Bryant University - Controller
Summary
| Title: | Bryant University - Controller |
|---|---|
| ID: | 1201 |
Description
Bryant University
Controller
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Bryant University in their search for a Controller.
Bryant University offers a dynamic environment for a strong financial leader looking to make a lasting impact. The ideal candidate is well versed in accounting principles and ready to join a strong and energetic team.
This position is accountable to perform financial accounting, tax and internal control review functions which support the Controller’s Office in effective recording, reporting and review of the University’s financial transactions, and custodianship of assets. The position also has responsibility of the oversight of the accounts payable function and any other functional areas as delegated by the Associate VP for Business Affairs (AVPBA) to whom this position reports.
To perform the functions of this position, they directly supervise the work performed by the Associate Controller (who is assisted by three accounting staff members.) The Controller works very closely with the Associate Controller in all areas of their responsibilities and mentors the staff in their professional development. The incumbent also supervises the Accounts Payable Supervisor and the activities of any student employees/graduate assistants.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Accounting and Financial Reporting: The incumbent, utilizing generally accepted accounting and auditing principles. reviews, analyzes, and interprets data to maintain the general ledger accounts and subsidiary ledger records for the University. The Controller oversees the review and analysis of all income statement and balance sheet accounts, updates worksheets and prepares reports which summarize the activity comprising these account balances. The Controller undertakes the month-end review of all general ledger accounts to ensure correct classification of accounts and accuracy of account balances from a financial statement perspective. The incumbent will oversee the operation of a fixed asset tracking and depreciation system. The incumbent is also responsible for coordinating with the Bursar’s office to review flow of data from the student subsidiary ledger into the general ledger thereby ensuring that accounts receivables and deferred revenues reconcile. The incumbent works closely with the Director of Budgeting and Financial Planning in providing input and feedback for the preparation of budgets and providing analysis which assists the budgeting team in preparing more accurate year-end forecasts.
Internal Controls Development and Review: The Controller will be responsible for developing and maintaining a formalized internal controls structure within the University’s financial reporting environment. This responsibility will involve working with key personnel in documenting internal processes and procedures and preparation of an internal controls manual. They will be required to work with the AVPBA on enhancing the financial aspects of a risk assessment model which the University is in the process of building. The incumbent will review business processes within various operations on campus and prepare internal control review reports on such aspects of operations. The Controller will develop viable recommendations to enhance processes, systems, and risk mitigation measures to improve their quality and integration. The incumbent oversees the development of all University financial accounting policies which would be available for the reference of Bryant University employees. The scope of these policies would be continually expanded to cover all aspects of financial business practices as the complexity of the University’s operations continues to grow.
Investment Management: The Controller oversees the recording of all activity of the endowment, debt service, and treasury investments of the University ensuring that transactions are booked in a timely and accurate basis. The incumbent reviews the monthly investment schedules, summaries of investment activity as well as reconciliations that tie into control reports and statements provided by the investment managers and advisors. The Controller prepares analysis for upper-level management for returns on investment, investment allocation and any other reports required to be presented to the University’s Investment Committee. The incumbent works with the AVPBA in coordinating with investment managers to obtain information on and undertake an analysis of the valuation of investments, to ensure compliance with auditing standards for valuation of investments.
Audit, Tax and Regulatory Filing Oversight: The incumbent oversees and coordinates the annual statutory audit and OMB Circular-A 133 audit, which is performed by the University’s independent accountants, ensuring that all worksheets and schedules are prepared in a timely manner. The incumbent is responsible for set up and implementation of new accounting (and auditing) standards which the University must be in compliance with. The incumbent utilizes on-line resources to develop knowledge of and ensure that the University is in compliance with existing tax and financial regulations and audit standards. The incumbent is responsible for the preparation and filing of form 990 & 990-T tax returns, IPEDS (financial component), EMMA bond continuing disclosure reports, credit rating agency updates, as well as any other financial surveys.
Treasury Management: The incumbent is responsible for monitoring daily cash inflows and outflows to ensure excess cash is invested in a timely manner as per the investment guidelines and policies. The incumbent coordinates with the underlying accounting staff to ensure that all vendor and payroll payments made through the University’s bank accounts clear through without default. The incumbent must work closely with the Facilities Management department and the Director of Budgeting and Financial Planning to accurately forecast the capital expenditure cash flows of the University and recommends to the AVPBA on the timing of draw down of bond construction funds. The incumbent also advises the AVPBA on the need for quarterly draw down of funds for operational purposes from the University’s endowment pool. They effect/authorize wire transfers for short and long-term investments.
Accounts Payable Management: The Controller directs the activities of the accounts payable function, implements proper spending procedures working with all levels of management to ensure University funds are appropriately spent. The incumbent supervises the Accounts Payable Coordinator and oversees supervision of the Accounts Payable Assistant. The incumbent researches taxation issues related to vendor payments. The Controller ensures that the University is in compliance with all tax filing requirements for vendor payments. They initiate programs which will improve workflow process or bring about cost savings for the University.
Gift Accounting and Stewardship: The Controller oversees the Gift Accounting and Gift reconciliation process. The incumbent reviews the reconciliation statement, which ties outright cash gifts, pledges recorded, and cash collected as reported by the Development Office, to the General Ledger (G/L) module. The incumbent is responsible for reviewing the pledge outstanding report and coordinating with Development personnel on the collectability of such receivables and in the development of allowance estimates for such receivables. They review the preparation of all year-end schedules for the computation of discount and allowances on pledges receivable. The incumbent is also responsible for set up and implementation of any new gift accounting (and auditing) standards which the University must be in compliance with. The incumbent reviews the unitized endowment fund balance report on a monthly basis. They work closely with the Financial Aid Office, the Development Office and other University departments, as necessary, to provide information which keeps donors apprised of the value of their unitized endowment fund balance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Undergraduate degree in accounting and a Masters Degree in Business Administration/Accounting
• Eight to ten years demonstrated and progressive experience.
• Eight to ten years demonstrated and progressive experience.
• Demonstrated financial and accounting experience, strong understanding of financial systems analysis and proficiency in MS Office software.
• Attentiveness to detail and accuracy are imperative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong tact and customer service skills are required to interact effectively with University departments and oversee staff.
• Excellent organizational skills, maturity, professionalism and confidentiality are required at all times.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience working in a public accounting firm with significant exposure to not-for profit accounting and/or relevant accounting/auditing experience in a not-for profit environment.
About the Institution
Founded in 1863, Bryant University currently enrolls over 3700 students. Founded as a school of business in 1863, Bryant has a longstanding tradition of highly regarded academic programs in business disciplines. Bryant’s uniquely integrated business and liberal arts curriculum was formalized when Bryant College became Bryant University in 2004, creating both an AACSB-accredited College of Business and a College of Arts and Sciences. In 2016, the University established a School of Health Sciences and launched its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, marking its strategic entry into healthcare education and management.
Bryant’s high impact teaching and learning produce student outcomes that are among the strongest in higher education, yielding a market-leading return on investment recognized among the top 2% in the nation. Ninety-nine percent of Bryant baccalaureate alumni are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, reporting a median starting salary of $60,000. Degrees from the Graduate School of Business (including the two- and one-year in seat MBA, the professional MBA online and the Master of Professional Accountancy) command a 34% salary increase upon completion. Bryant’s 50,000 alumni span all 50 states and reside in 58 countries; they play an integral role in campus culture. Nearly ten percent of Bryant alumni are CEOs, COOs, and CFOs. Engaged alumni participate in the College of Business Dean’s Council and support student success through abundant career shadowing and mentorship programs including Smart Women in Finance, The Archway Investment Fund Advisory Board, and The Wall Street Council.
Living in the Area
Rhode Island, nicknamed the Ocean State, combines an exciting capital city, Providence, with a relaxing New England country setting, all within an area only 48 miles long by 37 miles wide. Living in the greater Providence area offers many benefits including an excellent quality of life, strong school systems and lower commute times. The area offers amenities for everyone with a rural feel offering plenty of outdoor activities. The city of Providence, just 20 minutes away from campus, is a mecca of restaurants and pubs, museums, galleries, theater, shopping, bars, and is home to many eclectic neighborhoods.
There is never a shortage of things to do with flea markets, food festivals and outdoor concerts taking place along the Providence River during the summer months, outdoor and indoor farmers markets happen all year and universities, libraries and nonprofits regularly host lectures, artist talks and film screenings.
Bryant University enjoys close proximity to Providence (10 miles) and Boston (54 miles) and easy accessibility to New York City (less than three hours by Amtrak’s Acela).
To Apply
Please do not email applications.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. All applications are treated confidentially.
Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated confidentially:
Inquiries and questions: Please send to bryantcontroller@acesrch.com
Nominations and referrals: Please send to nominations@acesrch.com
Bryant’s Commitment to an Inclusive Environment: Bryant University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates. Individuals who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of any of these classes should contact the University’s Title IX Coordinators.
This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications
