Assistant Controller

Position Description:

The Assistant Controller supports the organization's financial management and reporting functions by overseeing day-to-day accounting operations and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information, with a focus on grant and auxiliary accounting, tax reporting/compliance, payroll, and student accounts. This role assists the Controller in developing and maintaining effective financial controls, managing the general ledger, and supporting budgeting, forecasting, and audit activities. This position will have supervisory responsibilities for the staff within payroll and student accounts.

Major Responsibilities:

Tax Reporting / Compliance

• Ensure applicable federal and state tax laws have been applied, appropriate records are retained, and that required payments and filings (1098-T, 990, 990-T, 1042, 1042-S, sales tax, innkeepers tax, 720, property tax, etc.) have been completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Monitor changes regarding IRS, Federal, State, and City regulations and disseminate information to appropriate constituents.
• Perform/coordinate with tax consultant, tax research, and written analysis of tax law and regulation in areas of federal, state, local, and foreign taxes, as needed.

Payroll & Student Accounts

• Supervise and support team members within the Payroll and Student Accounts departments.
• Ensure excellent customer service to students, families, and colleagues.
• Assist with bi-weekly payroll processing.
• In collaboration with Financial Aid, reconcile federal and state financial aid awards and draw down funds in compliance with federal regulations.

Grant & Auxiliary Accounting

• Coordinate and manage various grant accounting functions, including: invoicing, journalizing, preparing annual/quarterly financial reports, budget preparation, tracking budget to actual spending trends, setting up and reconciling grant fund accounts, preparing audit work papers, and educating staff about grant requirements and processes.
• Assist with establishing proper internal controls as well as operational policies and procedures for the recording and reporting of auxiliary and grant accounts.
• Perform/coordinate with tax consultant, tax research, and written analysis of tax law and regulation in areas of federal, state, local, and foreign taxes as needed.

General Responsibilities

• Assist with general ledger maintenance- new accounts, account structure, and user access.
• Post budget and journal entries as needed and in accordance with established data management guidelines.
• Prepare special reports and annual surveys as assigned.
• Assist with annual and statutory audits.
• Maintain, reconcile, and balance assigned accounts and funds to the general ledger.
• Ensure that current processes in areas of responsibility are efficient and effective.
• Provide project management support for related technology initiatives.
• Support the Finance & Accounting teams as needed.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• BA/BS in Accounting and CPA Required
• Five to seven years of relevant experience in all aspects of business services
• Experience in a university setting preferred
• Student Accounts and/or Payroll experience preferred

Other Qualifications:

•  Thorough knowledge of accounting techniques and accounting principles to prepare complex and detailed financial analyses
• Demonstrated analytical skills that allow for the interpretation of budgetary, financial, and related management information
• In-depth knowledge and technical competence with accounting software
• Proficiency in using worksheets, charting, and other software tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
• Detail-oriented with strong data management and technical skills
• Knowledge of internal control issues and policy development
• Strong organizational skills to work independently and to prioritize a heavy workload under the pressure of competing assignments, with respect for deadlines and accountability
• Excellent writing skills sufficient to draft professional reports and correspondence that is clear and concise
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with a broad diversity of constituents
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Mrs. Jennifer Zatarski, Controller
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana