Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

At Holy Cross, we are focused on creating a world-class workforce by attracting and retaining employees dedicated to fostering a culture of professionalism, pride, mutual trust, and respect-one that values appreciation and recognition, empowering each of us to flourish both individually and collectively. We seek candidates who are inspired by our mission and values, and who are eager to make a meaningful difference on our campus.

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The Controller provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the College's financial infrastructure. This role is responsible for external financial reporting, financial accounting, tax, debt compliance, payroll, accounts payable, the procurement card program, treasury operations, sponsored programs post-award compliance, restricted giving, financial policies, and internal controls. Leveraging the Workday Financial Management platform, the Controller ensures the integrity of the College's fiscal health while driving process efficiency for faculty, staff, and students.

Job Description

Major Areas of Responsibility

With the support of direct reports and staff:

1. Financial Reporting, Audit, & Tax Compliance

* Reporting & Closing:
Provide oversight of financial, tax, and compliance reporting to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery. Coordinate the year-end closing process across all relevant departments.

* Audit Liaison:
Prepare the College's financial reports and serve as the primary liaison for the financial statement audit, defined contribution/benefit plan audits, Uniform Guidance audit, NCAA agreed-upon procedures, and other required reviews.

* Taxation:
Prepare the College's annual tax returns, including Form 990, 990-T, state unrelated business income (UBI) tax returns, and other regulatory filings.

* Technical Expertise:
Remain apprised of changes in GAAP, tax guidance, Department of Labor pay guidance, and Uniform Guidance. Understand and interpret complex accounting and compliance regulations for the enterprise.

2. Systems Governance & Policy Leadership

* Systems & Data:
Serve a critical role in IT systems governance. Recommend and implement system changes in Workday to promote accuracy, efficiency, and sophisticated data analysis.

* Internal Controls:
Establish and maintain systems and internal controls to verify the integrity of all processes and data. Ensure proper accounting standards and procedures are implemented and maintained.

* Policy Development:
Evaluate and update financial policies and procedures to support College requirements. Identify software needs to support departmental programs and lead the policy update process.

3. Strategic Liaison & Community Engagement

* Resource & Consultant:
Serve as a resource to the College community on financial and compliance questions. Build collaborative relationships across the enterprise to optimize decision-making and inspire high standards of financial performance.

* Feedback-Driven Improvement:
Work as a liaison between departments to balance service, quality, and costs. Solicit frequent feedback from campus constituencies to drive change and evolve the College's financial culture.

* Creative Problem Solving:
Conceive and implement innovative solutions leading to continuously improved services. Prepare and maintain operational budgets, upholding accountability for operating within approved limits.

4. People Leadership & Service Excellence

* Supervision & Culture:
Manage financial functions with an emphasis on strong customer service by every person in every job every day. Monitor workflow and adjust duties to meet deadlines.

* Talent Management:
Recruit, hire, train, and manage direct reports. Complete performance management programs to ensure goals are communicated in alignment with the College mission.

* Professional Development:
Support staff by setting clear goals, providing timely feedback, and encouraging continuous learning. Maximize the use of technology as an aid to job performance and encourage an environment where staff assume authority and accountability.

* Service Improvements:
Develop goals for program implementation and service improvements to prevent corrective actions. Institute administrative procedures that facilitate the work of the staff while providing a service-oriented structure for the campus.

5. Other Duties

* Perform other duties as assigned to support the Office of Finance and the broader mission of the College.

Minimum Qualifications

* Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA certification is required.

* Experience:

10+ years of progressive financial leadership, specifically in Higher Education or complex Non-Profit sectors.

* Technical

Skills:

Advanced proficiency in Workday Financial Management.

* Soft Skills:

Exceptional emotional intelligence and the ability to build "bridge-building" relationships with faculty and administration.

Core Competencies

* Integrity & Reliability:
Highest standards of honesty and integrity. Consistently dependable and…