Associate Controller

Job Description: Reporting to the Associate Treasurer and Controller, the Associate Controller is responsible for maintaining the University’s financial and accounting systems and records.
Oversees several major functions within the university’s Business Office including payroll, accounts payable, grants and endowments, treasury, tax, general ledger and financial business systems.
The Associate Controller is responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of financial information and funds to appropriate constituents and performs a wide variety of tasks as needed and identified by the Controller.
The Business Office is committed to the development of an inclusive environment and we strive to advance diverse perspectives and approaches in carrying out the mission of Washington and Lee University.
Essential and Related Functions: Oversees the daily operation of the accounting functional areas, including payroll, accounts payable, grants and endowments, treasury, tax, general ledger and financial business systems.
Provides guidance and support to a team of accounting professionals and specialists in carrying out these functions.
Responsible for management functions such as hiring, performance management and coaching and feedback.
Implements and maintains the financial business systems with Workday and excel, including modules for payroll, general ledger, fixed assets, cash, grants, endowments, customer accounts and payroll.
In conjunction with this maintains the general ledger chart of accounts in accordance with GAAP and higher education industry practices.
Works closely with leadership in campus departments to establish priorities for improving and enhancing financial systems and processes.
Establishes university-wide training for financial tools and processes to support effective and efficient solutions.
Assists the Associate Treasurer/Controller in certain treasury functions such as cash management and reporting and short-term cash planning/forecasting as well as endowment investment accounting, unitization and unit market value.
Oversees post-award grant compliance.
Ensures both cash and irrevocable planned gifts are recorded accurately and timely in the accounting system.
Prepares and reviews account reconciliations.
Monitors for timely completion of account reconciliation and monthly closing checklists.
Reviews and approves various journal entries and other financial transactions, such as expense reports and supplier invoices meeting certain dollar thresholds, to ensure they are properly supported, include the appropriate worktags for budget reporting and meet the standards for appropriate expenditure of university funds.
Ensures that all accounts are properly monitored and maintained and that accurate reports are provided to departmental budget managers on a timely basis.
Coordinates annual external audit and prepares audit schedules.
Maintains and evaluates internal controls and key processes by developing/collaborating with internal constituents to implement best practices and streamlined processes.
Coordinates preparation and review of tax and other regulatory filings.
Ensures compliance with IRS and other regulatory agencies by monitoring timely completion of required reports and filings.
Monitors maintenance and usage of shared office-wide annual compliance calendar.
Builds and maintains positive working relationships with internal and external constituents.
Demonstrates initiative through early identification of problems and resourcefulness in timely resolution.
Takes leadership in disseminating information and provides advice and counsel to constituencies.
Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Preferred qualifications include: Master's degree in accounting, CPA, and experience working in a higher education setting.
Significant managerial experience, specifically in the areas of accounting and financial reporting.
Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); with knowledge of fund accounting being preferred.
Strong working knowledge of accounting systems and reports with preference for experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Workday.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Works effectively with auditors to resolve issues or implement changes to improve work efficiency and internal controls.
Application Instructions: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Resume and cover letter are required.
Upload both required documents to the Resume/CV upload section of the application.
You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.
External Applicants: Application instructions for external applicants are located on the jobs.
wlu.
edu or here.
Current W&L Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account.
Instructions are located at jobs.
wlu.
edu or here.
Position Type: Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible Minimum Pay: $97,416.
00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience