Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Position Title Controller Posting Number AS1076P Subdivision F&A VP's Office Division Finance and Campus Operations Department Finance and Administration Location Erie, Pa Position Summary

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the University's financial systems and accounting operations. This role provides strategic leadership for day-to-day financial activities and ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting. The Controller prepares, analyzes, and interprets financial information to support management, internal controls, planning, and forecasting. As a collaborative and forward-thinking leader, the Controller plays a key role in improving business processes, including the effective integration of technology solutions with operational workflows.

The Controller must support and promote the University's mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Directs the general accounting function, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger. Oversees grant and fixed asset accounting and supervises professional accounting staff.

2. Prepares routine and quarterly financial statements and reports for the Finance and Campus Operations Committee of the Board of Trustees.

3. Manages daily cash flow and liquidity. Maximizes returns on short-term investments by analyzing weekly cash reports and timing withdrawals and sweeps; secures competitive banking rates and services.

4. Exercises signature authority for all bank accounts and executes routine sales of gifted securities.

5. Coordinates the annual external audit, prepares audit schedules, and prepares annual financial statements; collaborates closely with the internal audit function.

6. Manages cash reserves and related investment activities to ensure alignment with the University's strategic, capital, and operational plans.

7. Oversees debt administration, including forecasting debt service payments and ensuring compliance with bond reporting requirements; serves as the primary liaison with bond trustees.

8. Administers endowment fund operations, including analysis, quarterly withdrawals, and additions; serves as the primary liaison with endowment custodians and investment managers.

9. Ensures compliance with all local, state, federal, and external financial reporting requirements, including tax filings, IPEDS reporting, and debt covenant compliance.

10. Collaborates with the Associate Vice President to design and deliver financial analyses that support operational evaluation and strategic decision-making by the Leadership Team.

11. Assists the Vice President with Board committee administration and related financial materials.

12. Manages business office operations by analyzing, documenting, and redesigning processes to maximize value and reduce inefficiencies; regularly reviews, updates, and develops financial policies; and oversees the retention of business-related records.

13. Provides leadership for the Finance Office's Workday implementation, ensuring alignment with accounting standards, internal controls, and institutional objectives.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of general accounting principles, taxation, and investment management. Proven proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in comparable or larger organizations, as well as advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Demonstrated effectiveness as a supervisor, with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop professional staff. A verifiable four-year degree in business from an accredited institution

Education:

A bachelor's degree in accounting, business or a related field required; CPA preferred; MBA with a concentration in finance preferred.

Experience:

Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial management is required, preferably in a higher education environment. A minimum of five years of supervisory experience is required.

Experience with endowment accounting is preferred. Familiarity with Colleague or Workday is a plus.

University Mission:
Must be able to support and promote the University's Mission.

Work is performed in an office setting in Erie, PA.

Preferred Qualifications

CPA preferred; MBA with a concentration in finance preferred.

Physical Demands

Must be able to meet the physical demands associated with a busy office environment.

Exempt Status Exempt Position Classification Professional Position Type Staff Employment Status Full-Time Position Length 12M Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm, with evenings and weekends during peak periods. Shift 1st