Associate Vice President For Finance And University Controller

Title: Associate Vice Presidentfor Finance and University Controller
Agency: Finance & Administration-20
Location: Radford
FLSA: Exempt/ Not eligible for overtime
Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Additional Detail
Job Description:
Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration (VPFA), the Associate Vice Presidentfor Finance and University Controller (AVPF & UC) provides strategic leadership and sound operational management of the core financial operations of the University to include accounting, reporting, student accounts, cash management, disbursements, payroll, policy, tax, internal controls, and risk management. The AVPF & UC is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the accounting records, overseeing the production of timely and accurate financial reporting, recommending, and maintaining appropriate fiscal policies and internal controls, and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, state and federal laws and University policies. The AVPF & UC serves as a critical member of the division leadership team, assists the VPFA in the development of strategic goals, coordinates and executes major initiatives and special projects, and implements financial plans and policies. Leading a high-functioning team, the AVPF & UC works collaboratively across the University to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate controller functions of the University
Major Responsibilities of Position:

• Directs and manages the financial operations and provides oversight for the Associate and Assistant Controller operations to include departments of Accounting Services (Accounts Payable, SPCC/check-write, Vendor Management), Payroll, Financial Reporting, General Accounting, and Bursar (Student Accounts/Cashier), and Tax. The Controller oversees all university disbursements, both state and local; preparation of annual financial statements; account reconciliations; grant reimbursements; payroll disbursement; receipt of university revenues; functions associated with student accounts receivable; compliance with federal and state policies and procedures. Ensures the provision of financial services and management that enables the University to achieve operational and strategic goals and initiatives in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Works closely with the Vice President for Finance & Administration in researching, analyzing, planning, developing, and implementing financial plans, policies, ad-hoc projects for the University. Recommends and interprets fiscal policies. Supports University leadership by providing sound financial data, analysis, and information to inform and support strategic decision making. Serves on University working groups upon the request and/or concurrence of the VPFA. Assists in preparing financial information and reports for Board of Visitors meetings. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Coordinates with the Director of Policy and Special Projects and the Assistant Controller to conduct risk assessments, auditing techniques, and business process analysis necessary to prepare a comprehensive and ongoing evaluation and documentation of business processes and key internal accounting controls over all the university's fiscal processes to ensure compliance with the State Comptroller's Agency Risk Management and Internal Control Standards (ARMICS). Oversee the audit process and any other financial reporting or accounting-related audits, including coordination of the timely and accurate delivery of requested schedules and oversight of answers made to Internal Audit. Assists in the development and implementation of corrective action plans and assesses the need for modifications to training programs. Ensure University policy needs are met and coordinated in accordance with internal and external requirements.

• Serves as the primary Finance Data Owner, primarily responsible for the policy and practice decisions regarding University data, and is responsible for the following: Evaluating and classifying sensitivity of the data; assessing protection requirements for the data based on the sensitivity of the data, any legal or regulatory requirements, and business need; defining requirements for access to the data; completing annual role-based training; approving access to data; managing accounting structures and the University's chart of accounts to accurately record transactions and maintain financial accountability; ensuring proper implementation of technology concerning fiscal or accounting systems.

Work actions employee makes without prior approval of supervisor:

• Oversee Controller Office areas of responsibilities to include Accounting Services, Financial Reporting, General Accounting, Tax, Policy, Risk Management, Finance Systems and Security, Internal Controls and Student Accounts/Cashier.

Nominations and Applications
Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting Radford University in the search.
Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:
Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner & Dr. Pelema Ellis, Associate Partner
at radfordcontroller@buffkinbaker.com
Minimum Qualifications:
Comprehensive experience in all accounting areas; in-depth knowledge of current accounting standards (GASB, GAAP, etc.); ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, laws and regulations; thorough knowledge and high-level technical skills with complex integrated financial systems, complex reporting and analytic abilities; experience with strategic planning, project management, and process transformation; ability to understand and communicate complex financial requirements, financial reporting, and audit requirements; exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; at least five years in a managerial/supervisory capacity.
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in non-profit or higher education financial accounting, or with expert level knowledge of fund accounting in a non-profit or public accounting setting required. Commonwealth of Virginia experience is preferred.