"Associate Controller"

Job Description

The Associate Controller provides leadership and oversight of the University's accounting operations, including general ledger management, sponsored projects accounting, and disbursement-related financial operations, including accounts payable, payroll, purchasing card administration, and expense reimbursement. The position ensures timely, accurate, and compliant accounting and disbursements, supports stewardship of sponsored funding and maintains strong internal controls, effective training, and consistent policy adherence. The Associate Controller collaborates closely with the Controller to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across the Business Office. This position serves as a key member of the accounting leadership team.

JOB DUTIES

• Prepares and directs assigned work papers for the University's annual financial audits, single audit, worker's compensation, benefit plan audits, and other regulatory or grant-specific audits, and respond to auditor requests.
• Directs day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, journal entry review, grant accounting, and processing, analysis and reporting of accounts payable, payroll, purchasing cards, and expense reimbursements in compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local regulations and University policies, assist with cash management and disbursement activities as needed, and prepare the monthly cash forecast for review by executive management.
• Ensures payroll tax reporting and remittances are timely and in compliance with applicable regulations. Issues applicable tax forms including IRS Forms W-2, 1099-MISC, 1095-C, and 1042-S. Completes federal and state quarterly reports.
• Directs Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate proposals for federal agreements every four years, managing the approximately two-month process from start to finish.
• Directs processes to increase the efficiency of the departments while maintaining an effective internal control structure: periodic self-audits of each area. Monitor and analyze KPIs, operational metrics, and system reports to identify trends, mitigate risk, and enhance financial processes.
• Prepares and reviews journal entries during month-end and year-end, including grant-related adjustments and allocations and payroll adjustments, to ensure accurate reporting in the general ledger.
• Ensures the timely remittance of contributions to the retirement plan administrator for retirement and Emeriti plans and analyzes contribution data to ensure compliance with IRS 403(b) contribution limits.
• Directs the reporting of executive compensation and taxable fringe benefits; includes reporting of compensation and benefits for the University's 990 federal tax return.
• Keeps abreast of federal, state, and local laws or regulations that impacts the area of responsibility. Lead and coordinate training initiatives for faculty and staff on disbursement processes, policies, and compliance expectations. Advises on accounting and grant policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures compliance with all federal and state requirements for sponsored projects and grants, including governmental, grant funding, NACUBO surveys/reports, and single audit requirements.
• Directs and monitors the management of grant budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and University policies.
• Directs, develops, and evaluates employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with all policies and applicable laws. Interviews, hires, and trains employees; plans, assigns, and directs work; creates work schedules and conducts performance appraisals, counsels, and disciplines employees; addresses complaints and resolves problems.
• Collaborates with IT, HR, and other campus departments to ensure efficient end-to-end workflows and system integrations.
• Reviews and updates Business Office policies to ensure alignment with evolving laws, regulations, and best practices.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Cooperates and collaborates with other employees in the spirit of teamwork and collegiality and interact with confidence, patience and integrity to provide professional leadership during emergencies.
• Complies with all Trinity University policies and guidelines.
• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION

Required:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field from four-year college or university.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Five years of progressive accounting experience, including general ledger, month-end close, payroll, and accounts payable processing
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience

• Eight or more years of progressive accounting experience
• Five or more years of supervisory experience
• Experience with Workday and enterprise reporting tools, such as Informer, Business Objects or Synoptix.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Knowledge of GAAP and FASB pronouncements.
• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Required:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Preferred:
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manager of a department.

NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS
4 -5

NUMBER OF INDIRECT REPORTS
7 - 9