Associate Controller

William Paterson University invites application for the full-time position of Associate Controller.

Reporting to the Controller, the Associate Controller is responsible for ensuring that the general accounting of the organization is timely and accurately represents the financial activities of the University in compliance with GAAP and other relevant regulatory requirements. With an emphasis on best practice and transparency, the position will ensure that the finance system of record is maintained with data that is current, compliant, accurate, and supported by adequate documentation.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Accurate and timely completion of operations in general accounting for WP and the Foundation. Manages procedures including but not limited to data analysis, journal entry processing, compliance with WP’s capitalization policy, schedule of fixed assets, investments, cash, receivables, other assets, accrued expenses, short and long-term debt, revenues, non-operating activities, and accounts payable. Ensures the accuracy and integrity of the financial reporting in alignment with GAAP, GASB, and FASB.
• Supervises staff and assigns monthly deliverables along with other periodic and annual tasks that will ensure the University’s general ledger is complete and accurate by timely recording and reporting program activity in accordance with GAAP.
• Establishes and maintains the period-end close procedures as agreed upon with the Controller, including Trial Balance reports and roll-forwards/reconciliations of accounts.
• Prepares schedules and analysis as needed for fiscal year-end close, audit support and budget to actual reviews.
• Maintains efficient division of workload and effective staff supervision and ensures accuracy and quality of staff work product.
• Reviews, develops, and recommends business process improvements for the department to improve efficiency and productivity along with a high-quality standard of customer service.
• Interprets, reviews, develops, and recommends revisions or improvements to the University’s accounting policies, procedures, and practices relevant to accounting, financial statements, grants, and fixed assets.
• Oversees payroll tax filings and reconciliations; timely and accurate payment of payroll taxes and benefits.
• Oversees or performs aspects of general accounting related to Pioneer Card balances roll forward/reconciliation and monitors financial activity for the parking garage facility.
• Collaborates with University community members and represents the department at conferences, meetings, events, or committees.
• Participates in division and university-wide events, committees and task forces as needed.

• Coordinates with University units/divisions as needed, and provides support and information as needed.
• Provides training for the University’s accounting system. Assists in the maintenance of the system, training manuals and documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned that are appropriate for the position.
• Hybrid work schedule may be available depending upon institutional need.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from an accredited college or University.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience overseeing higher-level accounting functions and direct staff supervisory experience, perperably in an institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, financial statement preparation, and financial operations, systems, and internal controls.
• Experience with information databases.
• Expert level proficiency with Microsoft Office Excel.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in an online environment using standard platforms such as Zoom and Teams.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s Degree or CPA designation.
• Workday knowledge and/or experience.

Skills and attributes

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communication.
• Ability to collect and analyze data in order to reach sound decisions.
• Capable of attending to global strategy while paying attention to relevant details.