Controller

The Controller directs and manages the daily functions of the Business Office which include the accounts payable and receivable, cash management, use of funds and accounting functions. The work involves the independent and regular exercise of discretion and judgment regarding all areas of the College’s finances, including such areas as accounting practices, fiscal recordkeeping, financial reporting and budgetary controls. Individual oversees coordination of staff involved in related activities. Internal contacts are primarily with department heads and managers, responding to questions and concerns.

The Controller is a member of the President’s Cabinet and provides strategic and tactical fiscal leadership to the College. This position reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

• Directs activities performed in Business Office which include general ledger accounting, accounts payable, cash and treasury management, accounts receivable, cash receipts, fixed assets, endowments, annuity funds, loan funds, construction project accounting, bond accounting, investments, restricted funds, government grants, stock gifts, procurement and travel.
• Maintains the General Ledger (GL) chart of accounts, including setting up new accounts, delegating chart access security, and administering the year-end roll process. Provide guidance and oversight to other departments with modules that feed into the GL.
• Responsible for management and oversight of all operating cash of the College. Maintain necessary banking relationships regarding all funds on deposit.
• Coordinates annual audits with independent audit firm. Schedules dates for interim and year-end fieldwork.  Assigns items on client assistance list to staff and reviews audit files before submitting to auditors.  Sends letters and forms for asset confirmations.  Communicates with auditors throughout audit process.
• Supervises the preparation of the annual financial statements. Ensures that reporting is in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles for private colleges. Resolves all audit issues on the statements with auditors.
• Serves as the College financial contact with outsourced services such as dining services and the bookstore.
• Records all College investment transactions quarterly.
• Approves journal vouchers prepared by others.
• Monitors expenses versus budget during the year and communicates frequently with managers regarding such.
• Prepares annual assessment reports for the Business Office.
• Maintains documented internal control policies and procedures. Responsible for communicating and enforcing such procedures.
• Maintains endowment schedules quarterly and provides annual reports to Advancement and Financial Aid.
• Serves as the College contact for investment brokers related to stock gifts.
• Reviews and approves accounts payable invoices and purchasing card activity as outlined in the internal control procedures.
• Directs and assists the coordinator with setup and maintenance of electronic payment gateways.
• Manages the budget for the Business Office and various general expenses. Assesses staffing, equipment, training and other needs and prepares annual budget request for departmental funding.
• Assist various departments as needed with financial information for accreditation reviews, etc.
• Responds to requests for financial information for required government reports, surveys and studies in which Millsaps wishes to participate, and internal requests for history or analysis.
• Coordinates preparation of annual tax returns with accounting firm and ensures timely submission. Assigns financial and nonfinancial request items to staff and reviews files before submitting to tax preparer. Communicates with tax preparer throughout the tax return process.
• Participates in Board of Trustee committee meetings and takes minutes as needed. Assists the Vice President for Finance and Administration in the preparation of board deliverables.
• Reviews all contracts for the College prior to execution by authorized agent. Maintains contracts to ensure proper payment as costs are incurred and/or as projects/engagements are completed. Assesses contracts for additional risk management concerns for which consultation with insurance provider may be needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions in this classification and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically present in this description.