GMUF, Controller

GMUF, ControllerGeorge Mason University Foundation seeks an accomplished leader, collaborator, and subject-matter expert for the role of GMUF, Controller. The GMUF, Controller is responsible for managing all finance, accounting, and reporting activities for the Foundation to ensure a solid and sustainable future for George Mason University.George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Position:Reporting to the Foundation Chief Financial Officer, the GMUF, Controller is pivotal in leading daily finance operations and creating an inclusive, positive professional environment. Supervising a team of 12 with responsibility for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash and treasury management, and financial reporting, the GMUF, Controller will ensure the Foundation has the systems, procedures, team, and relationships to execute its business operations effectively and ultimately fulfill its mission.The GMUF, Controller will work closely with the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Director of Real Estate and Investments, and University Fiscal Services colleagues to explore how the Foundation finance function can best support broader University operations and provide opportunities for colleagues across the institution to learn more about the important work of the Foundation. In partnership with the Foundation CFO and Foundation President, the GMUF, Controller will work to position the Foundation for growth and maximum operational effectiveness through strategic planning and initiatives.Responsibilities:Finance Operations ManagementActively lead the Foundation's financial and accounting functions, including processing incoming gifts, pledge and pledge payments, and other deposits; disbursements of restricted (programmatic) and unrestricted (operational) funds; cash and investment management;Manage the Foundation's enterprise risk management process, establishing controls and procedures to ensure proper segregation of duties for all areas of Foundation operations;Oversee all financial reporting components of Foundation activity, including annual audited financial statements, reporting to external groups (NACUBO, VSE, CASE), IRS filings, and tax returns (IRS Forms 990, 990T and related filings, and trust tax returns), charitable registry filings, and all internal reporting to the Advancement and University community; ensure compliance with IRS, charitable solicitation registration, and other regulatory requirements;Prepare and evaluate the Foundation's annual operating budget and 5-year projections;Lead the external audit process, including all communication and engagement with the outside audit team in alignment with Foundation and University reporting deadlines;Maintain responsibility for the Foundation's financial systems, managing vendors and consultants to evaluate and solve issues and identify opportunities to position the Foundation for growth and better support the wider University community; andPartner with the Director of Real Estate and Investments to ensure cash and investment activities, including endowment and real estate activities, are correctly recorded, managed, monitored, and reported.Team LeadershipLead a diverse team of highly accomplished professionals:In close collaboration with the Assistant Controller, oversee the financial reporting functions of the Foundation, including quarterly reporting to University Deans, Vice Presidents, and associated Advancement and Finance staff members;Oversee the Senior Accountant-Cash and the treasury function of the Foundation, ensuring gift importing and reconciliations meet reporting deadlines;Advise the Associate Director, Accounts Payable, and the Accounts Payable Team on disbursement-related issues, leading policy decisions and providing guidance on taxation and other regulatory issues;Work with the Senior Accountant-Investments and the Investments Accounting Team to ensure reconciliations meet reporting deadlines; coordinate review of activity with the Director of Real Estate and Investments and external consultants; and oversee banking relationships;Provide opportunities for growth and challenge the team to expand their capabilities through professional development; andMaintain internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the Foundation and actively work to create and promote an inclusive, positive, and supportive work environment.University CollaborationServe as the primary Foundation contact to the University's Financial Reporting Office and manages the preparation of materials (under GAAP guidance) for inclusion in university statements;Partner with colleagues in the University Controller's Office, Fiscal Services, and the Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure accurate and timely activity management and reporting; andGuide colleagues in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations (Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, Gifts and Records, and Development Officers) and serve as the primary contact for affiliated relationships across the University.Required Qualifications:The ideal candidate will be an accomplished subject-matter expert and a collaborative leader. They will be expected to fulfill leadership and mentoring responsibilities that provide equitable and inclusive working environments to the staff they supervise and the staff they work with. Success in the role requires a range of qualities, experiences, and interpersonal skills that are essential enablers of effective performance. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:Master's degree in accounting or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience; CPA license is strongly preferred;Considerable experience (generally 5+ years) in general accounting and/or auditing; recent experience in public higher education in the same or similar role is preferred;Demonstrated, effective decision-making skills as well as a solid understanding of GAAP and complex reconciliations; general ledger management, audit, budget, and financial statement preparation experience;Supervisory experience, effective leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues;Effective interpersonal, organizational, analytical, financial, and communication skills; andDemonstrated ability to be forward-thinking, enthusiastic, and entrepreneurial.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.George Mason University Foundation has retained Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) to support this recruitment. Katie Dean, Associate Partner, and Abigail Maynard, Associate, lead the search. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations may be sent to Abigail via email at abigail.maynard@opuspartners.net.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."