Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

Controller

Presbyterian College

Department:
Finance & Administration

Reports To:

Vice President for Finance & Administration/Chief Financial Officer

FLSA Status:
Exempt

The Controller serves as the College's chief accounting officer and is responsible for the integrity of the institution's financial records, accounting operations, internal controls, and financial reporting. The Controller provides leadership for the Business Office and ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable federal and state regulations, donor restrictions, debt covenants, and College policies. Working closely with the Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO, the Controller supports strategic financial decision-making through accurate reporting, strong internal controls, continuous process improvement, and effective stewardship of institutional resources.

The Controller plays a critical leadership role during the annual audit, budget development, year‑end close, and implementation of financial policies and systems.

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, payroll accounting, investments, and endowment accounting.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Prepare financial analyses and reports for senior leadership, Board committees, and external stakeholders.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Oversee month‑end and fiscal year‑end closing processes.
• Ensure accurate accounting for restricted gifts, grants, endowment activity, and agency funds.
• Prepare Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) reports and Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) report.

• Maintain and continuously strengthen the College's internal control environment.
• Develop, implement, and monitor accounting policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, NCAA, IRS regulations, donor restrictions, and other applicable accounting standards.
• Support compliance with SACSCOC financial standards and accreditation requirements.
• Monitor compliance with debt covenants and other financial obligations.

• Lead timely preparation for the annual independent financial statement audit.
• Coordinate audit requests and serve as primary liaison with external auditors, including preparation of Form 990s and NCAA Membership Financial Reporting Agreed Upon Procedures (NCAA MFRS AUP).
• Oversee preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions.

• Oversee daily cash management activities and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee student billing operations.
• Monitor institutional liquidity and assist the CFO with cash flow forecasting.
• Review investment accounting and endowment reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate accounting for debt, capital assets, leases, and other complex financial transactions.

• Support development of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor budget‑to‑actual performance.
• Assist departments with financial reporting and budget analysis.
• Assist with reports for the Board of Trustees.
• Partner with the CFO on long‑range financial planning and forecasting.

• Supervise Business Office staff, including accounting and financial operations personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Establish appropriate cross‑training and succession planning within the department.

• Serve as functional leader for the College's financial ERP system.
• Recommend and implement improvements to accounting processes, workflows, and reporting capabilities.
• Partner with Information Technology on financial system enhancements and reporting tools.
• Promote automation and efficiencies that improve accuracy, reduce risk, and strengthen internal controls.

• Support Board committees as assigned.
• Participa…