Associate Vice President and Controller

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is a key member of the University’s senior leadership team.

This position oversees the University’s Business Office which includes financial reporting and audits, tax compliance, payroll, treasury operations, accounts payable, collection of student tuition and many other aspects of the University’s business operations.

A successful Controller will ensure that policies and procedures in these areas promote our primary goal of student success balanced with the long-term financial health of the University.

This will require adept cross functional relationships with departments such as the Office of Academic Affairs, Advancement and Development, Facilities and Security and other areas that manage non-University commercial operations.

While higher education experience is preferred (but not required), the Controller must possess a constant desire to learn and a thirst for continuous improvement.

HPU prides itself on its nimbleness as an organization and our ability to act quickly.

This position must thrive in that entrepreneurial environment, bringing fresh ideas that will help us advance our strategic visions.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance.
Minimum 5 years of accounting supervisory experience.
Knowledge of accounting systems and internal control requirements.
Thorough knowledge of GAAP, fund/governmental accounting practice and principles, and Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Desired Qualifications:
CPA certification.
Experience working in a non-profit, preferable higher education.
Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management.
Eight (8) years of experience working in a public accounting firm.
Ellucian (Banner) Software experience.
Ability to analyze and interpret financial statements, budgets, and forecasts and ability to work in a team and delegate responsibility.
Other Qualifications:
Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU’s winter break, if necessary.
Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Minors on Campus policy.
Able to work all shifts and extended hours.
Upon hire, candidate must have reliable transportation to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position.
Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast past and rapidly changing environment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms with executive, senior management, faculty, staff, managers, technical staff, and external auditors and attorneys.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Management and Supervision of the HPU Business Office (40%)

Includes approximately 15 individual staff with 2-3 direct reports.
Areas of supervision include general ledger accounting, financial reporting, cash management, accounts payable, student tuition collection, payroll and taxes.
2. Overall Responsibility for Accounting and Financial Reporting (20%)

Supervise daily general ledger accounting and compliance.
Oversee production of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statement reports shared with internal stakeholders (the Board of Trustees, etc.) and external stakeholders (bondholders, etc.)
Develop and maintain accountabilities; maintain, communicate and enforce values, policies and procedures and implement a system of internal controls to minimize risk.
Oversee the accounting systems utilized by the Business Office including Banner (general ledger), cash collection, banking, and financial aid systems.
Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements related to financial management.
3. Ownership of Key Vendor relationships (5%)

Key vendors include independent accountants, auditors of employee benefit plans, insurance brokers, bankers and independent consultants.
Includes regular evaluation of vendor performance and recommendation as to reasonableness of fees.
May include coordination of request for proposals and evaluation of alternative vendors.
4. Oversight and completion of HPU’s annual audits and surveys (5%)

Coordination with independent accountants to ensure that the annual financial statements and Uniform Guidance (UG) audit is completed accurately and on-time.
Supervise resolution of any issues.
Other audits include annual benefit plan audits and triennial NCAA audit.
Surveys as needed including EADA reporting, IPEDS, S&P, accreditation surveys, etc.
5. Support to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees (5%)

Prepare materials as requested to support discussion with Trustees.
Attend quarterly Committee meetings and lead discussion as appropriate.
Provide support for other financial committees (Endowment Committee, Retirement Planning Advisory Committee, etc.) as needed.
6. Coordination and Oversight of the University’s Insurance Program (5%)

Work directly with the University’s insurance brokers or supervise a subordinate in the annual renewal process which includes a series of planning meetings, consideration of alternative strategies, presentations to the Audit Committee and final renewal recommendations.

Includes policy maintenance and claims management.
7. Representation of the Business Office with various departments and constituents within the HPU community (5%)

Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and work collaboratively with committees and other departments including Office of Academic Affairs, Advancement and Development, Facilities and Security, faculty and student leadership, etc.
8. Special Projects/Recurring or Seasonal Assignments (10%)

Actively participates as an effective member of University team in assigned duties, accepting additional assignments, or reassignments to accomplish special ad hoc projects.
Leads or individually completes special projects in the Business Office or as part of the University community as assigned by the CFO.
Assists in the review and preparation of budget estimates as required.
Provides financial information for budget preparation to University departments and assists in resolving questions and issues regarding actual revenue, expenditure, and tax impacts.
9. Other duties as assigned (5%)

Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.
Assists with seasonal peaks.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.

Hawai'i Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawai'i Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
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