"Assistant Controller"

Assistant Controller

Department

Advancement Services

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller supports the financial operations of the Foundation, the Alumni Association, and the University Advancement division at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver.) The role is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting and financial reporting functions of the Foundation and Alumni Association, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports and audits. The position is an integral member of the Foundation and Advancement Services Team (F/AST) which provides financial, data and operations support to the division. The Assistant Controller supervises the accounting coordinator and supports the Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO).

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Supervises, trains, develops, and evaluates the accounting coordinator with input from the CFOO and other team members for whom the person performs work
• Mentors other financial and accounting staff and student employees
• Contributes to the strategic planning for the Foundation and University Advancement division as well as the F/AST department
• Advises the CFOO and Vice President of University Advancement/Executive Director of the Foundation (VPUA) regarding the impact of key decisions on Foundation finances and accounting
• In collaboration with the CFOO and VPUA, prepares and monitors the annual Foundation budget
• Provides back-up support and may assume some of the duties of the CFOO in his/her absence

Audit and Tax Preparation/Management

• Provides leadership support for internal and external audits; prepares audit work papers and responds to external auditor's inquiries; provides support to the CFOO to generate, review and edit the audited financial statements and footnotes
• Manages the preparation and filing of the Foundation's and the Alumni Association's 990 & 990T income tax returns
• Manages sales tax requirements, advising departments, calculating and remitting sales taxes, and filing associated sales tax returns; prepares annual tax forms (e.g., 1099-misc, 1099-R); oversees the preparation of multistate charitable solicitation registrations

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manages accounts payable, general accounting, accounts receivable, banking and proper system coding
• Prepares monthly and annual financial statements
• Provides support to the CFOO in preparing for investment and audit committee meetings for the board of directors
• Prepares variance analysis, endowment allocation spreadsheet, accountholder reports, and donor financial reports
• Ensures fiscal compliance with Foundation, University, federal, state and other applicable policies
• Functions as the initial source of financial information and as a liaison with the University's Department of Administration, budget analysts or fiscal managers, deans and department chairs
• Records and posts transactions from the donor database system, account/project transfers, vendor invoices, cash disbursements, and journal entries; processes accounts payable; updates account/project detail schedules
• Monitors Foundation account balances and ensures satisfaction of donor restrictions and accuracy in financial reporting; reviews and approves Personnel Action Forms and Student Employment Forms for positions paid from Foundation accounts
• Reconciles general ledger accounts, subsidiary ledgers and restricted net assets; generates supporting documentation and schedules for month-end closing; adheres to an established closing schedule and checklist; provides financial information for development department proposals and foundation/corporate grant applications
• Initiates fund transfers
• Ensures that manual deposits (e.g., currency/coin, non-RE checks) are delivered to the local bank branch; ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles in executing, analyzing, verifying, and reporting financial transactions
• Functions as the initial source of financial information and a liaison for the Alumni Association, including preparing and reviewing required reports for the Secretary of State

Other

• Creates and maintains accessible, retrievable computer archives and permanent records for program, scholarship, banking, investments, audit reports, tax returns, and other Foundation folders and files in electronic format and/or hard-copy format, as appropriate
• Develops a thorough and historical understanding of Foundation operations and first line manager of compliance regarding Foundation policies, procedures and rules; ensures accuracy in fundraising, financial reporting, scholarship management and satisfaction of donor restrictions
• Performs research when necessary; seeks to develop professionally; troubleshoots and resolves issues; maintains confidentiality; and supports the CFOO performing special projects and other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, finance, economics (or related) or equivalent experience and education.
• Minimum five years of financial accounting experience in a not-for-profit organization
• Experience using accounting and fundraising software
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power point)
• Advanced experience using spreadsheets and ledgers for record keeping purposes
• Must be able to communicate effectively

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Blackbaud software (Financial Edge, Raiser's Edge) or similar fundraising software
• Experience using Workday or similar financial/HR software system
• Experience using Crystal Reports for record keeping and financial reporting, etc. or similar software
• Experience filing tax returns in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Experience working in collaboration with others
• We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in candidates who will best contribute to the University Advancement division, and the University.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval)
Travel: rarely

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The full salary range for this position is $64,500.00 - $107,600.00. The anticipated hiring range is $64,500.00 - $86,050.00.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:
Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by August 15, 2025.

Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.