Controller

Position Summary

Position will remain open until filled

Under general supervision, the Controller is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the College's accounting system, including the accurate recording of financial transactions and reporting of financial data. The Controller plans, organizes, manages, and directs financial reporting activities; prepares the College's annual financial statements; and leads the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective internal control systems. The Controller works closely with and provides high-level administrative and technical support to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and ensures effective communication and collaboration with Business Office staff and stakeholders throughout the organization.

The Controller reports directly to the CFO and may supervise Business Office staff as assigned or as delegated by the CFO.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a system of financial accounting, auditing, reporting, and recordkeeping consistent with published regulations and accounting procedures.

• Formulate, implement, and manage internal controls related to the College's financial operations, including coordination of the "Eagle" internal control audit program.

• Provide highly responsive support to the CFO, including financial analysis, financial reporting, and research related to fiscal matters of the College.

• Organize and direct year-end activities to complete the College's fiscal year-end financial close in accordance with established guidelines and reporting calendars; prepare the College's annual financial statements for review by the CFO in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Perform month-end closing processes, including reconciliation of 112 reports, county and special cash accounts, and the accounts receivable subsidiary ledger; prepare monthly journal entries.

• Analyze and forecast monthly expenditures and submit recurrent state funding requests to the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) Office.

• Complete monthly bank reconciliations for assigned College accounts in accordance with established accounting procedures, including county and institutional accounts.

• Collaborate continually with Student Development Services to:

• Review and approve necessary adjustments to student accounts

• Process financial aid disbursements and Return to Title IV (R2T4)

• Manage the accounting and drawdown of federal, state, local, and private scholarship funds

• Place or remove Business Office holds on delinquent student accounts

• Verify and audit daily cash receipts; maintain daily cash analysis files; and process and review daily general ledger updates.

• Establish and maintain the College's chart of accounts and ensure proper account structure and classification to support accurate financial reporting.

• Prepare and distribute IRS Form 1099 annually.

• Review and verifymonthly full-time and part-time payroll and quarterly and annual federal and state payroll reports; serve as payroll backup during extended absences or position vacancies.

• Oversee accounts payable processing of state, county, and special checks through the State Treasurer's Positive Pay system; ensure invoices are paid timely and accurately and review warrants prior to submission to the CFO for signature.

• Oversee the accounts receivable process for students and sponsors, including billing, collections, third-party invoicing, submission of uncollectible accounts to NCDOR, and bad debt write-offs.

• Participate in training and professional development activities to remain current on regulatory and compliance requirements.

• Oversee and, as needed, assist in the preparation of W-2 forms and 1098-T statements for calendar year-end distribution.

• Serve on College committees and participate in institutional activities as assigned.

• Provide assistance with divisional tasks as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field required from a regionally accredited institution; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Three to five years of demonstrated experience preparing and posting journal entries and performing bank reconciliations.
• Advanced proficiency in computerized accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.

Special Requirements:

• Possession and ability to maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability and willingness to work additional and/or irregular hours during peak processing periods, including evenings, weekends, and during periods of inclement weather or campus closures.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience working in a community college or higher education environment.
• Experience using Colleague (or similar enterprise resource planning systems).