Title: NSU AVP/ University Controller

State Role Title: Administrative - Lecturer

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Credentials and Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Norfolk State University

Location: Norfolk State University

Agency Website: www.nsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Controller assumes responsibility for the university's financial reporting process. This position is responsible for all areas leading to the creation of financial statements. This includes:

• Managing the functional part of system upgrades and implementations, quarterly reporting on audit findings, ARMICS, cost accounting, grants and contracts, fixed assets, etc.
• The Controller leads the administrative effectiveness effort for the Controller’s department for SACSCOC, attends staff meetings, assists with board of visitors reporting and policy development and updates, and fields day-to-day questions from departments.
• The Controller provides operational management for a team of finance professionals.
• The Controller provides leadership and management of the Controller’s Office while performing highly technical duties in the division of Finance and Administration.
• The Controller ensures financial compliance with regulatory requirements to support its financial stability and academic mission.
• As a member of the finance management team, the Controller works closely with the Vice President of Finance and Administration in all areas of financial responsibility.                                                                                                                                                 Additional Job Duties: 
• Lead and manage the university’s accounting operations, including the general ledger, cash operations, and revenue accounting.
  
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with applicable standards.
•  Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
•  Develop and maintain internal controls, risk management protocols, and fraud prevention mechanisms to safeguard financial assets and ensure the integrity of accounting information.
• Manage and optimize cash flow, including monitoring daily cash operations and overseeing accounts receivable and payable.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance financial strategies and support
  University objectives.
• Supervise the accounting team, providing mentorship, training, and development
  opportunities.
  
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory reporting requirements and tax filings.
  
• Oversee compliance with federal and state financial regulations (GASB, FASB, ARMICS,
  Sarbanes-Oxley, Title III, etc.).
  
• Conduct regular financial reviews and audits to identify areas of improvement and
  implement corrective actions.
  
• Support the annual budgeting process and long-term financial planning initiatives.
•  Function as the primary liaison between accounting and external auditors, ensuring a
  Smooth audit process.
• Implement and refine accounting policies, procedures, and systems to improve efficiency
  and accuracy.
  
• Oversee grants and sponsored program accounting, ensuring compliance with federal,
  state, and private funding agencies.
  
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to executive leadership based on financial performance and trends.
• Mentor and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, professional
  growth, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• The ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in the establishment,
  interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.
• Strong customer service skills, ability to work in a collaborative environment, and the ability to communicate accounting matters to non-financial University constituents.
  
  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  
  • Knowledge and expertise in accounting and financial management operations through
  participation in professional organizations.
  • Maintain positive working relationships with the university community and external financial
  reporting agencies.
  • Ability to perform detailed work independently, as well as, in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise a diverse group of professionals.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of the
  organization.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field
  required.
• Three years of full-time experience as a controller, preferably in higher education.
• Two years of management experience in general ledger accounting operations.
  
• Four years of supervisory experience.

Additional Considerations

• Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification strongly preferred.
• Preference is given for experience in a complex financial setting.
• Knowledge of higher education business practices.
• Knowledge of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s business practices and the Commonwealth Accounting Policies and Procedures (CAPP) Manual.
• Knowledge of ARMICS and/or Sarbanes Oxley; knowledge of Banner, eVA, or Cardinal

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Norfolk State University

Phone: 757-823-8160

Email: No email address is needed.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.