
Jul 29, 2022
For more than 80 years, Clarks Summit University has prepared men and women for Christ-honoring careers and ministries across the globe. Located in the foothills of the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, the university offers programs ranging from an associate, bachelor’s, masters and doctorate degrees.
Purpose of Position:
The primary purpose of all employees of Clarks Summit University (CSU) is to advance its Christ-centered mission and culture:
- Seek to be a role model in attitude, speech, and actions in a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ.
- Follow Matthew 18 principles in addressing issues with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
- Show by example the importance of Scripture memorization, Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and Christian fellowship.
- Be prepared to communicate the school’s religious beliefs to students and others who inquire.
- Be ready to pray and offer spiritual advice to students, faculty, and staff.
The primary function of the Controller is to provide oversight for all financial matters of Clarks Summit University and the BBC Foundation including accounting, forecasts & budgeting, financial reporting & analysis, treasury, payroll, and compliance. The Controller directly manages the Business Office and HR and has organizational responsibility for Financial Aid, Information Technology, and Facilities.
Some Essential Duties:
General
- Serves on the President’s Cabinet and as administrative representative to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees
- Provides oversight to ensure stakeholders are properly served, institutional policies are established & followed, and institutional priorities are realized.
- Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the work of assigned staff in the operations of the Business Office including accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accounting functions.
- Supervising responsibilities include Accounts Payable Coordinator, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Human Resources Coordinator, Director of Student Accounts, Financial Aid Director, Director of Information Technology (Dual Report with Vice President of Academics), Director of Facilities.
- Effectively oversees cash management of cyclical revenue and expenses (specific to the academic nature of the University and it’s summer programs) to ensure accounts payable liabilities remain within acceptable terms.
- Leads the preparation of the annual operating budget, monitors/projects revenue and expenses on a regular basis, and works with management on an on-going basis to ensure the annual financial goals are achieved.
- Establishes & periodically reviews internal control policies and procedures to ensure that accounting standards are met. Administers corporate credit card program.
- Identifies and recommends policies and procedures related to the financial and business practices of the University; plans and implements new operating procedures and information technology advances to improve service quality and efficiency of service delivery.
- Effectively interacts with professional colleagues both inside and outside CSU.
- Maintains confidentiality in all areas of responsibility.
- Submit to and honor the standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Able to process clearly and quickly especially when planning and addressing the financial needs of the institution.
Specifics
- Develops short and long range financial forecasts for use in financial planning and management of cash requirements and obligations.
- Prepares month-end close including any necessary journal entries or adjustments, completes necessary reconciliations, issues monthly budget variance reports, and prepares internal financial statements necessary for the proper management of the institution including requested ad-hoc financial analysis as needed.
- Processes bi-weekly payroll.
- Prepares reports and surveys as required by regulatory and accrediting agencies.
- Secures annual renewal and design of employee benefits including partially self-insured medical insurance and related ancillaries.
- Provides all financial services for the BBC Foundation and interacts with investments managers to periodically review fund performance.
- Oversees risk-management and ensures property insurance policies are in force to protect the University.
- Directs the fiscal year-end close and ensures conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and federal and state laws.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements/Qualifications:
- Faith
- Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Be in complete support of and adherence to Clarks Summit University’s Standards of Conduct and Confession of Faith.
- Faithfully attend a local church whose beliefs are in agreement with Clarks Summit University.
- Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (minimal) with an Accounting major preferred, or a closely related field such as finance or business administration.
- Three to Five years of experience as a controller.
- One to two years in a senior-level accounting or financial management role.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, auditing principles, financial reporting, accounting regulations and internal controls; principles and practices of employee supervision and personnel management; federal and state employment labor laws and regulations.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is desirable.
- Experience in a non-profit or educational institution is a plus.
- Proven leadership skills to effectively direct employees while in a professional environment, ability to properly evaluate comprehension, and application of subject material.
- Show excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Be a self-starter, results-oriented, and able to motivate others.
- Must be comfortable in a high-pressure environment and have the ability to handle multiple tasks with minimum supervision.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP or similar accounting systems.
- Proficient ability to use Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of Windows, Power Point, Word and similar programs required.
Essential Qualities:
Conscientiousness
- Displays a professional image at all times, even when facing significant job challenges.
- Delivers on commitments made to others.
- Takes ownership for resolving problems rather than allowing them to persist.
- Displays positive “Can Do” attitude.
Flexibility
- Adapts quickly to changing situations. This includes last-minute changes and disruptions to the schedule.
- Is receptive to new information, ideas, or strategies to achieve the organization’s goals.
Influencing/Negotiating
- Anticipates potential reactions or concerns of students and takes initiative to address them.
- Builds ownership for new initiatives, or changes by involving those responsible for implementation in planning the details.
Integrity/Honesty
- Avoids any action or situation that would give the appearance of unethical, or inappropriate behavior.
- Demonstrates the courage to do the right thing in difficult situations.
- Holds self and others accountable for meeting high standards of the organization’s integrity.
- Leads by example through modeling ethical practices and standards.
Sensitivity
- Treats others with respect, fairness, and consistency (e.g., listen to, respect others’ views, and ideas).
- Demonstrates empathy and understanding when addressing sensitive issues with others.
- At times the Controller will be privileged to information that should not be shared and must maintain confidentiality.
Other Interpersonal Skills
- High level of effective interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, plus organization and presentation skills.
- Cultivates strong working relationships with employees and students
Other Interpersonal Skills
- High level of effective interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, plus organization and presentation skills.
- Cultivates strong working relationships with employees and students.
Just like all Clarks Summit University employees, the conduct of this employee must be consistent with good character, and must be an appropriate reflective of our organaization’s heritage. Complete support of and willing adherence to Clarks Summit University’s mission vision and values. Applicant must hold these standards as his/her own. A statement of faith will be required of all final candidates.
Benefits:
- 403b Retirement Plan
- Vision coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation/ holidays/ sick days/ personal days
Location Will Be:
Clarks Summit University
538 Venard Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Due to the overwhelming response we ask that you are patient during the selection and interview process. All qualified applicants will be notified.
Cover letter should include why you should be considered for the position and what would make you the best candidate.
Email HR Team
Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Higher Ed HR, Now Recruiting For

May 20, 2022
Position Closed
For more than 80 years, Clarks Summit University has prepared men and women for Christ-honoring careers and ministries across the globe. Located in the foothills of the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, the university offers programs ranging from an associate, bachelor’s, masters and doctorate degrees.
Purpose of Position:
The primary purpose of all employees of Clarks Summit University (CSU) is to advance its Christ-centered mission and culture:
- Seek to be a role model in attitude, speech, and actions in a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ.
- Follow Matthew 18 principles in addressing issues with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
- Show by example the importance of Scripture memorization, Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and Christian fellowship.
- Be prepared to communicate the school’s religious beliefs to students and others who inquire.
- Be ready to pray and offer spiritual advice to students, faculty, and staff.
The primary function of the Executive Director for Accounting & Finance is to provide oversight for all financial matters of Clarks Summit University and the BBC Foundation including accounting, forecasts & budgeting, financial reporting & analysis, treasury, payroll, and compliance. The Executive Director for Accounting & Finance directly manages the Business Office
Some Essential Duties:
General
- Serves on the President’s Cabinet and as administrative representative to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees
- Provides oversight to ensure stakeholders are properly served, institutional policies are established & followed, and institutional priorities are realized.
- Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the work of assigned staff in the operations of the Business Office including accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accounting functions.
- Supervising responsibilities include Accounts Payable Coordinator, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Human Resources Coordinator, Director of Student Accounts, Financial Aid Director, Director of Information Technology (Dual Report with Vice President of Academics), Director of Facilities.
- Effectively oversees cash management of cyclical revenue and expenses (specific to the academic nature of the University and it’s summer programs) to ensure accounts payable liabilities remain within acceptable terms.
- Leads the preparation of the annual operating budget, monitors/projects revenue and expenses on a regular basis, and works with management on an on-going basis to ensure the annual financial goals are achieved.
- Establishes & periodically reviews internal control policies and procedures to ensure that accounting standards are met. Administers corporate credit card program.
- Identifies and recommends policies and procedures related to the financial and business practices of the University; plans and implements new operating procedures and information technology advances to improve service quality and efficiency of service delivery.
- Effectively interacts with professional colleagues both inside and outside CSU.
- Maintains confidentiality in all areas of responsibility.
- Submit to and honor the standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Able to process clearly and quickly especially when planning and addressing the financial needs of the institution.
Specifics
- Develops short and long range financial forecasts for use in financial planning and management of cash requirements and obligations.
- Prepares month-end close including any necessary journal entries or adjustments, completes necessary reconciliations, issues monthly budget variance reports, and prepares internal financial statements necessary for the proper management of the institution including requested ad-hoc financial analysis as needed.
- Processes bi-weekly payroll.
- Prepares reports and surveys as required by regulatory and accrediting agencies.
- Secures annual renewal and design of employee benefits including partially self-insured medical
- insurance and related ancillaries.
- Provides all financial services for the BBC Foundation and interacts with investments managers to
- periodically review fund performance.
- Oversees risk-management and ensures property insurance policies are in force to protect the University.
- Directs the fiscal year-end close and ensures conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and federal and state laws.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Faith
- Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Be in complete support of and adherence to Clarks Summit University’s Standards of Conduct and Confession of Faith.
- Faithfully attend a local church whose beliefs are in agreement with Clarks Summit University.
- Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (minimal) with an Accounting major preferred, or a closely related field such as finance or business administration.
- Five years of experience in a senior-level accounting or financial management role.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, auditing principles, financial reporting, accounting regulations and internal controls; principles and practices of employee supervision and personnel management; federal and state employment labor laws and regulations.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is desirable.
- Experience in a non-profit or educational institution is a plus.
- Proven leadership skills to effectively direct employees while in a professional environment, ability to properly evaluate comprehension, and application of subject material.
- Show excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Be a self-starter, results-oriented, and able to motivate others.
- Must be comfortable in a high-pressure environment and have the ability to handle multiple tasks with minimum supervision.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP or similar accounting systems.
- Proficient ability to use Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of Windows, Power Point, Word and similar programs required.
Complete support of and willing adherence to Clarks Summit University’s Standard of Conduct and Confession of Faith. Applicant must hold these standards as his/her own.
Required Personal Attributes:
Conscientiousness
- Displays a professional image at all times, even when facing significant job challenges.
- Delivers on commitments made to others.
- Takes ownership for resolving problems rather than allowing them to persist.
- Displays positive “Can Do” attitude.
Flexibility
- Adapts quickly to changing situations. This includes last-minute changes and disruptions to the schedule.
- Is receptive to new information, ideas, or strategies to achieve the organization’s goals.
Influencing/Negotiating
- Anticipates potential reactions or concerns of students and takes initiative to address them.
- Builds ownership for new initiatives, or changes by involving those responsible for implementation in planning the details.
Integrity/Honesty
- Avoids any action or situation that would give the appearance of unethical, or inappropriate behavior.
- Demonstrates the courage to do the right thing in difficult situations.
- Holds self and others accountable for meeting high standards of the organization’s integrity.
- Leads by example through modeling ethical practices and standards.
Sensitivity
- Treats others with respect, fairness, and consistency (e.g., listen to, respect others’ views, and ideas).
- Demonstrates empathy and understanding when addressing sensitive issues with others.
- At times the vice president will be privileged to information that should not be shared and must maintain confidentiality.
Other Interpersonal Skills
- High level of effective interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, plus organization and presentation skills.
- Cultivates strong working relationships with employees and students.
Just like all Clarks Summit University employees, the conduct of this employee must be consistent with good character, and must be an appropriate reflective of our organaization’s heritage. Complete support of and willing adherence to Clarks Summit University’s mission vision and values. Applicant must hold these standards as his/her own. A statement of faith will be required of all final candidates.
Benefits:
- 403b Retirement Plan
- Vision coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation/ holidays/ sick days/ personal days
Location Will Be:
Clarks Summit University
538 Venard Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Due to the overwhelming response we ask that you are patient during the selection and interview process. All qualified applicants will be notified.
Cover letter should include why you should be considered for the position and what would make you the best candidate.
Email HR Team
Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Now Recruiting For

Mar 2, 2020
HR practices that can best help your “Kingdom-Minded” organization and business protect its mission in today’s hostile world.
Clarks Summit University
538 Venard Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Tuesday May 12, 2020
8AM-Noon
Presenter Mark Griffin has seen it all in his more than 25 years of Human Resources experience gained by working with a wide range of organizations, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies to Christian Colleges, Ministries and Churches.
Presenter Randall Wenger Esq. has a myriad of experiences from all his years of working on religious liberty cases in Pennsylvania including the Conestoga Wood Specialties case that resulted in a landmark victory in the US Supreme Court for religious liberty and the sanctity of life. Randy understands the pressures and dangers that are facing those who want to run their businesses and organizations in line with their Christian values.
Let Mark and Randy help you by sharing their experiences in helping a variety of organizations manage their beliefs in the reality of today’s workplace.
Leading an organization with Christ-centered values makes organizational sense.
Mark will share why he believes Christ-centered organizations experience:
- Lower absenteeism
- Higher quality products
- Fewer employee morale issues
- Safer work environments
- Better perceptions by customers and vendors
Mark will also share how he helps organizations develop HR practices that reflect their core values and still build a high performance organization.
Topics to be Covered
- Legislative and policy dangers
- Current state of religious liberty in court
- Creating a high performance culture through practical HR competency development
- Where most organizations go wrong engaging employees
- Setting expectations
- HR tools for creating success
- Employee policy manuals
- Codes of Conduct
- Employee relations and communications
- Performance management
- Counseling and discipline procedures
- Terminations
- An overview of labor laws
Click Here For Tickets
Clarks Summit University (Map)
About The Pennsylvania Family Institute
The Mission of the Pennsylvania Family Institute is to strengthen families by restoring to public life the traditional, foundational principles and values essential for the well-being of society. It is the only full-time professionally staffed non-profit organization representing family values—your values—in the state capitol. It encourages responsible citizenship and involvement in civic affairs to promote respect for life, family, marriage and religious liberty.
About The Presenters

Randall L. Wenger, Esq.
COO & Chief Counsel
Randall Wenger is Chief Counsel of the Independence Law Center in Harrisburg, a pro-bono law center affiliated with the Pennsylvania Family Institute and dedicated to maintaining those liberties that have made America great and free. He has litigated in federal courts all around the county, and his cases have included the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, bodily privacy, and pro-life issues. In addition to his role with the Independence Law Center, he is COO of the Pennsylvania Family Institute.
Randall has an economics degree from the University of Chicago and earned his J.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. He lives in Lancaster County, and he and his wife Tina have seven children.

Jeremy Samek, Esq.
Senior Counsel, Independence Law Center
Jeremy Samek serves as Senior Counsel with the Independence Law Center. Since joining the ILC, Samek’s legal efforts have focused on the protection of religious liberty, protecting human life, strengthening the family, and the elimination of human trafficking. Samek believes that religious liberty is the cornerstone of all freedoms.
Jeremy received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2006, where he served as an articles editor for the University of Pittsburgh Law Review. He earned his B.A. from Liberty University, magna cum laude in 2003. Jeremy and his wife have five children.

Mark A. Griffin, MBA
President and Founder In HIS Name HR LLC
Mark is a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Kodak Inc., Merck Inc.) and private companies (Woolrich, Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performance workplaces by utilizing best practices while leading organizations with strong values.
Speaker, accomplished HR consultant, and the author of How to Build “Kingdom-Minded” Organizations and College to Career: The Student Guide to Career and Life Navigation, Mark A. Griffin encourages leaders to build values-led organizations during these increasingly complex times. Mark and his wife live in Lancaster PA and have two adult children.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Higher Ed HR, Events, Human Resources, Kingdom Company Building