Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, the Controller directs the operations of the Accounting, Treasury, Financial Reporting, Tax and Purchasing. The Controller is responsible for the hiring and management of departmental staff, as well as management and implementation of fiscal policies, procedures, accounting operations, financial reporting, audits and internal fiscal controls.  The position interfaces frequently with all levels of the college, including trustees, management, staff, faculty, and students, as well as outside agencies.

The Controller is expected to have a thorough working knowledge of GAAP accounting and tax law as it relates to not-for-profit organizations in the educational environment. In addition to being involved in the day-to-day operations of the college, this position will oversee completion of many annual projects and reports that provide relevant and actionable financial analysis and data to internal management and Trustees in order to make timely and strategic financial decisions.

Duties

1.Provide vision, leadership, and innovation in developing College-wide strategies for advancing Wheaton’s academic and institutional objectives.

2.Lead, manage and develop all staff in the areas of Accounting, Treasury, Financial Reporting, Tax and Purchasing.

3.Supervise the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements, forecasts and related management reports; present financial results and analysis to various constituents.

4.Prepare and administer the annual operating budget.  Partner with Human Resources to manage the salary budgeting process.

5.Develop, maintain and enforce the internal control policies of the College.

6.Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.

7.Manage the receipt of cash and the disbursement of expenditures.

8.Ensures timely and accurate transaction processing and account analysis and reconciliations.

9.Manage all aspects of the annual audit of the College.  Provide support for the Wheaton College Trust Company and the College 403(b) Retirement Plan audits.

10.Supervise the preparation of reports to various state and federal agencies including the preparation and filing of all tax returns.

11.Maintain understanding of federal and state tax and other laws and regulations relevant to the fiscal operations of the College.  Anticipate upcoming changes and determine strategic responses to shifting regulations. 

12.Develop and maintain relationships with third party vendors, banks, external auditors, governmental agencies and professional associations.

13.Prepare all regulatory compliance reports for the Wheaton College Trust Company.

 This listing covers the most significant duties performed by the position, but does not include other work, which may be similar, related to, or a logical assignment for the position.


Qualifications

1.Technical skills, experience and training: A bachelor’s degree, CPA certification, and three years of audit experience are required. An MBA or a master’s degree in accountancy or taxation is preferred. A minimum of ten years of experience in related roles is required, and experience in higher education.

2.Strong manager: Able to develop, motivate and manage professional staff and hold staff accountable for accurate, timely results, and excellent customer service. Experience setting a tone and expectation of excellence, continual improvement, and strong customer service to the campus and to external parties who interact with the office.

3.Effective communicator: Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, including senior administration and the Board of Trustees. A sophisticated understanding of how best to communicate policy and procedures across the campus.

4. Effective implementer: Experience advancing ideas from plan to results with processes that ensure input and feedback from campus constituents and superb listening and influence skills. Able to cultivate trust and credibility with colleagues.

5. Well-organized and intellectually inquisitive: Knowledgeable about, and open to, leading edge changes in business practices that could support the College in a more cost effective and efficient manner. Able to ensure all deliverables are met on time with excellent products and anticipates implementation or workload issues related to emerging developments.

6. Exceptional interpersonal qualities: A reputation for integrity and the highest ethical standards; creativity in solving problems; collegial style and keen desire to be an integral part of the Wheaton community.

7. Mature Christian faith: A full understanding and personal support for Wheaton College’s mission and statement of faith, along with a personal investment in supporting and abiding by Wheaton’s Community Covenant, and a call to advance God’s kingdom through financial leadership.