Human Resources

Lake Forest College seeks applications for a full-time Controller. The Controller is a key role at the College and will directly oversee all accounting, reporting and compliance functions for the College. The Controller will report to the AVP for Business, while supervising the Staff Accountant and Accounts Payable Specialist. This candidate must be able to balance working effectively in a team, while completing work independently in a dynamic environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing many day-to-day operations and accounting functions and will be expected to produce timely and accurate data with care and integrity. The Controller will interact effectively within our culturally diverse environment while performing duties tactfully and fairly. The position will help ensure that policies and procedures are consistent and compliant.

Responsibilities include:

• Overall compliance
  • Recommend, develop, and document business processes and accounting policies with a focus on compliance and internal controls.

• Manage accounting functions of the College, including but not limited to, general accounting, endowment accounting, government accounting, and accounts payable.
• Month-end close leadership including:
  • G/L maintenance.
  • Balance sheet account reconciliations.

• Supervision of Staff Accountant and Accounts Payable Specialist.
• Manage fixed asset records along with depreciation.
• Lead year-end close/reporting, annual audit and 990 tax return preparation.
• Prepare all financial reports required by bond or banking agreements on a timely basis.
• Grant accounting oversight and supervision.
• Assist the AVP/VP with ad hoc reporting.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments for timely information, answer questions and provide accounting process recommendations and solutions.

Qualifications

• Requirements:
  • 5+ years of financial statements auditing, financial accounting, or similar experience.
  • Strong analytical skills; proficiency with Excel.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team.
  • Knowledge of higher education reporting rules and requirements.
• Pluses:
  • Previous Higher Education experience.
  • CPA and/or prior experience as an external auditor.
  • Experience working with Jenzabar Financials.
  • Experience writing SQL Queries/Reports.
  • Grant accounting experience.

Application

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: AJ Rodino, Associate Vice President for Business at arodino@lakeforest.edu.

Lake Forest College embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.