Assistant Controller

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

About The Position

The Assistant Controller is an integral part of the University’s internal controls, annual audit, and external reporting requirements. This position manages specific areas assigned within the Controller’s Office related to the accurate maintenance, recording and reporting of financial data according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management of the monthly and fiscal year-end closing processes, as well as a variety of accounting transaction, financial operations, and account reconciliation processes.

Requirements

Excellent technical knowledge and working proficiency of accounting standards
Proficiency in financial statement compilation and presentation
Proficiency in large ERP systems, demonstrated expertise in Accounts Payable and General Ledger modules
Thorough knowledge of Procure-to-Pay cycle best practices with respect to accounts payable, including vendor management, fraud prevention, internal controls
Working knowledge of IRS and state tax regulations with respect to accounts payable (e.g. 1099 filing requirements, etc)
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, online systems required
Excellent analytic and decision-making skills
Outstanding judgment, including discretion in the management of confidential information
Superb oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work with all levels in the organization
Ability to multitask on a daily basis and manage numerous requests
Ability to work well independently
Proven problem-solving skills, outgoing and able to function effectively; proactive in problem solving.
Must be able to distill and act on feedback from a variety of sources.
Outstanding organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills, working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
Strong customer service focus with an emphasis on outreach to departments and the ability to listen to and understand business needs
Possess a high degree of initiative, attention to detail and follow through, as well as ability to adjust to changing requirements and priorities
Commitment to understand and willingness to support Santa Clara University’s distinctive Jesuit educational vision and institutional values of competence, conscience and compassion in pursuit of its mission and goals
Undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in Accounting or Finance required
10 years of progressively responsible experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, that includes supervision/management experience.

Nice To Haves

Professional designation (e.g. CPA or MBA) preferred
Experience in higher education a plus

Responsibilities

Ensure the propriety of general ledger accounting data for accurate reporting
Provide oversight to monthly and fiscal year-end close processes
Oversee and/or prepare information for Financial Reporting requirements
Provide oversight over the University’s Accounts Payable Function
Provide tools and resources to the University community to ensure proper and consistent recording of transactions.
As a manager, work with others to ensure related processes flow effectively and efficiently from one department to another.
Lead staff to assume increasing responsibility and encourage them to work independently
Analyze business processes and modify as appropriate
Work with the Financial Systems Manager for continued improvement to processes, utilizing available systems and technology
Provide finance leadership on system implementations, testing, and upgrades
Own certain configurations in Workday Financials, including but not limited to Account Posting Rules, Custom Validations, Worktag Usage, Ledger Accounts, Revenue Categories, and Spend Categories
Other responsibilities as required