Assistant Controller

Position Title:

Assistant Controller

Position Type:

Regular

Hiring Range:

$159,800-$178,434, commensurate with experience

Pay Frequency:

Annual

A. POSITION PURPOSE

The Assistant Controller is an integral part of the University’s internal controls, annual audit, and external reporting requirements. This position manages specific areas assigned within the Controller’s Office related to the accurate maintenance, recording and reporting of financial data according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management of the monthly and fiscal year-end closing processes, as well as a variety of accounting transaction, financial operations, and account reconciliation processes.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure the propriety of general ledger accounting data for accurate reporting

● Manage Accounting staff and Accounts Payable Staff of 9, consisting of 3 direct reports (Accounting Manager – Revenue and Treasury, Accounts Payable Manager, and Fixed Asset Accountant) and their teams.  Accounting functions managed include banking, general accounting, fixed assets, debt, leases,, and tuition revenue and receivables.  Accounts Payable functions managed including processing of all University payments, including supplier invoices, travel and expense transactions, and ad hoc payments.

● Serves as deputy to the University Controller, working collaboratively with the Controller on priorities and projects, including financial system implementations, policy development, and process improvements

● Review and evaluate accounting policies and procedures. Institute changes for improved efficiency and effectiveness; communicate relevant updates to staff and University community

● Monitor University internal controls; recommend and assist with implementation 

● Review journal entries and ensure that reconciliations for all accounts are completed 

●  Research and implement new GAAP guidance, drafting technical accounting memos as needed and presenting impact and analysis to external auditors

2. Provide oversight to monthly and fiscal year-end close processes

● Work with  the Financial Systems Manager to ensure timely processing of journals and  interfaces for monthly close

● Monitor monthly close cycle; continually evaluate process flows and modify as  appropriate to ensure efficiency.

● Lead the University fiscal year-end; coordinate and communicate timing; ensure that  deadlines are met for year-end audit and other reporting requirements 

3. Oversee and/or prepare information for Financial Reporting requirements

● Ensure that reporting data for the NCAA Agreed upon Procedures are prepared  accurately and on time.

● Prepare Financial Surveys in accordance with sponsor instructions and deadlines (e.g. IPEDS)

● Oversee and/or prepare information for periodic and other ad hoc financial reports  for internal and external users 

● Ensure that all information and deliverables for the annual University audits are ready and available for the auditors, meeting agreed-upon deadlines

4. Provide oversight over the University’s Accounts Payable Function

● Work with the Accounts Payable manager to ensure timely, accurate, and regulatory compliant disbursements to individuals and vendors; to include federal and state tax requirements with respect to withholdings, use tax, informational returns (e.g. 1099), and employee reimbursements (accountable plan)

● Ensure adherence to University policy with respect to payment approval, travel and expense guidelines, and allowed payment types; work with the Financial Systems manager as necessary to ensure correct ERP configuration to enforce business process rules

● Maintain appropriate segregation of duties within the Accounts Payable function

● Work collaboratively with the University Procurement Director and Financial Systems Manager to ensure an efficient and University policy compliant Procure-to-Pay process, reviewing and evaluating A/P workflow and utilize technology to reduce bottlenecks and improve vendor and non-vendor payee experience.

5. Provide tools and resources to the University community to ensure proper and  consistent recording of transactions.

● Ensure that proper financial accounting methodology, techniques, and policies are  adopted consistently by the University

● Act as a liaison to a variety of University constituents for financial accounting and GAAP reporting matters

● Work with Business Managers to ensure that shared responsibilities and business processes are as efficient and effective as possible

C. GENERAL GUIDELINES 

1. As a manager, work with others to ensure related