POSITION:

Western Colorado University seeks innovative candidates with public financial management executive level experience for our Controller position. This opportunity offers tremendous experience and an exceptional environment.

The Controller reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer and is expected to lead an administrative department providing strategic leadership, fiduciary guidance, and customer service excellence. Position leads four full-time employees and is required to direct all accounting activities for an institution with 300+ employees and over $60M in annual revenues.  The Controller will work closely with the senior management team in ongoing development of the University’s short and long-range financial and strategic plans. 

• Oversees internal and external audits and prepares audit reports and annual financial statements. Oversees major system development projects that impact financial reporting, including the current ERP conversion, and maintains the University’s chart of accounts. Establishes University financial policies and transactional standards, ensuring consistency with the University's mission and strategic plans and compliance with Board of Trustees' policies, State and Federal fiscal management laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles. Reviews and approves University contracts, as designated by the State Controller, in compliance with fiscal rules and regulations.

• Safeguards assets and assures accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing disciplines of internal audits, controls and checks across all departments. Manages the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day activities of accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, customer credits and collections, payroll, capital asset records, general & entity accounting, cost accounting for campus, and annual tax reporting.

• Responsible for supervising staff and directing the management of all activities around the general ledger, production of financial statements, reconciliation and reporting to the State of Colorado and coordination of audits and audit follow through. Oversees monthly closing procedures and account reconciliation processes. Remains current on GASB accounting pronouncements and implements new accounting standards.

• Directs the activities associated with the security and investment of the University's assets and funds by working with the State's Treasury Department. Ensures compliance with bond reporting requirements and participates in ad hoc reporting, including but not limited to, NCAA and IPEDs.

Serves as the primary contact for all accounting matters and interacts cooperatively with other departments, private entities, employees, students and parents, other state agencies, and other entities to resolve problems and complaints and achieve University goals.

Bachelor's degree in accounting and three years in higher education or public accounting, at a managerial-level, is required. Governmental accounting (GASB) experience preferred. Advanced degree in public administration, accounting, CPA or CMA strongly preferred.   Successful candidates must possess strong, proven leadership and management skills, excellent oral and written communication skills. Successful candidate must be technologically savvy, preferred candidate will have State of Colorado public governmental accounting experience and familiarity with WorkDay software.

What you need to apply: Apply here. Required attachments to online applications include a cover letter describing position specific interest, resume, and a list of professional references.