Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Department/Division: Finance Office/Finance

Title: Controller

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Work Schedule: M-F, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Summary: Reports to the Assistant VP, Finance. Responsible for organizing, directing, and evaluating various financial activities, including planning and developing the University’s basic accounting and financial control system. The position is responsible for the operation of the Finance Office, accounts payable, general ledger, grants, cash management, financial reporting, and compliance. The Controller serves as a member of the Finance management team and works with the University’s Vice Presidents and members of the President’s staff in all areas of financial responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of the Finance Office and accounts payable.
• Provide support to the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant VP of Finance.
• Review and approve all endowment activity, bank reconciliations, and journal entries initiated by the Assistant Controller, General Ledger Accountant, and Accountant.
• Assist with the development of and management of the operational budget for the Finance Office, general operational, and other miscellaneous accounts. Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and provide recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Administer federal grants through GAPS (Grant Administration System) to ensure maximum funding and to comply with federal regulations.
• Monitor all grants and assist with the accounting function.
• Manage financial transactions, ensuring proper documentation, approval, reporting and compliance with internal controls.
• Review sales tax calculations and submit electronic payments.
• Prepare general ledger entries and reconciliations for month-end closings.
• Assist, maintain, and monitor capital budget expenditures.
• Assist with the preparation of Federal tax returns.
• Prepare and/or review required financial reports, both internal and external, in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board).
• Oversee and assist with the preparation of the yearly audited financial statements, footnotes, and supplemental information.
• Serve as the University liaison with the independent auditors.
• Prepare and coordinate the board of trustee finance materials and follow-ups.
• Participate on campus and community committees that serve to benefit the mission of the University and Finance area programs.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work successfully with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting principles and processes.
• Knowledge of and experience with complex computer-based financial management systems, including system upgrades and implementations.
• Strong leadership and administrative skills including, but not limited to, strategic planning, personnel, budget, and resource management.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, project management, problem recognition, and resolution skills.
• Ability to interpret and appropriately apply accounting principles and regulations.
• Ability and experience in generating timely and accurate financial information and reports.
• Ability and experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls to safeguard and manage finance resources effectively.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Experience with financial software systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Seven to ten years of progressive experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting principles, and regulatory requirements (including IRS regulations for tax-exempt organizations).
• FP&A experience desired.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Three years’ experience in a higher education or nonprofit environment preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited physical effort is required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Compensation:

A competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 12 days paid sick leave, 20 days paid vacation, 14-15 paid holidays, employer-paid long and short-term disability plans, 403(b) retirement plan, university-paid life insurance and tuition remission benefits for employee, spouse, and children. To learn more about the University’s benefits package, go to:

How to Apply:

Review of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For the strongest consideration, applicants should submit materials by August 1, 2025. Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references in one PDF or Word document and submit via the To Apply link on HR’s Current Job Openings site:

Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. At BW , we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities, and as we engage our community partners. Learn more at Diversity Affairs -

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