About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Controller. This position will report to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Accounting. The Controller is responsible for the operation of the central accounting and financial control systems for the University. This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

Supervision & Departmental Oversight

• Supervise accounting staff, including oversight of cash, endowment, grant funds, restricted accounts, designated accounts, agency accounts, and plant project accounting.
• Oversee purchasing and accounts payable operations, including SU credit card programs, and supervise associated staff.
• Oversee accounts receivable operations and supervise associated staff.

Accounting Operations & Controls

• Perform semi-weekly review of all check runs and e-checks.
• Prepare and approve journal entries as needed, ensuring proper segregation of duties.
• Maintain lease records and prepare related accounting entries.
• Oversee tracking of gift cards to SU students and employees.
• Oversee study abroad program accounting.
• Set up new accounts.

Cash & Payment Management

• Manage and monitor daily cash balances in operating accounts.
• Ensure timely processing of daily tuition ACH batches, annuity payments, and gift payments.
• Submit and maintain annuity payments.
• Submit wire information for secondary SU approval.
• Review and approve all payments over $1,000.
• Submit online vendor payments as needed (e.g., BCBS, JP Morgan).

Compliance, Reporting & Audits

• Ensure compliance with government and private grant requirements, including financial reporting.
• Review grant reports and proposal budgets prior to submission.
• Prepare required federal, state, and agency reports.
• Prepare monthly gift reconciliations and maintain audit documentation.
• Conduct the annual workers’ compensation audit.
• Review and prepare year-end pledge working papers in collaboration with the University Relations division.

Systems Oversight

• Oversee fixed asset software (FAS) and fixed-asset accounting processes.
• Serve as the primary contact for resolving health services payment issues in the Medicat system.
• Oversee Concur software for travel expenses and credit card charges.
• Maintain and update content on the Business Office website as needed.

Process Integrity & Internal Controls

• Assist in establishing and overseeing coordinated systems to ensure the integrity, accountability, and accuracy of financial and operational activities, including reporting and internal controls.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Answer accounting-related inquiries from faculty and staff.
• Assist the Associate Vice President for Finance & Accounting and serve as backup in their absence.
• Conduct special analyses and projects as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or BBA in Accounting.
• Minimum of five years (5) of progressively responsible hands-on experience in accounting or finance, with three years (3) supervisory experience.
• Possess strong accounting and data analysis skills and astute problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated strong understanding in budgeting, project accounting and financial record keeping.
• Demonstrated advanced excel and word processing software skills as well as google suite products.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks with a keen attention to detail.
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with internal and external university stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partner
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, perform well in stressful situations, and produce a reliable work product.
• Possess the applications of tact, diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to understand and embrace the values of a liberal arts education and engage effectively with faculty and the academic community.
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and adhere to a regular work schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience in higher education.
• Certified Public Accountant License

Starting annual salary: $143,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/178059. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.