Assistant Controller

Overview

Reporting to the Associate Controller of Operations Finance and Administration, the Assistant Controller provides leadership and oversight for all finance operations and related administrative functions across multiple Operations units at Yale University. The position is responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant execution of financial operations in alignment with university policies, regulatory requirements, and internal control standards.

The Assistant Controller establishes and maintains accounting principles, practices, procedures, and controls that support consistent financial operations across units. This role ensures that all finance operations activities are conducted in compliance with university standards and applicable regulations, with appropriate consideration for internal and external audits and financial reporting requirements.

Serving as the primary point of contact for finance operations matters within assigned Operations units, the Assistant Controller provides guidance and resolution for complex accounting, transactional, and compliance issues. The role partners closely with unit leadership, central finance, and university service providers to support effective operations and mitigate financial and operational risk.

The Assistant Controller oversees teams responsible for day-to-day financial transactions, financial systems, and internal controls across multiple Operations units, as well as centralized functions supporting Operations broadly. Areas of oversight include accounting and journal entries, payroll processing, invoice and contract purchase order management, billing and accounts receivable, inventory and cash handling, tax reporting, financial compliance activities, audit support, and reconciliation of University Service Provider rates.

In addition to financial operations, the Assistant Controller oversees key administrative functions that support Operations units, including onboarding and offboarding, system and IT access approvals, staff training and support, space management coordination, and sponsored ID approvals.

This role carries broad leadership responsibility with an emphasis on operational excellence, risk management, process improvement, and consistency across Operations. All responsibilities are performed with a focus on strong internal controls, audit readiness, and the integrity of university financial reporting.

The Assistant Controller also serves as a deputy to the Associate Controller, supporting operations-wide finance initiatives, cross-unit projects, and continuous improvement efforts. The position is expected to contribute to the ongoing development and expansion of capabilities within the Operations Finance and Administration organization.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Comprehensive knowledge of financial accounting, reporting, and internal control concepts.
2. Collaborative, strategic, adaptable and effective under pressure with strong leadership skills and a track record of accomplishment. Proven ability to work in partnership with a wide array of stakeholders.
3. Ability to navigate the complexities of a large, decentralized, complex environment and an effective style with staff and very senior leaders and strong, well-developed organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills with an attention to detail that ensures accuracy, timeliness and quality of the information provided.
4. Excellent written and oral communications skills and a strong facility with presentation development. Well-developed computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in Excel. Experience with financial and administrative systems (e.g., Workday) and knowledge of relevant processes and policies.
5. The ability to continuously identify and drive process improvements and change throughout the organization. Proactive, curious, resourceful, strategic thinker with ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Education and Experience

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or public accounting experience highly preferred. Master’s degree in accounting.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Financial Services Manager: Provides comprehensive financial services for which (s)he is accountable. Escalates issues or concerns on financial, operational services, and administrative business affairs to leadership. 
2. Financial Analyst and Advisor: Builds financial plans for the unit. Provides comprehensive financial information, analysis, and reporting. Monitors and evaluates use of financial resources; recommends adjustments; takes action as appropriate. Oversees, monitors, and authorizes daily financial transactions per policy. Responds to financial inquiries from leadership. Identifies available financial resources (current/future); recommends efficient resource deployment to support unit objectives. Prepares all funds budgets. Enable leadership focus on program activities by managing financial support services for the unit; assessing financial and/or operational challenges and opportunities and solving for and/ or leveraging these, working with leadership as appropriate; facilitating and strengthening the interface between unit needs/requirements and service providers and activities.
3. Risk Manager: Implements and maintains strong internal controls. Provides reasonable assurance of effective, appropriate resource use, accurate financial information, and adherence to contractual obligations and agreements, policies, procedures, and external regulatory requirements. Takes corrective action to protect Yale’s assets, resources, information, and reputation. Identifies, communicates, and addresses issues/concerns promptly and appropriately. Ensures all faculty and staff know regulations, policies, procedures, and Yale requirements that pertain to their scope of activity. Escalates issues to leadership as appropriate.
4. University Citizen: Connects the unit and University through communication, alignment of priorities, and active participation in University administrative priorities. Implements initiatives and represents unit needs, challenges, and opportunities with leadership. Creates opportunities to enhance the unit's image and value. Shares knowledge and best practices with others.
5. Talent Manager and Developer: Effectively attracts, retains, and develops high-quality talent. Collaborates with HR partners to address employee relations issues and the unit’s future talent needs in accordance with University guidelines and contractual agreements. Cultivates a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the unit. Maximizes employee performance and creates an environment that encourages employee professional growth and career development.
6. Strategic Resource: Contributes to shaping the unit's financial and operational priorities and the strategic planning process. Translates strategy into actions; assesses resources available for unit goal achievement, e.g., funding, space, technology, staff capabilities, and capacity; recommends resource uses to achieve short-and long-term goals; identifies factors that may impact the unit’s ability to meet its mission and goals. Recognizes and raises potential issues, ideas, and solutions with leadership.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelors’ degree and 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.