Item 9.D-Decemer 14, 2012
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable):
Position #(s): 10851
Current Title: Controller, University
Current Range: 7
(JCC:77220;1D;CA1040;CC012;E)
Department:
College/Division: Business and Finance /
V.P., Administration and Finance
Account #(s): 1101-104-0901
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
(X) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Range:
JCC (Current
or new HR
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean
Tom Judy
Associate Vice President, Business & Finance
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Ron Zurek
Date
Vice President, Administration & Finance
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Pos #(s): 10851
JCC: 86937
Range: 7
EEO: 1C
Eff: 12/1/2012
Approved Title: Controller, University
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:____________________________________________
Printed Name:_________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
__________________
Date
Position Description – Controller, University
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The University Controller reports to the Associate Vice President for Business and Finance and is
responsible for providing effective management, accountability, and custody of the financial assets of
the University of Nevada, Reno. The position is an integral component of the central administration of
the University.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
35% - Financial Accountability and Compliance
 Assures the university’s financial accountability and compliance with federal, state and Nevada
System of Higher Education (NSHE) requirements for accounting and financial management
 Approves the development and monitoring of effective financial policies and procedures for the
university
 Oversight of and participation in the preparation of financial statements
20% - Human Resources Management
 Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates the Controller’s Office professional and classified staff,
including department managers
15% - Administrative Management
 Participates in the central administrative management of university activities
 Interacts with campus and related organizations’ financial managers and staff
 Acts in the place of the Associate Vice President for Business and Finance in his/her absence
10% - Management of Compliance Processes
 Manages the compliance processes for the Business and Finance unit, which include Red
Flag, Purchasing Card Industry Data Security Standards and Nevada Revised Statutes
regarding storage and use of social security numbers
 Develops policies and procedures to ensure compliance processes meet federal, state and
university requirements
 Trains university staff on compliance processes
 Monitors and follows up on non-compliance issues
10% - Contract Review
 Reviews and approves contracts submitted by university departments
 Ensures compliance with university and system policies and procedures pertaining to signature
authority for contracts
10% - Management of Computer Systems
 Assists in development and management of computer systems support for the administrative
processes of the university
Position Description – Controller, University
Page 3
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
The individual is expected to provide leadership in financial and administrative decisions and in policy
development in order in ensure the success and credibility of the department’s work and the
reputation of the University and NSHE. The individual reports to and works closely with the Associate
Vice President, Business & Finance, but has a high degree of latitude and independence in decisionmaking associated with the position.
Impact:
Decisions and judgments made affect overall university compliance with federal, state and NSHE
standards and regulations. Incorrect decisions or poor judgment can adversely affect funding levels,
public perception of the university and/or faculty/staff confidence in the overall administration of the
university. Well-founded decisions and judgments will positively enhance the reputation of the
university, both publicly and within NSHE at both the institutional and Regents’ levels.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Accounting requirements and financial management standards necessary in a college and
university environment
 Federal, state and higher education requirements for the preparation of financial statements
 Generally accepted accounting principles and practices
 Higher education financial information systems
Skills:
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Well-developed managerial and supervisory skills in a civil service, or equivalent, environment
Good interpersonal and human relations skills
Effective verbal and written communication
Good organizational skills
Decision-making, analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in the use of a personal computer and current software applications, including but
not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and email), specifically
using spreadsheets and data query software
Ability to:
 Provide management oversight, leadership and strategic direction in a complex financial
operation
 Prepare financial statements and related reports
 Manage effectively in a complex and somewhat bureaucratic environment
 Work with other university administrative officers (president, provost, vice presidents, deans
and directors)
 Formulate policies and gain acceptance and cooperation in a university environment
 Identify, present and gain acceptance for and implementation of new, innovative processes and
procedures necessary for the management of the financial aspects of the university
 Maintain confidentiality of information
 Gain an understanding of complex issues
 Create and foster a work environment that encourages employee development and longevity
Position Description – Controller, University
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Work both independently and as a collaborative team member
Exercise sound judgment to make objective, fair and consistent decisions, oftentimes under
pressure
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
Controller’s Office managers
and supervisory staff
University faculty, staff and
administrators
System Computing Services
and Campus Information
Systems personnel
Deans, directors and
department chairs
Vice presidents, provost, vice
provost, and associate/
assistant vice presidents
NSHE administrators
Reason for Contact
To provide supervision, guidance and assignment of special tasks
and duties
To propose and implement new processes and systems.
External
Auditors
Reason for Contact
To provide financial information and respond to questions
regarding preparation of financial statements
To provide financial information and negotiate on behalf of the
university
Federal and state government
agency representatives
To give instructions and assist in the design, development,
procurement, enhancement and maintenance of computer systems
designed to collect and provide financial information
To respond to questions, resolve problems, convey policies and
procedures, and provide financial information and advice
To respond to questions, resolve problems and provide financial
information and advice
To respond to questions and provide financial information
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a. Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b. Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Bachelor’s Degree and eight years, or a Master’s Degree and seven years, of progressively
responsible financial management experience to include five years in college/university or
governmental accounting; four years of progressively responsible supervisory experience; and
four years of experience preparing, analyzing and presenting financial statements
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c. Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or other equivalent financial
certification