Assistant Controller - Procurement & Accounts Payable

Indiana Wesleyan University•Marion, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Controller is primarily responsible for overseeing and strengthening the organization’s procurement and accounts payable functions within the broader controllership and finance framework. This role ensures strong financial controls, regulatory compliance, accurate financial reporting impacts, and efficient procure-to-pay operations. The Assistant Controller partners closely with Accounting, Finance, Legal, and Budget to optimize vendor relationships, manage risk, and drive cost and process efficiencies. This position would support the Controller’s Office accounting operations and strategic initiatives in finance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field required
Five ore more (5+) years of progressive experience in accounting, procurement, and/or accounts payable, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role
Strong experience with ERP systems and procure-to-pay or AP automation platforms
Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and audit requirements
Proven experience in vendor contract review and financial risk assessment
Advanced analytical and systems-thinking skills
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage change
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High level of integrity, attention to detail, and ownership
Strong organizational and project management capabilities

Responsibilities

Procurement Oversight & Financial Governance
Provide financial leadership over purchasing activities to ensure alignment with budgetary controls, cash flow objectives, and organizational strategy
Establish and enforce procurement policies, approval thresholds, and internal controls consistent with accounting and audit standards
Analyze procurement spend, cost trends, and savings initiatives; report findings to the Controller and senior finance leadership
Ensure purchasing activities are accurately reflected in the general ledger and financial statements
Contract Review & Vendor Management
Review and approve vendor contracts from a financial and risk perspective, ensuring compliance with accounting policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements
Partner with Legal, Risk, and Operations to evaluate contract terms, payment structures, and financial exposure
Oversee vendor master data integrity and maintain a centralized contract and supplier management system
Monitor vendor performance, pricing compliance, and contractual obligations
Accounts Payable Oversight
Direct the accounts payable function, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing of invoices, payments, and accruals
Oversee invoice matching, coding, approvals, and payment runs in accordance with internal control standards
Implement and maintain controls to prevent fraud, duplicate payments, and errors
Manage AP aging, optimize payment terms, and support working capital and cash management objectives
Coordinate AP activities with month-end close, audits, and financial reporting requirements
Systems, Controls & Process Improvement
Evaluate and enhance ERP, procurement, and AP systems to improve accuracy, efficiency, and auditability
Lead or support system implementations, upgrades, and automation initiatives related to procure-to-pay processes
Identify opportunities for automation, digitization, and AI-enabled solutions to strengthen controls and reduce manual effort
Partner with IT to ensure data integrity, system security, and reliable reporting
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop procurement and accounts payable staff within a controlled accounting environment
Establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and support professional growth
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and compliance