The Controller is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all accounting operational functions at Fort Hays State University. The position guides university financial decisions by administering and ensuring compliance with university, State of Kansas, and other applicable procedures, polices, and regulations. Oversees the production of accurate and comprehensive financial reports; ensures that the reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles according to state, federal and GAAP standards. The position provides direction and leadership in the management of accounting, purchasing, cashiering and related functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee financial activity and reporting to ensure compliance with state and federal policies and procedures. Maintains a documented system of accounting procedures and implements a system of controls over accounting transactions to minimize risk. Direct the management of the university accounting system and business office.
Provide services and support to various departments and leaders across campus to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to comply with university accounting procedures. Communicate with clarity both orally and written which promotes a positive relationship and supports the university’s strategic mission with work units across the campus.
Manage the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of consolidated business results. Coordinate and prepare internal, state and federal financial reports according to GAAP and GASB standards, as well as daily, monthly, and yearly financial reports for internal review and analysis. Compile and submit other reports as requested for the Kansas Board of Regents and Kansas Department of Administration, as well as other federal and state agencies.
Supervise and guide various university offices, including Business Office/ Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable/ Student Fiscal, and Purchasing. Consult with university departments to ensure understanding and adherence to university and state policies and procedures and department financial matters. May also be responsible for other Administration and Finance operations services, such as mail and warehouse services.
Advise VP for Administration and Finance on decisions related to accounting and university business. Recommend benchmarks that will be used to measure the university’s performance. Provide financial analysis, with emphasis on XYZ to assist with annual forecasts. Monitor and confirm financial by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data. Prepare special reports by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data.
Work with internal and external auditors and provide needed information for the audit.
Protect assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.
Represent Administration and Finance/Controller’s Office on various university and university system committees, task forces, and various community workgroups as assigned.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
- 1 - 3 years of related, professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Finance, Financial Management, Accounting
- Certified Public Accountant
- Experience working with cloud-based ERP systems, such as Workday.
- Experience with fund accounting
- 5 - 10 years of related, professional experience
Additional Information
- Extensive knowledge of financial management and reporting, as well as State and university requirements and interactions.
- Good supervisory skills and communication with an eye towards customer service.
- Knowledge of GASB requirements and ability to organize financial activities according to those requirements.
Priority Deadline: September 3, 2023. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately following the priority deadline and will continue until the position is filled.
Required Application Documents: Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.
All required application documents should be submitted in one PDF.
Application Process:
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Name: Wesley Wintch
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination: Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
