Controller Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University’s Office of accounting is accepting applications for a Controller. This is a full-time benefited exempt position located in the bowman building in downtown Winchester, VA, which may be occasionally remote following the initial 90-day probationary period.

The Controller will be reporting to the Vice President of Finance and CFO, serving as a financial business and accounting leader for the University.

The Controller is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating all accounting functions of the University as well as serving as a senior level advisor for the VP for Finance and CFO and other University executives on the financial position of the University.

• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate all accounting functions of the University; serve as a senior level advisor for the VP for Finance and CFO and other University executives on the financial position of the University.
• Provide oversight of the Office of the Controller including general accounting, endowment, gifts and grants accounting, purchasing and accounts payable, and other accounting operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate maintenance of general ledger, transactions, and financial management reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, reconciliations, tax returns, compliance surveys and management reports.
• Assist the Vice President of Finance and CFO with budget development, cash flow forecasts, and preparation of materials for meetings and mailings.
• Produce ad hoc financial reports and analysis to support decision making.
• Support accounting for endowments and investment activities, including endowment management software and spending distributions.
• Ensure alignment with the Finance Division and University-wide strategy, goals, and objectives.
• Develop metrics to ensure activities support this alignment.
• Assist in compilation and preparation of financial analyses, trends, and reports, whether financial or operational in nature.
• Oversee financial accounting functions and data processing, ensuring accounting procedures are followed utilizing GAAP/FASB.
• Manage the University’s external financial reporting process, ensuring timeliness and completeness of monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations and reports to support continuous external auditing and financial reporting integrity for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive internal controls to mitigate risk, protect assets, and support the financial infrastructure of the university.
• Ensure appropriate financial systems and internal controls safeguard University assets and accounts, accurately reflecting financial data.
• Monitor and oversee all University asset and liability accounts; ensure proper accounting methodology, techniques, policies, and reconciliations are adopted in Finance Division and University operations.
• Establish accounting policies and procedures for the University's accounting and financial transactions, ensuring they meet standards of internal control and compliance and balance cost vs. benefit.
• Partner with Human Resources on procedures and operational areas that affect payroll services and fringe benefit pool decisions.
• Oversee the annual external audit process and compilation of the University’s corporate and other GAAP financial statements.
• Recognize as a subject matter expert for financial audits and work successfully with external auditors.
• Ensure timely distribution of the University’s financial statements and other financial data to all internal and external users.
• Perform related responsibilities as required.