Central Midwest HERC

Coe College seeks qualified candidates for the position of Controller.  This position works in partnership with the VP for Finance & Administration to advance the academic mission of the college, by managing the financial planning, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure necessary to support the strategic initiatives of the college and lead the day-to-day operations of the Business Office.

The Controller is responsible for all financial operations, including leading the annual audit and 990 return preparation as well as assisting with the annual budgeting process.  This position will provide management, leadership and guidance to Business Office staff that support the payroll, student accounts, and accounts payable functions of the college.  This position works closely with the VP for Finance & Administration on long term financial planning, tax exempt capital financing planning, risk management and college property and casualty insurance needs.  The Controller reports directly to the VP for Finance & Administration and will be supported by the Assistant Controller, Staff Accountant and Business Office staff.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Lead, support and supervise Business Office staff to operationalize financial initiatives and provide oversight of daily operations.
• Ensure the timely and accurate filing of the 990 Information Return.
• Oversee the annual audit process to ensure the production of timely and accurate financial reports.
• Monitor the cash flow needs of the college.
• Serve as liaison to the College’s Finance & Facilities Committee working closely with the faculty Chair and VP for Finance & Administration.
• Provide financial and budget analysis while monitoring various budget accounts to provide timely reporting to divisions, departments and others, as requested, to facilitate management of expenses.
• Maintain fixed asset records and asset retirement obligations
• Communicate and support a variety of College committees and task forces, including executive administration (senior staff), Board of Trustees (Investment, Audit & Compliance and Finance & Facilities Committees) and external constituencies regarding budgetary and financial matters and represent the VP for Finance & Administration, as needed.
• Prepare reports for Board of Trustees meetings.
• Partner with the VP for Finance & Administration in oversight and negotiation of the contractual and auxiliary services of the college.
• Serve on the Investment Committee for the 403(b) plan of the college.
• Manage funding and compliance for all federal and state financial aid grant/loan programs, assuring compliance with all regulations.
• Stay abreast of new developments, trends, and regulations, including accounting standards, and communicate and address these changes proactively.
• In the absence of the Assistant Controller, supervise the Accounts Payable Supervisor, Accounting Assistant, and Staff Accountant as well as perform Assistant Controller duties as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

• In conjunction with the Assistant Controller:
  • Administer all fiscal operations of the college including the oversight of finance, accounting, budget and management of internal controls.
  • Ensure timely preparation of the annual Audited Financial Statements and filing of the 990 Information Return.
  • Manage and control the general ledger record keeping function and subsidiary ledger activity to maintain accurate accounting systems that will provide information for reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.
  • Oversee software processes and report writing.
  • Keep accounting records in balance and reconciled.
  • Coordinate the investment activities as directed by the investment manager.
  • Initiate, review and approve journal entries.
  • Compile financial data for monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting.
  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations which include red flag rules, etc.
  • Maintain and update documentation of policies and procedures for Business Office.

• Assist the VP for Finance & Administration with:
  • Institutional compliance for nonprofit institutions.
• The development of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) functions, including all risk management activities (project, operational, strategic and financial).
• Assessment of tax-exempt capital finance needs and special finance projects.
• Ensure appropriate property and casualty insurance coverage.
• Set pricing for comprehensive fees including ESL, Part Time, etc.
• Budget preparation and support.
• RFPs to ensure equitable pricing and superior customer service to best meet the needs of the college.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

 Position Specific:

• Demonstrated leadership qualities and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a strong staff.
• Strong sense of service orientation, with a proven ability to effectively communicate decisions and educate in the process.
• Ability to streamline accounting processes to reduce time and increase accuracy.
• Significant knowledge in finance, accounting, budgetary (capital and operating) preparation and oversight.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to propose and operationalize strategic financial initiatives, creatively and with finite resources.
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining annual budgets.
• Understanding of investment strategies, capital planning, and project management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including collaborative leadership skills, successful working relationships and the ability to create consensus between various constituencies.
• Ability to maintain the appropriate level of transparency and confidentiality in managing finances and other responsibilities with the highest level of integrity.
• Computer and program proficiency necessary to meet expectations of the position.
• Personal attributes - energetic, optimistic, competent, ethical with the ability to develop a deep sense of trust, can engage people in a dynamic work environment, visionary about leading improvements in the accounting processes, ability to nurture opportunities for collaboration, ability to cultivate and maintain informal relationships across the College that are mutually beneficial, ability to motivate people by a purpose worthy of their efforts, excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent organization and problem solving skills.

Coe Competencies:

• Dedication to the educational mission of a private, residential liberal arts college.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships in a collaborative and diverse team atmosphere.
• Commitment to excellent customer and/or student service.
• Demonstrated ethical and responsible decision making.
• Consistent attendance and accountability necessary to meet position objectives.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Typical office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration or equivalent combination of education and experience; MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• Significant level (5-10 years) of progressively successful experience in finance and administration, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in effective budget administration, strategic financial analysis, and regulatory compliance on an institutional level.
• Successful completion of a background check in accordance with Coe College policy.

About Coe College

Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. With 1,400 students, Coe's attractive campus is located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a vibrant metropolitan area of 267,000 residents in Iowa's Creative Corridor, providing a wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.

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