Founded in 1958, Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides higher education to Prince George’s County and the Washington, D.C. metro area. The college is based in Largo, Maryland, with an enrollment of nearly 40,000 students. PGCC offers over 100 fields of study through its academic, workforce development, continuing education, and personal enrichment programs. The college was the first educational institution to integrate in the county, and today serves more African-American students than any other post-secondary institution in the state of Maryland.

The Position

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

Additional specific responsibilities of the controller include:

  • Review financial reports for consistency, accuracy, accountability, and timeliness.
  • Oversee the timely closing of month-end and year-end financial account activities.
  • Train and cross-train for essential positions, developing and maintaining adequate backup personnel.
  • Oversee college-collection processes, including managing various college staff responsible for cash collection and accounting activities.
  • Conduct all accounts-receivable dispute-resolution discussions and meetings with vendors, employers, parents, and students.
  • Oversee timely and accurate deposit of all college funds.
  • Direct the timely mailing of appropriate billing according to college schedules.
  • Plan, develop, and monitor annual budgets for financial affairs and the bursar’s office (approximately $900,000), including providing budget input for audit costs.
  • Conduct special studies, investigations, or other services as directed by the vice president of financial services and operations.
  • Oversee staff training for the Colleague financial management system.
  • Conduct quarterly informational meetings for all accounts-receivable and cash-management staff at all college campuses and centers.
  • Oversee development activities related to the class schedule to ensure correct information regarding college billing, FACTS payment, etc.
  • Oversee procurement and inventory functions.
  • Participate in the college’s Student Grievance Committee.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will have a master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration; CPA is preferred. Three years of experience in higher education administration or three years of experience auditing higher education institutions is required. Three years minimum of management experience in general ledger accounting operations is also required. Successful candidates will also possess proven managerial ability with specific training in supervisory/management skills and responsibilities; knowledge and expertise in accounting and financial management operations through participation in professional organizations; knowledge and expertise in Datatel Colleague and/or other ERP system functionality; ability to maintain positive working relationships with the college community and external financial reporting agencies; ability to perform detailed work independently, as well as in a team environment; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles; experience with an integrated financial data system; and demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of the organization.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders indicated that the successful candidate should be someone who possesses:

  • An understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to the financial strategies of a publicly funded community college.
  • Impeccable integrity and high ethical standards.
  • An innovative, strategic, and entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and partnership.
  • Expertise in current financial methodology and regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to use data in guiding business strategy and outcomes.
  • The ability and willingness to delegate effectively and hold direct reports accountable.
  • Skill and transparency in all decision-making.
  • Customer focus and dedication to providing optimum service.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated public speaking ability to include presentation to the board of trustees.
  • A record of superior communication skills, relationship-building, and collaboration with internal stakeholder groups.
  • Strong leadership, vision, and managerial skills.
  • Flexible adaptation to changing circumstances and commitment to regular assessment and process improvement.
  • Support for staff development and the ability to create a strong team environment.
  • The ability to think strategically and work as a hands-on member of the team when necessary.
  • A strong understanding of best practices in higher-education finance.

HISTORY OF THE POSITION

The position has been vacant since July 2023. The most recent controller had a background that included experience in both higher education and business.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE ROLE

The controller must understand best practices in financial management for higher education. In addition to strong technical skills, the new controller must be able to build, mentor, retain, and support a strong team within the office. It will be critical to engage staff members in the strategy and direction of the organization.

Additional opportunities, priorities, and challenges for the controller, as articulated by stakeholders, are as follows:

  • The college is financially strong, with a steady enrollment.
  • The controller will have the opportunity to evaluate current technology and consider the adoption of new resources in this area to streamline complex processes.
  • The controller must stay current in knowledge of federal audit requirements and tax obligations for non-profits and higher education.
  • They will need strong change management skills.
  • The campus is supportive and respectful of the role of the controller.
  • The new controller will find an institution that recognizes and welcomes creativity, collaboration, and innovation in processes and solutions.
  • The controller must earn the trust and confidence of campus leadership and direct reports.
  • The controller should be a visible and engaged member of the campus community.
  • Additional revenue streams have been identified, but they will need to grow and support the overall budget of the campus.
  • The controller will find that annual reports and audits are completed and in compliance with required reporting.
  • The controller will work to identify current needs to improve existing processes and better serve the campus continually.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

At an appropriate interval after joining Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), the following items will define the success of the new controller:

  • The controller has earned the trust and confidence of the president, the chief financial officer, the board, and the cabinet.
  • The controller is a visible and engaged member of the PGCC community.
  • The controller has worked to identify current needs that improve existing processes and better serve the campus.
  • The controller’s staff feel supported and receive appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
  • The controller has managed all audits and required reporting for the college.

Institution & Location

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

The goal of this office is to provide the best possible finance and accounting services and to support the achievement of the college’s mission by processing, recording, and reporting financial information and data on a consistent basis that is accurate, relevant, timely, objective, and reliable. It also strives to implement and maintain a controlled environment that complies with all relevant policies and procedures.

Financial Affairs includes the following areas:

  • Accounting: processes, records, and reports transactions related to revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and grants.
  • Bursar’s Office: provides student accounts services, billings, and receivables.
  • Payroll: processes, records, and reports the payroll.
  • Financial Systems Support: administers and supports the general ledger, payroll, payables, receivables, budget, project accounting, and procurement systems.

INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW

Founded in 1958, Prince George’s Community College provides higher education to Prince George’s County and the Washington, D.C. metro area. The college is based in Largo, Maryland, with an enrollment of nearly 40,000 students. PGCC offers over 100 fields of study through its academic, workforce development, continuing education, and personal enrichment programs. The college was the first educational institution to integrate in the county, and today serves more African-American students than any other postsecondary institution in the state of Maryland.

Vision and Mission

Strategic Planning

Organizational Chart

The Student Body

Total enrollment (2021 data): 10,577

Male: 35%

Female: 65%

African American: 64%

Asian: 4%

Hispanic: 17%

Two or more races: 4%

Race unknown: 5%

Non-resident: 2%

White: 4%

Diversity Statement

Prince George’s Community College has long recognized the importance of equal opportunity and diversity in education and includes diversity as one of its core values.

Prince George’s Community College supports and embraces cultural diversity, understood as the creation and promotion of an inclusive, non-discriminatory environment for everyone, through accepting and valuing differences, including differences in age, race, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic background, and ability/disability. Prince George’s Community College strives for growth and success for all of its students, employees, business partners, and the community.

Institutional Leadership

Falicia D. Williams, President

Dr. Falecia D. Williams is the ninth president of Prince George’s Community College. A proven transformational servant leader, she values learning as much as leading and understands the power of inspiring others to invest in their own positive outcomes.

Dr. Williams is active in numerous professional, business, and civic endeavors, and board service, including Visit Orlando; Central Florida Regional Housing Trust; Coalition for the Homeless; Lifework Leadership Orlando; Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan Development Team; Florida High Tech Corridor Workforce Development Team; Florida Department of Education Next Generation Curriculum Standards Committee and Subcommittee for Postsecondary Transition; the American Council on Education Postsecondary Transition Committee; and the Florida Association of Community Colleges.

 

Terri K. Bacote-Charles, Vice President of Financial Services and Operations

Terri Bacote-Charles earned her MA in public policy from Duke University’s Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, now known as the Sanford School of Public Policy, in Durham, North Carolina. She also completed training at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs in Austin, Texas. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Ms. Bacote-Charles serves as the vice president of financial services and operations at Prince George’s Community College, where she functions as the college’s chief financial officer for an operating budget of more than $100 million. Bacote-Charles also provides the college with leadership and oversight in the areas of facilities planning and management, college police, auxiliary services, and events management.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW

For information on the benefits offered at Prince George’s Community College, see here.

Application & Nomination

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position and questions about the status of the search may be emailed to Laura Puckett-Boler at lpb@spelmanjohnson.com  Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

The Public Salary Range for this position is $120,000 – $145,000.

Visit the Prince George’s Community College website at https://www.pgcc.edu

Prince George’s Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons to the end that no person, on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, qualified disabled veteran, or Vietnam-era veteran, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of this institution. Under this policy, this institution will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of sex, race, age, color, religion, veteran’s status, disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its admission policies and practices or any other policies or practices of the institution relating to the treatment of students and other individuals, including employment, the provision of services, financial aid, and other benefits, and including the use of any building, structure, room space, materials, equipment, facility, or any other property. One who believes oneself or any specific class of individual to be subject to prohibited discrimination may, by oneself or through a representative, file a written complaint with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education or with the college president, or both.