Baylor University

Job Description For Asst VP and Controller (ACO100)


Positions within Baylor University exist to support the mission, which is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.
Position Class
1103
Job Family
General Administration
Sub-Family
Administrative Leadership
Department
Controller's Office (112ACO)
FLSA Status
Exempt - Does not qualify for overtime

VP of Financial Operations
Providing senior leadership and management of the University’s financial accounting, compliance and reporting facilitating strategic decision-making throughout the University, as well as the efficient and effective monitoring, management, stewardship, and control of the University’s financial resources. The AVP & Controller leads the University’s accounting operations; general ledger and grants accounting; gifts and investment accounting; payroll; tax and compliance; and financial reporting teams in providing accurate and timely financial information, development and communication of financial policies and procedures, implementation of effective internal financial controls, compliance with accounting principles, laws and regulations, and collaborates across the University assuring quality services to the University’s stakeholders.
Description Pct. of Time
Directs and supervises daily accounting operations ensuring adherence to University policies and procedures, established standards of accounting principles, government regulations, and best practices. 20%
Carries out the mission of the University’s Finance Division; formulates goals and objectives for the Controller’s Office in accordance with the overall mission and goals of the division and University. 15%
Works in partnership with members of the University’s management and all academic and administrative departments to further the strategic and financial goals of the University. Communicates complex information and processes effectively across the University. 15%
Oversees internal and external financial, regulatory and tax reporting, forecasting, and financial internal control operations of the University. 15%
Directs and oversees the hiring, development, management, and evaluation of Controller’s Office staff, building effective, high-functioning teams supporting the University’s initiatives. 10%
Identifies opportunities to improve financial policies and processes within the department and throughout the University, ensuring policies, procedures, systems and internal controls are based on finance and industry best practices and support the strategic goals of the University. 10%
Assists with the gathering and analysis of data relevant to the financial operations of the University. 10%
Perform other duties as delegated or otherwise assigned. 5%
Total 100%
Functional Skills
Technical Skills
Possesses the technical skills and knowledge required to perform essential tasks in an efficient and effective manner. Demonstrates the willingness and ability to train or coach others in the technical arena. This is quite different than those individuals who lack technical skills or knowledge and/or have failed to demonstrate a willingness and ability to train others to perform well in technical assignments.
Serving as a Functional Expert
When needed, serves as an advisor regarding technical aspects of a project. Makes recommendations related to procedures and resources that may be needed. Has gained the respect and confidence of the people he/she advises. This is distinctly different from those whose advice fails to result in improving efficiency or avoiding pitfalls on projects and/or whose track record or ability to persuade others creates a lack of credibility and a lack of confidence in following any advice offered.
People Management
Building Team Environment
Establishes an environment that creates incentives for, and eliminates barriers to, a team environment. For example, articulates common goals, communicates how individual roles contribute to team success, provides both clear direction and sufficient resources while removing or reducing obstacles to team success. This contrasts with those who reward competitive behavior within the team, fail to connect individual roles to team goals, talk/write about the importance of teamwork without providing adequate resources or fail to play a key role in neutralizing any other obstacles to team success.
Strategic Skills
Analytical Thinking
Breaks down problems and issues into sub-components and then assesses the costs, benefits and risks of various options prior to selecting a particular approach. This contrasts with the behavior of individuals who tend to attack problems without a thorough examination of all important components and ramifications; who fail to weigh the costs, benefits and risks associated with various alternatives; and/or who are unable to explain or justify their decisions in a logical and systematic fashion.
Strategic Thinking
Can analyze organizational strengths and weaknesses and then combine these with knowledge of the industry, market and organization to develop long-term strategy. This is distinctly different from being unaware of organizational strengths and weaknesses and/or are being unable to combine a knowledge of the industry, market and organization in a fashion that results in a viable long-term strategy.
Instructions and guidelines consist of broadly defined assignments and functions. Programs, projects and other work products are considered authoritative and normally accepted by others without significant change. This position has authority to formulate, waive or deviate from established policies and procedures without prior approval. This position has the authority to make decisions without direction from supervisor.

Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Accounting, Finance or closely related field

> 10 years
> 10 years

CPA certification and 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience and management in higher education or comparable complex organization required

• Strong leadership & management skills. • Knowledge of accounting, compliance, & reporting standards related to not-for-profits, universities, & federal, state, & local laws & regulations • Experience coordinating external audits & maintaining effective engagement relationships; strategic planning & budget management; demonstrated experience in process improvement & internal control development, implementation, & monitoring. • Demonstrated organizational ability to interpret & implement federal, state, & local laws & regulations as they pertain to accounting procedures & policies for non-profit & institutions of higher education. • Commitment to working in collaboration with senior administrators, other University colleagues, direct reports and key stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, record of success in navigating complex environments & communicating effectively with individuals at all levels of the University, including the Board of Regents.
Comprehensive administrative experience leading a team in financial reporting & operations, preferably in a higher education environment.

Senior Dir of Tax & Compliance 1.00
Dir Fin Reporting & Analysis 1.00
Dir of Gifts and Investments 1.00
Dir of GL and Grants Accting 1.00
Manager of Payroll Services 1.00
Directs one or more departments within a division of the University.
Maintains responsibility for effective operation of multiple units.
Requirement/Condition Frequency
Work performed in a normal office environment. Constant
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to weather extremes. Never
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors and noise. Never
Requirement/Condition Frequency
Physical effort with some handling of light weight such as supplies or materials (0 to 15 lbs). Occasional
Physical efforts including standing, lifting and carrying light to moderately heavy materials or equipment. (15 to 50 lbs). Never
Physical effort such as pushing, pulling, bending, lifting, and carrying heavy objects (50 + lbs). Never
Requirement/Condition Frequency
Demands require close visual attention. Constant
Demands require prolonged mental concentration. Constant
Requirement/Condition Frequency
Exposure to hazards that may result in some injury, lost time, or threat to one's personal health. Never
Exposure to job hazards that may result in injury, lost time, total disability or death. Never
Last Modified:
11/20/2018 4:06:10 PM