Controller

Controller

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace
Hartford, CT

Full-time Posted: 6/2024
Category: Administrative

Possition Summary:

The Controller reports to the Vice President of Business & Finance (VPBA). Under the general direction of the VPBA, the Controller is responsible: for the financial management, reporting, transaction processing, and for the integrity/accuracy of the accounting records. The Controller oversees payroll, accounts payable/receivable, student accounts, the university’s accounting and financial systems with policies, procedures, controls, and records management to ensure effective and prudent financial operations of the university. The Controller also provides timely budget and financial reports, maintains, and ensures appropriate fiscal policies and recommends and implements methods to improve internal controls and maximize efficiency and effectiveness in all processes under their purview to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive package of medical plan options including a health savings account, dental, vision, disability coverage, and life insurance plans. 
• Generous paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick, and personal days, as well as numerous paid holidays each year.
• Paid Winter break (December 24-January 1) and Summer break (the week of July 4) each year, on top of PTO and holidays.
• Retirement plan that contributes up to 10% of base salary into a 403b plan, including 2% employee and employer match (after one year of employment).
• Yearly reimbursement for goods and services to promote overall wellness and a healthy work culture.
• Annual Years of Service Luncheon for staff.
• Paid Community Work Day each year to volunteer in the community.
• Paid time off on Election Day to vote.
• Education fee waiver to audit or enroll in courses at HIU (one per semester).
• One day a week available to work from home, if desired (Fridays).
• Mission-driven culture

Job Summary and Qualifications:

HIU is looking for an engaged, dynamic, dedicated, and ambitious Controller to participate in guiding our institution into a bright future. We have an exciting strategic plan and a healthy amount of aspiration. We seek an energetic team player whose work will have an ultimate impact on peacebuilding efforts across the world.

Responsibilities

The position involves supervision over general accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, student accounts, investment accounting, capital financing, restricted gifts, endowments, cash management, compliance, and grants.

• Oversee all banking activities and ensure the performance of all monthly financial reconciliations: cash, credit cards, student accounts, etc.
• Ensure all restricted/endowment donations are separated out from operating deposits.
• Oversee process of student fees, credits, financial aid, etc. to accounts receivable in POPULI.
• Oversee cash receipts from students, faculty/staff, churches and public.
• Oversee and ensure timely and accurate processing of student accounts, customer billing, collections and student payment plans in POPULI. Maintain billing systems to improve efficiency and customer service.
• Coordinate with Registrar and Associate Director of Financial Aid to maintain transaction codes and course prices in POPULI, along with scholarship and federal loan awards.
• Process 1098-T forms annually within POPULI.
• Updates and maintains financial policies, internal controls, and procedures manual, along with the chart of accounts.
• Assist the VPBA in preparing supporting documentation and schedules for the Annual Audit and Federal Form 990.
• Reconcile financial records with development software and student information software monthly (BLOOMERANG & POPULI).
• Oversee all payroll functions for timely and accurate payroll processing and consistent application of internal controls, including processing annual filing of 1099.
• Supervise direct reports assigned to the Business Office.
• Prepare a variety of financial reports and analyses for internal and external constituents.
• Monitor and assist in managing HIU’s cash position, including the preparation of regular reports, reconciliations, and projections, and requesting and repaying draws to HIU’s operating line of credit, as appropriate.
• Assist in administering HR programs including 403b.
• Oversee compliance with Title IV regulations related to student accounts and refunds and the ordering/accounting and draw down of federal funds (G5).
• Assist in reporting and maintaining endowment records.
• Oversee and assist with annual budget preparation, forecasting, and reporting.
• Assist with other duties and special projects as needed.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Possess strong fiscal and accounting knowledge specific to not for profit, colleges, universities.
• Possess effective leadership and demonstrate collegial, supervisory and team-building skills.
• Able to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, etc.).
• Culturally adaptable to competently work with diverse student and employee population.
• Strong understanding of the use and potential of technology in financial management.
• Attentive to detail, with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to transparency and to serving others in a respectful manner.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive documents.
• Creative problem-solving skills and able to function independently.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, Master’s degree and/or CPA preferred.
• Minimum of five to ten (5-10) years of progressively responsible financial management and accounting experience, preferably in higher education.
• Knowledge of Business Office operations and integrated accounting systems; experience with SAGE Intacct preferred. Knowledge of Great Plains and Paylocity is a plus.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Suite Products: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

WORKPLACE: Potential for hybrid work once a week. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions. Communicating with others to exchange information. Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. Ability to drive.

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary range - $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.

To apply, please contact humanresources@hartfordinternational.edu. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required. Typically, only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted.