Controller

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The Controller reports to the Vice President of Finance/CFO and is responsible for maintaining the financial integrity of the University. The Controller is responsible for the University's accounting and financial reporting functions and directs, coordinates, and oversees the University's various financial, accounting, budget and treasury operations. The Controller establishes University accounting and financial policies and standards and manages monthly and fiscal year-end closing and financial reporting processes as well as a variety of accounting, tax, and related processes, policies and procedures. The Controller directs, guides and oversees staff responsible for accounting, budget and financial planning, treasury, financial reporting, taxes, bursar operations and financial compliance. The Controller is responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust and effective internal control environment

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Designs, establishes and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the division's overall goals and objectives; directs and oversees the hiring, development, management and evaluation of divisional staff.

• Develops and maintains written accounting and financial policies and procedures. Advises VP/CFO on all accounting, tax, financial and internal control matters. Provides advice and support to faculty and staff on University accounting and financial matters.

• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the University's annual year-end audit including financial results, pension plan, 403b Retirement Savings Plan, OMB circular A-133 Federal Aid and state financial aid. Manage the relationship with the University's external auditors.

• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of the annual IRS Form 990 tax return. Review and adjust University policy appropriately for changes in the IRS tax code. Advise the VP/CFO on tax issues.

• Supervises areas of Accounts Payable, Accounting, and Budget. Performs continual review of operations and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Ensure the implementation of practices that meet emerging and developing standards within the higher education industry.

• Working with Budget team, coordinate annual budget development process, projected revenue and expenses, cash flow and other critical financial metrics including analysis of actual versus budget financial performance.

• Continuously review, develop and test internal controls and available technology in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of controls and operations.

• Responsible for Cash Management including working closely with various banks on cash management issues, monitoring cash flow, monitoring potential fraud issues, and ensuring the availability of cash for daily operations.

• Responsible for short and long term investments. Assuring alignment with Investment Policy as well as recommending revisions to Investment Policy as necessary.

• Take full responsibility for the chart of accounts and general ledger, including the review of entries prepared by others and reconciliations.

• Serve on University committees as requested.

• Assist VP/CFO on bond financing, covenant compliance and debt analysis.

• Assist VP/CFO with the preparation of materials for the Board of Trustee Meetings.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

• Ability to analyze data and develop financial reports for cash flow and financial analysis, forecasting and trending.

• Strong ability to interpret financial transactions and events for users

• High degree of oral and written communication skills

• Ability to hire, supervise, motive and train direct reports.

• Excellent organization and analytical skills

• An ability to work independently with self-confidence and communication skills are essential

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with departments such as Advancement, Budget, HR, IT and Academic Affairs.

• Effective planning, prioritization, and execution of projects within tight deadlines.

• An effective use of technology including fluency in Excel is required; familiarity with financial reporting systems including Datatel Colleague is preferred.