Comptroller

Job Summary The Comptroller serves as a member of HSSU’s financial management team and oversees the University’s accounting, bursar, and financial reporting operations. This position ensures the accuracy of the University’s financial accounting and reporting activities. The Comptroller is the day-to-day manager of all financial records and ensures the integrity of HSSU’s financial operations. The Comptroller advises on key policy issues that have a direct impact on the University’s financial operations. This position requires principled, effective, and efficient leadership, management, and oversight for all financial activities of the University. The position requires both policy-level vision and the ability to oversee daily operations to ensure compliance with state statutes, audit requirements, and Harris-Stowe State University’s Rules and Procedures. The Comptroller further assists in the planning and management of University financial operations, advising on the establishment of financial policies and standards, while directing and overseeing the operations of the Bursar and Accounting Office.

Essential Functions

• Develops and maintains a system of general ledger accounting to control financial resources of the University and facilitates reporting.
• Supervises all internal and external financial reporting for the University.
• Supervises work assignments and prioritizes the work of the Accounting Office.
• Develops and maintains internal accounting controls to protect resources, and detects and eliminates errors in accounting practices.
• Solves accounting problems in the areas of accounting, cashiering, expenditure accounting, revenue accounting, and sponsored program accounting, and coordinates with the Payroll Office on payroll-related accounting matters.
• Leads and coordinates the University’s annual external financial statement audit and Single Audit under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200, Subpart F).
• Reconciles and analyzes accounting financial statements.
• Supports and enhances the University’s purchase card program.
• Directs, plans, coordinates, and manages the University’s financial functions and assets (e.g., operating cash, endowment funds, and physical inventory). Assists the VP/CFO in developing the University-wide budget, recommending policies and procedures relating to financial operations, and advising the University President and other senior staff on related issues.
• Supports the VP/CFO by providing vision, leadership, coordination, accountability, and advocacy for University financial resources in support of Harris-Stowe State University’s mission.
• Participates in the leadership of the University through interaction with the VP/CFO and other Vice Presidents as required.
• Directs Financial Services areas, including accounting and finance, budget and endowment reporting, and other identified functions, and manages institutional financial risks.
• Develops long-range and annual plans for accounting services that support University operations and facilitate implementation of the University’s goals and strategic initiatives.
• Administers budget control processes and facilitates involvement of University personnel.
• Recommends policies and standards for University financial operations and compliance with all necessary policies and regulations.
• Oversees month-end and fiscal year-end close and the preparation of the University’s annual financial statements in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Prepares or oversees required federal and state financial reporting, including IPEDS Finance reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the VP/CFO.

Minimum Education and Experience

• At least eight (8) years of progressive accounting or financial management work experience, with at least five (5) years at the supervisory level. Public higher education experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Master’s degree and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.
• Experience consulting and advising senior-level executives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires extensive knowledge in finance and accounting and/or singular knowledge of a specialized advanced discipline. Able to integrate information from many diverse areas. Requires extensive organizational and/or business knowledge to manage University financial operations.
• Expert knowledge of principles and practices of fund-based accounting and finance for a public institution of higher education.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, procedures, and processes governing the Comptroller’s areas of responsibility.
• An ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of contacts of considerable importance within, and outside of, the University.
• Excellent organizational skills, with special attention to details.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines while working independently.
• Must be able to exercise sound independent judgment and discretion within assigned role to complete assignments.
• Ability to work well with others at all levels of the organization.
• Experience with computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to maintain extremely confidential information and manage very sensitive situations.
• Ability to work independently on broad general activities with the responsibility for planning and delegation of work.
• Ability to make major decisions within broad limitations of policies and professional standards, with work reviewed through consultation and agreement with others rather than by directives from superiors.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Yes, supervises the following staff: o Accounting o Bursar o Grants Accounting

Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel to off-site meetings may be required.
• Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Work is primarily sedentary.

Working Conditions and Environment

• Work is routinely performed in a typical interior/office environment.
• Very limited or no exposure to physical risk.

EOE Statement Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact the Office of Human Resources.