Controller

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply the role of Controller in the Business Affairs Unit. 

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

Salary Range: $130,740-$174,660

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President for Business Affairs and CFO, the Controller is a key member of the University of St. Thomas financial leadership team and will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic oversight of financial accounting and compliance and will plan and direct all aspects of the University’s treasury and debt management operations. 

The Controller:

• will provide the university’s academic and administrative leadership, and board members with efficient and effective monitoring, management, and control of the financial resources of the university.
• is a key participant in managing the financial risk exposure for the university.
• will work closely and collaboratively with the Office of Financial Planning and Budgeting, deans and vice presidents, and financial managers to serve the needs of the university and communicate financial policies and procedures.
• provides strong management reporting and controls along with excellent customer service.
  participates in a variety of committees on campus including the Audit/Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

External audit, Form 990/990-T and general accounting

Oversee the annual external audit, including single audit(s) of federal funds and preparation of the audit report. Lead the annual closing process, decisions as to the treatment of various financial issues and coordination with the CFO, staff accountants, and external auditors. The audit report is used by donors, bondholders, banks, rating agencies (Moody's), government agencies, and others to judge the financial strength of the University. This task includes following generally accepted accounting principles, and presenting information in a clear, concise, and fair manner. Coordination of the preparation of the University’s annual IRS Form 990/990T information returns and establishing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal tax laws.

Management of long-term debt

In collaboration with the CFO, University’s financial advisor, facilities management and other applicable parties, plan, coordinate and execute debt issuances and refinancing’s. Monitor existing debt and ensure compliance with federal and state laws as well as IRS regulations. Implement debt restructurings when available and appropriate. Manage interest rate swaps, if applicable.

Business risk and compliance issues

Monitor and improve business processes and procedures to ensure the safeguarding of university assets and to promote the efficient use of resources by providing timely and accurate information. This includes monitoring business risk controls and providing internal performance reports. Stays current on policies, practices, and procedures with FASB, local, state, and federal regulations as well as university policies. Provides guidance to departments regarding financial policies and procedures, and enforces the university’s fiscal compliance with all regulations, policies, and procedures.

Financial reporting and analysis

In partnership with the Office of Budget & Financial Planning, develop and oversee financial reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators to executive management, deans and vice presidents, financial managers, and others on a monthly and an ad hoc basis. Monthly reports currently include departmental revenue and expense, endowment funds, restricted and capital (equipment) funds. Special purpose reports include capital project financing plans, projections for new programs, cash flow projections with present value discounting options, and buy vs. lease analyses.

Management of the operating cash

Manage operating cash including ensuring daily that sufficient operating cash is available to meet payroll and payables and forecasting/monitoring cash levels throughout the year. Collaborate with Investment Office to select and monitor appropriate investment vehicle(s) to invest excess cash. Manage banking relationships including the line of credit and implementation of other banking and credit products. Manage and troubleshoot bank and University errors related to cash transactions.

Collaborate and lead financial matters and special projects

Provide proactive, strategic leadership to executive management and others on financial issues as they arise. For example, participate in Budget Advisory Committee and Executive Budget Committee, co-lead Finance @ St. Thomas. Support Audit/Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees

Financial systems

Improve and monitor financial related computer systems. Oversee the processes by which external financial related software systems interface with the ERP Finance system. Assess risks and direct procedures for how the internal system processes and stores information. Maintain a system of controls over all financial transactions including cash receipts, payroll, and disbursements. Oversee the identification and resolution of any technical accounting issues.

Internal Financial Audits and Controls

Plan, oversee, and review all internal financial operating audits and assessments designed to define and identify internal control weaknesses. Develop, document, and implement effective policies and procedures for improving internal controls.

Manage, plan, direct, and monitor financial and accounting activities

Directs the operations and completion of key financial and accounting activities within the Controller’s Office, ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, federal and state regulations, and University policies. Manages accounting and technical staff within the department. Key areas of responsibility within the Controller’s Office include bank and investment account reconciliations, fixed asset capitalization and depreciation, debt accounting, endowment return allocation and spending draw calculation, contributions receivable internal audit, external institutional financial surveys, maintenance of chart of accounts and approval queues, and management of security access to financial reports.  Identify areas for process improvement and strategies that will benefit the department and university.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
• A CPA certification
• Seven years of professional accounting experience, three (3) years of which were in a managerial/supervisory role.  
• Knowledge of principles and practices of nonprofit accounting, general fund accounting, including methods of financial auditing, reporting and financial statement preparation; contract negotiation; employee management including selection, work planning, organization, performance review and evaluation, training and discipline; developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment; applicable laws, codes and regulations; computer applications related to the work; records management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may be substituted.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.