Controller

Chestnut Hill College - Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Philadelphia, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The Controller at Chestnut Hill College is responsible for overseeing the daily financial operations of the Accounting Office. This role includes managing staff coordination and key activities such as cash management, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, payroll, and budget oversight. The Controller also plays a crucial role in benefits accounting and administration, budget preparation, contract negotiations, and implementing cost-saving initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily financial operations of the Accounting Office and coordinate staff activities.
• Record and monitor all financial transactions of the College.
• Manage month-end account reconciliations and closing processes.
• Establish accounting policies, procedures, and processes that adhere to accepted accounting principles.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting, endowment and investment accounting, payroll and benefit accounting, and gift accounting functions.
• Respond to internal requests for financial data and budget inquiries.
• Manage the College's financial accounting system and maintain oversight of the Jenzabar Business Office Module.
• Oversee internal and external financial reporting and variance analysis.
• Complete and review annual surveys required by higher education associations.
• Monitor spending associated with grants and ensure proper grant accounting.
• Oversee the fiscal year-end close process and the completion of financial statements and audits.
• Oversee all payroll activities and ensure accuracy of payroll transactions.
• Prepare accounts payable transactions related to benefits and other deductions.
• Coordinate the transmission of payroll to outside Payroll Service and ensure report accuracy.
• Prepare reports related to pay data for ACA reporting and coordinate with vendors.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory reporting requirements.
• Assist in developing policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify strategic opportunities to improve processes within the department and College.
• Establish effective Cash Management practices and prepare cash forecasts.
• Manage the College's Line of Credit and oversee compliance with debt covenants.
• Assist in developing and maintaining external financial relationships with banks and financial institutions.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee and various College committees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's in Accounting or Business Administration and/or CPA preferred.
• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including management in a non-profit setting, preferably in higher education.
• Experience in financial audit coordination.
• Technical expertise in accounting, financial statement preparation, budget management, and cash management.
• Knowledge of accounting information systems, preferably Jenzabar J1, and report writing software, preferably Infomaker.
• Ability to develop and maintain sound financial and internal control systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all levels of the organization.
• Motivated, self-directed, and able to work under pressure with multiple deadlines.