Assistant Vice President / Controller

Description

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice President / Controller serves as a senior member of the Division of Fiscal Affairs, providing leadership and oversight of the University's accounting and financial operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial records and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. The AVP/Controller directs the operations of the Accounting Department, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Grant Accounting, and Student Accounts (Bursar).

This position plays a critical role in the University’s financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and operational efficiency and will work closely with internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a strong background in accounting within higher education and a deep understanding of enterprise resource planning systems, particularly Jenzabar.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for accounting operations including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Grant Accounting, and Student Accounts (Bursar).
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and relevant federal and state regulations.
• Manage the annual audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Maintain and enforce strong internal controls and policies to safeguard University assets.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, reports, and forecasts for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Support the development and monitoring of the University's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid and grant accounting requirements.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate accounting staff, promoting a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the lead administrator for the accounting and finance modules within the Jenzabar ERP system; collaborate with IT and other departments to enhance and optimize system usage.
• Lead efforts to improve efficiency through process redesign, automation, and technology integration.
• Collaborate with departments across campus to ensure clear communication and effective financial practices.
• Stay current with changes in higher education finance, accounting standards, and applicable laws/regulations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master’s degree or CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or controller-level role, preferably in a higher education environment.
• Experience with Jenzabar ERP system is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Deep knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and regulations (including GAAP, GASB/FASB).
• Strong leadership, managerial, and team-building skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills; able to effectively communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and improve operational processes.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Standard office environment.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required, especially during fiscal year-end or audit periods.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Claflin University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.