Controller - #130239

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

Western Carolina University seeks a Controller with a proven record of accurate financial reporting, general ledger maintenance, and supervision of an accounting staff.

The Controller reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs and serves as a member of the leadership team for Fiscal Affairs. The Controller oversees General Accounting, Cash Management, Investments, Debt Management, Fixed Asset Accounting, Capital Improvement Accounting, Affiliated Entity Accounting, Travel, Tax Accounting, including International Taxation, Financial Reporting, Fund Creation, and other duties as assigned. Ensures compliance with US Department of Education Student Financial Aid Reporting. Provides ongoing mentoring and training to the staff. In addition, this position ensures integrity of the financial information systems and is responsible for interpretation and compliance with state and federal regulations and generally accepted accounting principles.

Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.

Master's degree with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

-Ten+ years of financial reporting experience, preferably in a higher education setting or experience as a governmental auditor.
-Knowledge of endowment accounting.
-Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting standards ( GASB) and accounting theories and principles.
-Experience preparing complex consolidated financial statements, including statement of net position, statement of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position, and the statement of cash flows.
-Ability to provide leadership and supervision to departmental employees, with demonstrated skills and proficiency in leadership and supervision.
-Ability to apply tax laws that impact the university, including UBIT, international taxation, payroll taxation, and state taxation.
-Ability to work effectively with other departments across campus such as Campus Services, Financial Aid and Athletics.
-Ability to recognize internal control issues and to develop effective solutions.
-Ability to complete multiple tasks and adhere to reporting deadlines.
-Experience with an ERP system that maintains accounting records.
-Experience as a liaison to outside agencies such as auditors, the State Treasurer, and the State Controller.
-Excellent customer service skills.
-Experience with public higher education funding and financial procedures. Management prefers a candidate with experience in the UNC System.
-Experience with Debt Management
-Honesty and integrity
-Ability to lead thoughtfully, promote teamwork, think strategically and creatively and take action
-Ability to apply and interpret policies and procedures in a sound and reasonable manner.
-Obvious appreciation for diversity and inclusion
-Sense of humor

To be considered, you must apply online. Please attach a resume; cover letter; and list of 3 references (include complete contact information). For questions or more information, please contact Associate Vice Chancellor of Fiscal Affairs, David Steinbicker at 828-227-3112.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.