Controller at the University of Montana

The University of Montana seeks a CPA to serve as Controller. This administrator leads the accounting operations and provides financial reporting expertise for the University. The Controller reports to the Associate Vice President for Operations and Finance.

For full information, see the Search Profile at https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/UM-Controller.pdf

About the University The University of Montana (UM) (https://www.umt.edu/) is a multi-campus, flagship, public research university serving the state of Montana and region. The main campus is located in Missoula, as is Missoula College—the two-year college of UM, with additional campuses in Helena, Butte, Dillon, and Hamilton.

The second largest campus in the Montana University System, UM sets the bar high for academic studies, creative accomplishments, and scientific exploration that benefits students, their communities, and the world at large. The University is under the leadership of President Seth Bodnar, who was appointed in 2018 after serving as a senior executive at the General Electric Company and having a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army.

The University draws a diverse, global population to Missoula that helps cultivate an educated, engaged, and vibrant community. The main campus, nestled in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, spans 56 acres at the base of Mount Sentinel and along the Clark Fork River. It includes the park-like Oval at the center of campus, more than 60 architecturally unique buildings, and a 25,200-seat football stadium. UM’s 180-acre South Campus offers student housing, a golf course, soccer and softball fields, and an outdoor track facility. Missoula College occupies two sites, one just across the river from the main campus and one on the southwest side of Missoula.

At UM, students receive a world-class educational experience in a broad range of subjects that include the trades, humanities, sciences, graduate and postdoctoral study, and professional training. The University of Montana comprises 10 colleges and is home to a variety of research centers and institutes. More than 10,000 students attend the University of Montana. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1 with an average class size of 30. UM’s College of Business is tied at No. 1 as “Best Business School in the Big Sky Conference” by U.S. News & World Report (2020).

The University of Montana ranks 17th in the nation and 5th among public universities in producing Rhodes Scholars. It has 11 Truman Scholars, 14 Goldwater Scholars, and more than 40 Udall Scholars to its name.

The Opportunity The Controller oversees the University’s accounting operations, including revenues, expenses, endowments, property, cash flows, assets, and liabilities. Along with providing financial reporting expertise, this financial administrator also ensures compliance with all applicable regulations and fiscal policies and procedures.

The Controller has direct contact with executive officers, deans, directors, faculty, staff, and the general public, as well as with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, external auditors, and various local, state, and federal agencies.  In addition to serving the University of Montana, the Controller works collaboratively with accounting and business leaders concerning business operations at the affiliated campuses of Helena College University of Montana, Montana Technological University, and University of Montana Western.

In management and supervision, the Controller is responsible for providing quality and efficient processes for customers through the leadership, analyses, and implementation of appropriate staffing levels. The daily management of the team of employees includes hiring, reviewing annually, motivating, recognizing, rewarding, coaching, counseling, training, and problem solving. The Accounting Manager reports directly to the Controller, with a team of four to six accountants reporting to the Accounting Manager.

Controller Responsibilities

• Provides leadership of university- and affiliate-wide accounting operations.
• Maintains and analyzes financial information.
• Prepares complex and consolidated financial reports for University of Montana entities, reviewing financial data to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements as well as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Manages all aspects of the annual year-end audit process, including acting as the main liaison to the external and internal audit teams.
• Assists the Vice President of Operations and Finance with the issuance of long-term debt and ensures compliance with continuing disclosure and other debt/rating agency requirements.
• Leads an office committed to improving processes and providing outstanding service in an increasingly complex and demanding regulatory environment.
• Informs campus using technical knowledge and skills in accounting and financial analytics in support of financial and institutional priorities.
• Reviews and assesses internal controls, recommending modifications or establishment of new accounting procedures or systems.
• Designs, administers, and manages systems for a wide range of financial-related programs, vendor relationships, and regulatory activities.
• Reviews and implements emerging issues released by GASB, IRS, the State of Montana, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, and/or the Board of Regents.
• Coordinates and maintains collaborative relationships between Accounting/Business Services and other departments, such as Budgeting, Human Resources, Facilities, Student Financial Services, Athletics, Advancement, and Academics.
• Supports university committees as directed.

Qualifications Minimum Requirements

• Controller must have the following education, credentials, skills, and experience:
• Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Accounting
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Seven to ten years of progressive experience in financial affairs leadership positions
• Prior supervisory experience
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and GASB pronouncements
• Comprehensive knowledge of annual financial reporting audit processes
• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal and State annual reporting requirements
• Demonstrated knowledge of management practices within a complex budgetary environment
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections
• Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of automated financial systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials
• Ability to operate strategically and on a detailed level
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed

Preferred

• Graduate degree in accounting, business, economics, finance, or related field
• Previous work experience in a higher education setting
• Experience with Ellucian Banner ERP

Application & Nomination Process Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited. Applications

1. Application packet must include the following: a) A letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, b) Résumé, and c) At least four references with full contact information including e-mails (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)
2. Submit application packet (preferably as PDFs) to UMT-Controller@myersmcrae.com. Review of applications is progress. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of application.

Nominations Submit nominations to UMT-Controller-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated. Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting , is assisting University of Montana with this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at kennydaugherty@myersmcrae.com. The University of Montana has committed to the principles of equal opportunity, that everyone should have access to opportunities in their education and in the workplace, and to ensure that no one is excluded from participation. It has a program of affirmative action, which is required of federal contractors such as universities and is intended to eliminate the present effects of past discrimination and to increase the participation and employment of women, minorities, certain classes of veterans, and people with disabilities.