Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Purpose Of The Position

The Controller is a key member of the Finance leadership team and provides strategic oversight and management of UAH and UAH Foundation accounting, accounts payable, and financial reporting functions. The Controller will play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity of the university, fostering a culture of compliance, and driving continuous improvement in financial processes and procedures.

Leadership

• Develops, recommends, and implements appropriate accounting and financial policies and procedures, processes, and systems.
• Provides strategic and administrative leadership for the functional financial units, including general accounting, accounts payable, UAH Foundation accounting, and financial reporting.
• Provides leadership for university-wide accounting operations, including revenues, expenses, property, cash flows, and assets and liabilities.
• Provides leadership and guidance for accounting staff to ensure the highest standards of fiscal integrity and fiscal responsibility and accountability, excellent stewardship of University and UAH Foundation resources, and a collaborative team environment.

Accounting

• Serves as the University's principal accounting officer.
• Ensures the accurate and timely processing of all accounting and accounting-related transactions.
• Maintain and oversee the university’s chart of accounts, ensuring it is accurately structured and updated to reflect the institution's financial activities.
• Implement and enforce appropriate access controls to financial systems, safeguarding sensitive financial data and ensuring that only authorized personnel can make modifications.
• Maintains accountability for the overall accuracy, reliability, analysis, and evaluation of all financial data of UAH and the UAH Foundation.
• Establishes and maintains systematic internal controls that provide for monitoring and safeguarding University and UAH Foundation assets.
• Manages the preparation and submission of applicable tax filings.

Financial Reporting

• Respond to requests from the University of Alabama System for various routine and ad hoc reports.
• Provides accurate and timely reports as needed to support the President, Chief Financial Officer, and the executive leadership team in decision-making and analysis.
• Provides oversight and management of reporting to external agencies.
• Prepares the annual audited financial reports for both UAH and UAH Foundation.

Compliance and Audit

• Ensures compliance with applicable financial regulations as well as the University of Alabama System financial policies and procedures.
• Serves as the primary liaison of contact with NASA and other federal agencies.
• Serves as the primary liaison with independent auditors, coordinates the annual financial audits, and coordinates preparation of reports and schedules required for each audit.
• Coordinates audits by the State Examiners of Public Accounts and other state agencies.
• Interprets complex financial policies, laws, and regulations and advises executive leadership and the campus community as needed to ensure compliance.
• Prevents, detects, and promptly corrects fraudulent or improper financial activities. Reports such activities, should they occur, to appropriate authorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Active CPA License
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership in relevant financial areas
• Ability to communicate complex concepts and ideas
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including demonstrated proficiency with Excel
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of individuals and organizations
• Demonstrated knowledge of and expertise in GAAP, GASB, and FASB requirements, and demonstrated knowledge of OMB A-133.
• U.S. Citizenship is required

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
• Experience in accounting and finance at a college or university strongly desired

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