OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY invites applications for the position of:
Controller
DIVISION: Business Affairs
DEPARTMENT: Controller's Office
OPENING DATE: 01/12/23
DESCRIPTION:
Otterbein University seeks a Controller who will provide leadership and management oversight for the daily operations of accounting, payroll, accounts payable, grant accounting, and student accounts. Coordinates all external audit activities, including the annual financial reporting process, and preparation of annual Form 990. This is a full-time, exempt position.
UNIVERSITY SUMMARY: Historically progressive and building. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio's largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County.
Otterbein has been selected as one of 23 universities across the US and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Maintains accounting records in accordance with NACUBO/AICPA guidelines; maintains and administers the University's financial accounting system in Banner; evaluates accounting procedures and chart of accounts, and implements proposals for improvements, to maintain proper internal control.
Supervises department employees and manages the daily operation of the department including payroll, accounts payable, student accounts and financial reporting functions.
Provides support for preparation of the University budget.
Develops financial analyses and plans.
Advises University departments on University policies and procedures for expenditures.
Develops new financial reports from Banner and prepares ad hoc reports as needed.
Serves as liaison to the University's independent auditors in coordinating the annual audit; oversees preparation of the annual financial statements and appropriate audit work papers; responses to the Management Letter and implements necessary changes recommended by the auditors.
Supervises preparation of the University's annual Information Tax Return (Form (990); and financial reports to the Federal government for student financial aid and other grants. Draws funds from grantors as appropriate.
Serves as liaison between Business Office and Development Office and understands CASE/NACUBO requirements for gift reporting. Maintains records on unitized endowment, including additions, deductions and income distribution.
Makes scheduled indebtedness debt service payments.
Works closely with Vice President for Business Affairs in maintaining a strong financial and internal control environment.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Otterbein University requires all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or have a medical or religious exemption approved by the University HR department. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption must be submitted to the University Human Resources department prior to the employee's start date. Finalist candidates who would like to request information regarding religious and medical exemptions will be directed to HR for details.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Accounting; 6 years of experience, two of which should be in public accounting, or similar position; s/he should have demonstrated management skills and the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with managers and staff throughout the organization; CPA and experience with Ellucian-Banner or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software required. MBA and prior experience in higher education strongly preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: CPA required, MBA preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must demonstrate competency in verbal and written English skills including grammar. Must be able to communicate complex financial topics and issues clearly and accurately, particularly to audiences with no financial background.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must be competent in math commonly used in the accounting profession.
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Must take pride in and be thorough in quality of work produced; must be able to use general office equipment including office PC, copier, telephone, facsimile machine, etc. Must have computer software skills including database and spreadsheet packages; must be competent in fund accounting and university accounting. Ability to utilize technology and data to identify and resolve issues.
REASONING ABILITY: Must possess excellent attention to details; high level of analytical skills; ability to translate analyses into actionable plans aimed to solve problems, improve the University's financial strength, meet University goals, and ensure proper internal controls.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Must have effective communication skills, be a team player and interact collegially with co-workers and other constituencies to ensure results.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must be able to spend prolonged periods of time working on an office PC; able to reach, lift to 20 pounds, travel throughout office to use other office equipment; must be able to hear and make self heard by co-workers and other constituencies; must be able to see to process work that the position is responsible for completing; must be able to work under deadlines and with constant interruptions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.
Otterbein University is an EEO educator and employer.