Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Department: Business Office

Location: UST Campus

Supervisor: Controller

Summary:

The Assistant Controller will provide the Controller and VP for Finance with assistance on all financial-related tasks. The Assistant Controller will be responsible for process documentation, efficiency improvement identification, and process redesign recommendations. The Assistant Controller will be the primary individual responsible for planning, documenting and executing on operational improvement initiatives designed to make the business office more effective and efficient such that it can better serve the University community. (S)he will also provide assistance to the Controller and VP for Finance on complex matters involving business analysis, accounting change implementation, and financial reporting design. The Assistant Controller will serve as the key point of contact for the accounting, purchasing and payroll functions in the absence of the Controller.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop operational procedures and document data flow
• Assist the Controller in producing accurate and timely financial reports
• Coordinate financial audits with the Controller and VP for Finance
• Establish internal control systems to prevent inaccuracies in financial statements and budget reports
• Assist in the month/quarterly end close including account analysis and reconciliation
• Responsible for managing operational data ensuring data integrity and accuracy
• Manage endowment funds to ensure proper accounting and stewardship
• Partner with the Controller in overseeing the operations of the accounting department and organizational structure to ensure achievement of departmental goals and objectives
• Participate as needed in the annual budgeting and forecasting process
• Research accounting issues for compliance with generally accepted accounting principles
• Delegate data entry tasks with junior accounting
• Assist in all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants.
• Analyze, document, and design all business office processes and recommend improvement initiatives maximizing value and minimizing waste using lean (or similar) methodology.
• Ensures that all university and required accounting policies and procedures are followed by the institution.
• Managing hardware as well as software applications of the
• Implementation and upgrading of the
• Assist in special projects as necessary

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum five years of accounting and finance experience, ideally gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information and project plans to executive teams and external stakeholders.
• Minimum of two years of experience in higher education with demonstrable experience improving processes, managing cross functional projects, and documentation
• Business process engineering mentality and experience implementing process improvements is a must
• Substantial experience coordinating project teams and utilizing project management tools
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and make strategic
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and operate in a dynamic, fast paced and deadline oriented environment
• Experience in a complex organization that has multiple programs, departments, and divisions
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections
• Thorough knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Exceptional effective oral and written communication skills
• Effective group presentation skills and the ability to explain complex financial and business concepts to non-financial individuals
• Demonstrated ability to work well with staff at all levels throughout the University; create and promote a positive, supportive, and customer centric work environment
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to the University's mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own the operational effectiveness of the Business Office
• Keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which allow for strategic data interpretation
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers
• Advanced proficiency level in Excel and personal computing operations
• Proficient level of knowledge in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software
• Thorough understanding of large ERP accounting applications; PeopleSoft experience strongly preferred
• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental

EDUCATION: A Bachelor Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other business related field; Master's preferred.

CERTIFICATION: CPA preferred but not required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by individuals in this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of individuals in this job classification. All job classifications may have miscellaneous job duties assigned on an as needed basis. Management, at the appropriate level, retains the right to assign and change the duties of any position at any time.

The University of St. Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the university are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.