Controller

Position: Controller

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Staff

Department: Finance Department

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Salary: $85,000.00 - $93,000.00 annual salary

College Background:

Paul Smith’s College is a private, four-year institution with approximately 750 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Known as the “College of the Adirondacks,” we are the only baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution located within the six-million-acre, world-famous, “forever-wild” Adirondacks in New York’s North Country.

Built on the site of the Adirondacks’ first wilderness resort, Paul Smith’s Hotel, the college is a haven for those who thrive on adventure. We are renowned for our exceptionally hands-on academics, inclusive community, spectacular location, and significant impact on the world around us.

Position Description:

The Controller is an administrative 12-month staff position in the Finance Department. The Controller works closely with and under the direction of Chief Financial Officer to support the operations of the Finance Office. The Controller works collaboratively as well as independently in a service-oriented office, with an emphasis on confidentiality, efficiency, and accuracy. The Finance Department is a small team of three, and the Controller is expected to be trained to assist with Accounts Payable responsibilities as needed.

The Controller is responsible for supervision of the day-to-day financial operations of the College’s accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash management. The Controller supports the CFO in the preparation of the College’s financial statements, preparation of reports for internal and external constituencies, assuring the use of generally accepted accounting principles, and compliance with federal, state, local and College policies and procedures. The Controller also assists with the development, implementation, and monitoring of the College’s annual budget.

The Controller works closely with the Accounts Payable Administrator in the Finance Department, and with staff in other College departments, including Student Financial Services, Payroll, Strategic Initiatives, Purchasing, and College Advancement.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform daily accounting tasks to support the Finance department, including recording financial transactions and reconciling bank accounts.
• Enter invoices and receipts for accounts receivable and track the status of open invoices.
• Work closely with the grants administrator to ensure proper grant billing and grant expense tracking.
• Ensure that financial records are recorded, maintained, and reconciled in a timely manner.
• Reconcile ledger and subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger.
• Assist with the development of the annual budget.
• Receive cash, checks, and credit card receipts from auxiliary retail departments, prepare bank deposits, and make associated general ledger entries.
• Assist the CFO in the compilation of financial data and preparation of monthly financial statements for the President, Board of Trustees, and bank.
• Review and analyze monthly revenues and expenses to assist with modeling future revenue, expense, and cash projections.
• Collaborate with the CFO and Accounts Payable Administrator in the development and improvement of policies and procedures.
• Maintain the College’s Chart of Accounts and ensure that the list of accounts is current.
• Meet monthly with members of the Advancement Department and the Office of Strategic Initiatives to reconcile the General Ledger with their lists of gifts, grants, and contributions.
• Monthly recurring journal entries, including depreciation, vehicle use, and postage.
• Support faculty and staff in answering financial questions relating to fundraising, student trips, budget management, etc.
• Serve as primary liaison for the annual financial audit. Provide financial information as requested by the auditors, create reports according to auditor requests.
• Remit semi-monthly employee retirement contributions.
• Monitor bank balances and make funds transfers as needed.
• Work with the CFO to review and approve external vendor proposals and contracts.

Qualifications and Preferences:

• Master’s degree in business or accounting, or CPA, preferred. A bachelor’s degree will be considered with appropriate experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of current work experience, preferably in higher education, in an accounting-related position.
• Ability to learn and adapt to financial software packages.
• Adept at using Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to work effectively with other departments.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyze financial data and identify trends and opportunities.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to identify financial risks and problems, and work collaboratively to resolve them.
• A commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards in all financial matters.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.