Employment

Controller - Financial Services - 20739

ATTENTION:

The Department of Financial Services in the Division of Finance and Administrative Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Controller (Controller (Inst) (B), (FN042).


This will be a full-time Limited Appointment serving at the pleasure of the Chancellor. To learn more about this type of appointment please see the UW System Administrative Policy 1251: Appointment Terms & Designation of Positions  and the Personnel Rules.

JOB DETAILS:

The University Controller reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Financial Services and is responsible for the overall management of financial operations for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. These responsibilities include but are not limited to oversight of Accounting Services, Grant Accounting, and Student Accounts and Cashiering. By serving as the University Controller, this position must represent the University in all matters related to areas of functional responsibility. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business or a related field. 
  • Eight or more years of professional accounting and financial experience with increasing responsibility.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field.
  • Ten or more years of executive level accounting and financial experience. 
  • Demonstrated experience with a Financial ERP System.
  • Proven familiarity with campus business operations in higher education. 
  • Certified Public Accountant licensure.

 
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

  • Demonstrated ability in applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Strong analytical skills including ability to solve problems innovatively. 
  • Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and be inclusive.
  • Proven ability to maintain professionalism and respect for confidentiality. 
  • Experience establishing and maintaining working relationships at all organizational levels.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills. 
  • Commitment to customer service with demonstrated success in leading change. 
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply best practices regarding financial records management.
  • Exceptional organizational skills in order to manage data and workflow. 
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiply priorities.
  • Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office as well as other productivity and communication resources.
  •  Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Financial Services with the development and administration of fiscal plans, policies and procedures in compliance with Wisconsin Statutes, policies of Board of Regents of the Universities of Wisconsin and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 
  • Ensure that revenue and expenditures are accounted for in conformity with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and state and federal regulations.
  • Prepare and present financial reporting and analyses to meet the needs of the University and Universities of Wisconsin, governing bodies and other agencies in conformity with GAAP, state and federal regulations.  
  • Ensure that all required federal and state returns and filings are timely and accurate.
  • Keep abreast of changes in GAAP, GASB and IRS rules and regulations as they apply to the University and implement changes as necessary.
  • Assist with internal and external audits, coordinating and preparing schedules and information requested by the auditor.
  • Monitor and oversee the activities of accounting services, grant accounting, student accounts and cashiering staff members. 
  • Ensures the adequacy of institutional cash handling, cash management activities and reconciliation of campus bank accounts and maintain relationships with local banking institutions.
  • Accountable for preparation of departmental goals, staff evaluations, identifying issues and opportunities, and problem resolution.
  • Manage the Financial ERP System, including the chart of accounts, correct and accurate accounting classifications, and system enhancements and upgrades.
  • Manage monthly and year-end institutional closing operations.  Including the reconciliation of all accounts in cooperation with UW-System.  
  • Assist the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Financial Services on financial analysis of operations.  Which could include developing special reports and analyses to support the campus and system-wide financial decision-making processes.  
  • Responsible for reviewing and updating the University internal control plan to ensure there are adequate financial controls in place.  
  • Provides leadership and consultation to campus departments on fiscal and budgetary information, financial operations, software systems and ensure that adequate training and support is provided to campus departments regarding policies, procedures and access to financial information.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Financial Services.  

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.  

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.

Belonging and mattering are central to the university's culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System (https://www.wisconsin.edu).

Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).

Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see http://www.uww.edu/asfr. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $100,000 - $120,000.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:

Applications received by May 12, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hrstudent@uww.edu.

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Trisha Barber
Assistant Vice Chancellor
262-472-2877
barbert@uww.edu

 

TO APPLY:

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Name and contact information for three professional references


This Job ID is 20739.

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