Job Title: Controller
Job Description
The Controller is tasked with ensuring the integrity of financial operations and compliance with accounting standards and policies. This role involves overseeing the accounting database, training staff on financial systems, and managing the preparation and submission of accurate and timely financial reports for the college and its foundation.
Responsibilities
Lead the Accounting and Finance team, managing financial operations including accounting, cash flow, investments, and payroll.
Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulations.
Prepare and present monthly and annual financial statements for the college and foundation, including high-level reports for the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders.
Coordinate and lead the audit process, addressing audit findings and managing regulatory reports.
Supervise accounting functions, ensuring accurate recording of transactions and timely reconciliation of accounts.
Oversee the college's annual and multi-year budgets, manage budget revisions, and support department leaders in monitoring budgets.
Collaborate with the Associate VP of Finance to implement financial reporting systems and drive process improvements.
Develop and lead a high-performing accounting team, ensuring cross-training and professional development.
Manage cash flow, investments, and banking relationships, including cash forecasting and tracking investment performance.
Work with leadership to develop and monitor the college's long-term financial strategy and five-year financial plan.
Collaborate with HR on health insurance rates, benefits projections, and budgeting for salaries and fixed costs.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including preparing reports for regulatory bodies.
Safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of financial, payroll, benefits, and position-related data.
Provide leadership on ad-hoc projects and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Essential Skills
Strong understanding of accounting and budgeting practices, including GASB and FASB standards.
Ability to oversee team members while also being hands-on with financial aspects.
Experience leading audits and ability to address audit findings.
Proficiency in budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, and financial modeling.
Self-starter with problem-solving skills.
Capable of collaborating with different departments and external agencies.
Competent in analyzing and ensuring the accuracy of accounting and budget systems, and recommending necessary changes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Master's degree is preferred but not required.
CPA certification OR at least 8+ years of relevant work experience.
Skilled in interviewing, hiring, training, directing, evaluating, disciplining, and supervising staff.
Ability to identify and adapt to regulatory changes affecting policies and procedures.
Proficient in applying accounting principles across various assignments.
Work Environment
This position is based in a fast-paced educational institution in Howard County. Initially, the role requires working five days in the office, with potential flexibility to work one day from home in the future. The Controller will directly supervise five employees and indirectly supervise about four employees. Coordination with internal and external constituents is essential. Overtime may be necessary during budget development, year-end closeout, and other peak times. Enjoy great benefits including a 37.5-hour work week, four weeks of accrued vacation, a week off between Christmas and New Year's, spring break, and four personal days.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $76.92/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 6, 2025.
About Aston Carter:
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.