Assistant Controller
External posting
Full-Time, Exempt , Administrative/Professional

JOB SUMMARY:The Assistant Controller will support the Controller’s Office to ensure accounting and financial transactions are processed and reported in compliance with University policies and external accounting and related industry regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform key role as administrator and user of financial systems for accounting functions.
• Review and approve journal entries for accuracy and proper supporting documentation.
• Prepare and/or review account reconciliations.
• Coordinate preparation of annual financial statements including audit by external audit firm.
• Review business asset transactions for capitalization and maintain fixed asset records.
• Assist with cash management activities.
• Prepare and/or review various financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in the review, development, and implementation of financial reporting and compliance policies, practices, and procedures.
• Read current regulations and publications; attend professional development conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay current on accounting rules and regulations applicable to the University.\
• Respond to questions, conduct research, and provide advice regarding accounting transactions and the associated financial impact.
• Maintain process documentation for areas of responsibility.
• Provide leadership and oversight within the department.
• Assist with administrative functions of the Controller’s Office.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required in a business-related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and finance or related field.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles related to university and/or non-profit entities.
• Experience with financial reporting systems, Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft applications, specifically Excel.
• Good problem-solving skills, analytical ability, organization skills, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in business or public administration, finance, or related field.
• CPA or other professional certification.
• Prior experience in a higher education setting.
• Implementation of or experience with Workday or other university ERP system software.

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2023).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students.