"Assistant Controller"

Ursinus College is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to support the financial integrity and fiscal operations of our institution. This role is ideal for a dynamic financial professional with a background in non-profit higher education accounting and an active CPA license. The Assistant Controller will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with accounting standards, overseeing general ledger operations, preparing financial statements, and leading internal audits and reporting.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting & Analysis:
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Analyze variances and trends to support strategic financial planning.
• Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making processes, including forecasting, trend analysis, and financial modeling.
• Budget Support:
• Assist in the development and monitoring of departmental budgets, providing variance analysis and recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Accounts Payable Support:
• Oversee accounts payable processes, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments, including management of P-cards and related transactions.
• Purchasing Support:
• Assist with purchasing processes, ensuring compliance with College policies and procedures while supporting departments in acquiring necessary goods and services.
• General Ledger Maintenance:
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded.
• Manage the Chart of Accounts.
• Accounting Oversight:
• Supervise day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable, payroll, debt service, grants and endowments.
• Manages the month-end and year-end close process.
• Ensure accurate journal entries and adherence to accounting policies.
• Internal Controls and System & Process Improvements:
• Create more efficient system and process improvements.
• Ensure internal controls (detective and preventative) are in place to ensure sound accounting practices.
• Lead broader initiatives like systems implementations or policy change.
• Audit & Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as College policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process, including preparation of audit schedules and collaboration with auditors.
• Familiarity with net assets, functional expenses, indirect cost rate, and 990 reporting.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with other departments to provide financial insights and support their budgeting and financial needs.

Other Duties: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; advanced degree, MBA or related, and CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, including strategic budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principals, and financial reporting standards particularly as they apply to higher education institutions. Knowledge of how they relate to nonprofit financial institutions preferred.
• Proficiency in financial systems and tools, including Microsoft Excel; experience with Oracle Cloud or similar ERP systems strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex financial data and present clear, actionable insights to diverse stakeholders.
• Thorough knowledge of financial operations, including payroll processing, procurement, travel and expense management, account reconciliations, and coordination of finance-related HR functions.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team in a collaborative environment.