Controller at Elms College

Department: Business Office

Reports to: VP Finance & Administration

Job Summary:

The Controller provides leadership and management oversight for the operations of the College accounting, payroll, financial reporting, accounts payable, student accounts office, and campus mail distribution. Under the general direction of the VP for Finance and Administration, this position is responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the accounting records; for producing timely financial reports; for recommending, maintaining, and ensuring appropriate fiscal policies and internal controls; and for ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The incumbent provides guidance on College fiscal matters and recommends and implements methods to improve and maximize efficiency and effectiveness in all processes under their purview.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervision of the Business Office staff including Budget Analyst, Bursar, Staff Accountant, Payroll and Accounts Payable.

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

Provides strong leadership and management skills while effectively supervising staff and building an effective team.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Prepare monthly financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

• Prepare a variety of financial reports and analyses for internal and external

• Oversee and direct the external audit process, including planning and coordination with the audit firm and preparation of various schedules and

• Monitor and assist in managing the College's cash position, including the preparation of regular reports, reconciliations, and projections, and requesting and repaying draws to the College's operating line(s) of credit, as

• Oversee compliance with Title IV regulations related to student accounts and refunds and the ordering/accounting of federal

• Oversee and assist with and direct the accounting, accounts payable, cashiering, student accounts, mail distribution, and payroll services of the College.

• Review, evaluate, document and recommend improvements in internal

• Administer the acquisition, disposition, and transfer of all institutional property, according to College policies and procedures, ensuring that depreciation and amortization is maintained on all College

• Supervise, coach and evaluate staff using proven and effective management techniques within the guidelines of the College's policies and procedures.

• Provide training and development opportunities for staff as appropriate

• Oversee and assist with monthly reconciliation and transaction entries on required accounts in preparation of producing monthly financial statements

• Oversee and assist with quarterly and annual reporting/distribution of financial data and audits to all required external constituents (i.e., Banks, S&P, IPEDS, NCAA, eZ-Audit, EADA, FISAP, AICUP, etc.).

• Oversee and assist with annual budget preparation and

• Other related duties as needed

PLEASE NOTE: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a

comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Skills/Abilities: 


Possess strong fiscal and accounting knowledge specific to not for profit, and Colleges. Must also possess strong knowledge in federal, state and local laws and regulations related to financial reporting.


Strong understanding of the use and potential of technology in the area of financial management.


Attentive to detail, with strong organizational and analytical skills.


Must possess effective leadership, management, and supervisory skills.


Able to maintain confidentiality.

A commitment to transparency and to serving others in a respectful manner.

Creative problem-solving skills.

Effective written and oral communication skills.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, Masters and or CPA preferred.

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible financial management and accounting experience, preferably in higher education.

Knowledge of Business Office operations and integrated accounting systems; experience with Colleague is preferred.

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.

Elms College’s diversity statement embodies the charism of the founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, including embracing “the love of neighbor without distinction” and whose Catholic heritage guides our intellectual, social, educational, and community endeavors.

Elms College seeks applicants who demonstrate a commitment to justice, equity and inclusion and have experience working with diverse groups, proven through educational background, professional development and lived experience. For faculty positions, application materials must include a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through teaching, research, professional activity and/or service. For staff positions, applicants are strongly encouraged to address past and/or potential contributions to diversity.

Elms College is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.