Staff Job Openings
Job title:
FLSA Classification:
Reports to:
Controller
Exempt
Vice President/ Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Position goal:
The goal for each member of the USW campus community is to believe and live consistently by the principles of the mission of the University. The USW mission is as follows:
University of the Southwest is a Christ-centered educational community dedicated to developing men and women for a lifetime of servant leadership by emphasizing individual faith, responsibility, and initiative.
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Teaching at University of the Southwest adheres to belief in God, in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and in the separation of church and state.
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University of the Southwest strives for excellence in academic curriculum, campus life programming, and student activities in a supportive educational community where freedom of thought and expression is honored and the demonstration of faith in acts of service is encouraged.
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At University of the Southwest, students are instructed and mentored by a faculty and staff who demonstrate Christ-centered values and maintain an environment where students can live and work cooperatively, valuing the multiple cultures from which they came.
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As a community of initiative, University of the Southwest challenges graduates to become enterprising members of our society contributing to the common good by advocating and participating in the productive commerce of free enterprise, the constitutional privilege of self-government, and the practical contributions of community service.
Position Summary:
The Controller is a leadership position within the Business Office and serves as the primary support and backup to the CFO. This role is responsible for financial reporting, internal controls, general ledger management, and audit support for both the University and the USW Foundation. The Controller will also coordinate with other Business Office staff to ensure efficient financial operations and compliance.
Essential Functions:
1. Manages the University and Foundation general ledger, including oversight of journal entries, reconciliations, and closing processes.
2. Prepares monthly and annual financial statements and supports financial reporting for both internal and external stakeholders.
3. Assists in managing cash flow, investments, and fund allocations in coordination with the CFO.
4. Reviews accounting for fixed assets and ensures proper capitalization and depreciation tracking.
5. Manages donor data through Donor Perfect, processes thank-you letters, and prepares year-end tax correspondence.
6. Manages accounting and reporting for federal, state, and local grants, ensuring regulatory compliance.
7. Assists with preparing and coordinating annual audits and financial reviews.
8. Supports compliance reporting such as EZ Audit, Federal Clearinghouse, and Form 990 submissions.
9. Works with Business Office and Financial Aid staff to ensure accurate reconciliation of student billing, refunds, and financial aid drawdowns.
10. Assists with basic student account processes to provide additional support during orientation periods.
11. Maintains internal controls, ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures.
12. Monitors and updates budget allocations and collaborates with departments for budget development and review.
13. Provides system administration support for financial systems, including Colleague.
14. Assist with streamlining business processes for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
15. Manages the accounting for the 403(b)-retirement plan, including regulatory reporting and tax returns.
Other responsibilities:
1. Supports the CFO with special projects, strategic planning, and board reporting.
2. Coordinates financial calendar responsibilities, such as insurance renewals, reporting deadlines, and board preparation.
3. Participates in campus activities and contributes to the mission of the University.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education, experience, & skills required:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
3. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management; higher education or nonprofit experience preferred.
4. Proficiency in accounting software and financial systems, with a preference for Ellucian Colleague.
5. Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive matters.
7. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently under deadlines.
Applications should be submitted via email to Veronica Torrez (vtorrez@usw.edu).