directs the following areas of the Business Office: Financial Accounting and Banking services, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Student Accounts, Cashiering and Collections. Involves supervision of twelve employees at the Plainview campus and the remote overview of Business Office processes at WBUs external campuses.
• Assists the CFO in managing all financial operations of the university, including the design of the universitys financial reporting format, the preparation of a comprehensive annual financial analysis and the provision of that data required for the annual audit.
• Maintains financial management systems and internal controls required to safeguard University assets and confirm that accounts are accurate and appropriately maintained.
• Ensures that appropriate internal controls and procedures are used for cash management, accounting records, internal financial reporting, and all other financial transactions and functions.
• Guides Business Office staff in the preparation of the financial statements and the annual audit.
• Provides recommendations for improving university-wide financial management practices.
• Ensures accounting procedures conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Interprets state and federal regulations and Department of Education policies and procedures.
• Provides external reporting of the universitys financial and economic condition and results of operation and external funding from grants, gifts and contracts.
• Provides the CFO and other university officials with appropriate financial information, data, records and opinion.
• Plans Business Office participation in student registrations throughout the year.
• Works closely with the Office of Financial Aid and the University Store to meet student needs.
• Builds strong relationships university-wide, particularly with budget directors.
• Serves as a financial and university leader, contributing to Waylands culture, policy, financial and spiritual framework.
• Updates job knowledge by remaining aware of new regulations; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Resolves Business Office matters involving students/parent concerns and personnel issues in accordance with University policy and procedures.
• Manages the promotion of quality service and excellence in the handling of duties and solving problems.
• Assists the CFO with grant accounting and reporting.
• Participates in appropriate university and community events to promote Wayland and the Business Office.
• Assists the CFO with other duties as assigned.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Qualifications to perform this job successfully: an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have a commitment to WBUs mission as a Baptist, liberal arts university.

Education:

1. Bachelors Degree, required
2. Certified Public Accountant licensure (current), equired
3. Masters degree or equivalent; or a minimum of 8 years related experience, and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience and Knowledge:

1. Eight years of progressive management experience in financial and administrative services, preferably in higher education or a non-profit organization.
2. Possess a thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and not-for-profit accounting.
3. An energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards.
4. A strategic visionary with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment and strong operational focus.
5. A well organized and self-directed individual who displays discernment and is a team player.
6. An articulate individual who can relate to people at all levels of an organization, possesses excellent communication skills with the ability to professionally represent the University to external constituencies in business matters.
7. A decisive individual who possesses the ability to consider all aspects of a situation and is well versed in organizational systems.

Skills and Abilities:

Must have a commitment to Christian higher education in general and the purpose and philosophy of higher education as promoted by the Baptist General Convention of Texas in general and of Wayland Baptist University in particular.

Strong working knowledge and experience in complex business management strategies and operations of a higher education institution.

Experience with Microsoft Windows and the Microsoft Office suite, in particular advanced excel skills.

Preferred, but not required, to possess an understanding of higher education software, including but not limited to Great Plains, Management Reporter, PowerCampus and Student Self Service.

Excel