Position Summary:
The Controller at Garrett is responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the Seminary’s general ledger and internal and external financial reporting. This position has primary oversight of the functions of accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, endowment accounting, grant accounting, payroll processing, fixed assets accounting and facilitation of the budgeting process. The staff supporting this position includes the Senior Accountant, the Bursar, and the Accounts Payable Staff Accountant. The Controller reports to the Vice President for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer. This position interacts with all levels of management and staff to ensure that financial and management reporting and internal control systems support the Seminary’s goals.
Required Education and Experience:
- Five to seven years of relevant accounting, general ledger management, financial reporting and internal control experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- CPA required.
- Excellent interpersonal and project management skills including written communication.
- Prior experience in managing the budgeting, forecasting, Board package preparation or transaction support functions is important. Previous background in supervising a small staff is a plus.
- Experience in the development and ongoing maintenance of a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems.
- Highest possible integrity and professionalism, with the capability of developing and maintaining credibility throughout the organization and externally.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Jenzabar and ADP experience would be a plus.
- Experience in nonprofit accounting - higher education environment is preferred.
- Background in public accounting is preferred.
- Interest in systems and commitment to related organizational structures that promote effectiveness and efficiencies.
- Intellect and professionalism to be groomed for more senior responsibilities in the future.
- Enthusiasm for the strategy, culture and people of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Essential functions and responsibilities:
- Preparation of timely and accurate monthly and quarterly financial statements and related analyses;
- Maintenance and management of the Seminary’s chart of accounts in accordance with accounting best practices to facilitate preparation of accurate financial reports and the annual budgeting process;
- Coordination and timely preparation of the Seminary’s annual external financial audit including Single Audits, typically related to Title IV funding;
- Timely preparation and filing of 990-T;
- Implementation and ongoing maintenance of sound internal control procedures;
- Facilitation of annual budgeting process;
- Development and implementation of policies and procedures for accurate and effective requisition, reporting, budgeting and forecasting capital appropriations and spending;
- Maintenance, directly or through subordinates, of all federally required Direct Loan and Federal Work Study records;
- Preparation and submission of timely financial reporting to external entities such as federal, state, and local agencies, accrediting agencies, grantors and others, as required;
- Continued learning and improvement in understanding and use of accounting software and training of staff in same.
Physical demands and work environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.
- Physical demands: Example: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, crawl, safely climb a step ladder up to 10 feet, and lift/move up to 10 pounds. Must be able to have repetitive wrist hand and/or finger movement to type and work on computer. Must have finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination to work on computer, telephone, and related office equipment. The individual will regularly be required to communicate professionally in person, over the phone, and through email; and to sit, type, and stare at a computer monitor for prolonged periods.
- Work environment: Employee occasionally may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time, but work is primarily performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and believes in equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Accordingly, all employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity. These decisions include recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and other personnel actions involving persons in all job titles and shall occur without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship status, order of protection status, homelessness, arrest record, victim of domestic violence, common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other characteristic protected by law.
No individual will be denied nor receive special employment opportunities based on membership status in any protected category. Every employee of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is expected to support this equal opportunity and nondiscrimination commitment by conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the intent and spirit of this policy.
