William Peace University (“Peace”) provides a culture that fosters an energized team environment, builds on our strengths, promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages respect and open communication. We value our faculty and staff. We know they are important and vital to the growth of our university and culture. Senior leadership is personally dedicated to the professional growth and development of each employee. We want to help you build your career, while ensuring you have great work-life balance and flexibility.

We teach our students the skills needed for ethical citizenship, not just in the classroom, but by example. We believe in giving back to our community, and our employees take pride in working at Peace.

The William Peace University Business Office is committed to providing responsible management of financial resources with accuracy and integrity. Primary areas of focus include budget management, financial reporting, accounts payable, purchasing, student accounts, payroll, cash management, endowment management and debt management. We value work that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and people.

The Controller provides strategic leadership for the areas of financial accounting and reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, payroll, taxation, and student accounts. The controller directs budget planning, development, and reporting processes; prepares or oversees the preparation of financial statements, reports, and analyses; and oversees financial and compliance audits by external auditors.

The Controller leads in a way that supports Peace’s mission and models its core values.

Reporting to the Vice President for Administration & Finance/CFO, the Controller is responsible for and authorized to:

● Schedule and coordinate external audits.
● Ensure that adequate internal controls are in place.
● Prepare state and federal tax returns.
● Prepare or oversee the preparation of timely financial statements and analyses for management.
● Oversee and direct activities of the controller’s office.
● Manage the annual operating and capital budget processes.
● Develop budget process tools and facilitate training for budget managers.
● Develop, document, maintain, and revise business operations procedures manual.
● Serve as Module Manager (A/P, A/R, G/L, and Purchasing) for integrated computer systems.
● Serve as project lead for financial software selection, implementation, conversion, and training.
● Prepare cash flow analyses and forecasts.
● Develop and recommend benchmarks for measuring division and departmental financial and operating performance and provide guidance to budget managers.
● Monitor, analyze, and report monthly actual to budget operating results.
● Manage the preparation of the official annual report of actual revenues, transfers, and expenses.
● Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements.
● Serve as banking liaison.
● Prepare various financial analysis as requested by the CFO.
● Prepare reports and analyses in support of the CFO and the Business Operations Committee of the Board of Trustees.
● Collaborate effectively with kindness and empathy with a diverse population of employees, students, vendors, visitors, and guests.
● Embrace responsibility for an exceptional level of service to students to help ensure their successful persistence to graduation at Peace.

Supervisory Responsibilities
● Lead and develop controller’s office staff: Assistant Controller, Student Accounts Manager, Accounts Payable Specialist, GL Accountant, and Payroll/Accounts Payable Specialist. Perform in accordance with the University’s policies and applicable laws.
● Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; and address complaints and resolve problems.
● Create a culture of belonging and one of empathic service to students to help ensure their successful persistence to graduation at Peace.

Education and Experience
Four-year degree in accounting, business management, or relevant field with 7 years of progressive experience and working knowledge of and experience with financial software.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
● Knowledge of financial, accounting, budgeting, internal controls, cost control principles, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for private colleges and universities.
● Working knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.
● Proficient in using Excel and Google products
● Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
● Ability to analyze and synthesize financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
● Working knowledge of short and long-term budgeting and forecasting, accounting analysis, and pro-forma projections.
● Well developed writing, speaking, and listening skills.
● Ability to motivate teams to produce quality work and meet deadlines.
● Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.

CPA; MBA or advanced degree in accounting or related field; 7+ years of experience in higher education; and knowledge of trends and current issues facing higher education.