Assistant Controller

Cleary University-posted about 2 months ago

Full-time • Mid Level

Hybrid • Howell, MI

101-250 employees

Educational Services

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Cleary University is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to join our Finance Team. The Assistant Controller will support the Controller in overseeing the institution's accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. This role will play a key part in Cleary University's transition to the new Jenzabar One ERP system, helping to modernize and integrate financial processes across the University. The ideal candidate will bring both strong accounting expertise and a systems-oriented mindset to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities. About Cleary University: Cleary University is a private, non-profit business university dedicated to providing practical, career-focused education through innovative programs and community engagement. Our mission is to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly changing world through academic excellence, experiential learning, and ethical practice.

Financial Reporting and Analysis: Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Ensure all financial reports are accurate, timely, and compliant with GAAP and institutional policies. Conduct financial analysis and present findings to senior management. Assist with financial reporting for grants, restricted funds, and compliance filings.
Accounting Operations: Oversee daily accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger maintenance. Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes. Review data export between MIP accounting software and BudgetPak budget development software for accuracy. Review account reconciliations, journal entries, and support documentation for accuracy. Support cash management activities, including bank reconciliations and monitoring of liquidity.
Internal Controls and Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as institutional policies. Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard University assets. Assist in the preparation for external audits and coordinate audit activities. Support compliance with federal and state grant requirements, including reporting and recordkeeping.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in the development of the annual budget and multi-year financial forecasts. Support departments in budget preparation and management. Monitor actual results against budget and provide variance analysis.
Team Leadership: Supervise accounting staff, providing guidance, support, and professional development. Foster a collaborative, efficient, and positive work environment within the Finance team. Cross-train staff and promote continuous improvement in financial operations.
Financial Systems and Processes: Lead and support the implementation, integration, and ongoing optimization of the University's ERP (Jenzabar One) and related financial systems. Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency through improved systems and processes. Collaborate across departments to ensure accurate data flow and reporting alignment between accounting, budgeting, HR, and student systems. Train staff on financial systems, policies, and procedures.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with departments such as Financial Aid, Human Resources, Athletics, and Student Services to ensure the accuracy of financial transactions and reporting. Provide guidance on financial policies and system workflows to support operational consistency.
ERP Implementation and Financial Systems Integration (Jenzabar One): Serve as a key finance liaison for the implementation of Cleary University's Jenzabar One ERP system. Collaborate with the Controller, IT, and Jenzabar consultants to define system requirements, test financial workflows, and validate data migration from legacy systems (MIP and BudgetPak). Assist in developing and documenting chart of accounts mapping, internal workflows, and financial reporting structures within Jenzabar One. Participate in system testing, user acceptance, and go-live readiness to ensure financial accuracy and compliance with GAAP and institutional policies. Monitor post-implementation system performance and coordinate process improvements to maximize efficiency and data integrity. Develop and maintain internal guides and documentation for system procedures, data reconciliation, and reporting. Train and support finance and campus users on new processes within Jenzabar One to ensure strong adoption and data consistency across departments.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in higher education or a non-profit environment.
Supervisory experience required or strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
Experience with ERP or financial systems implementation, preferably Jenzabar One, Ellucian, or Workday.
Demonstrated experience in data validation, report design, and workflow automation within financial or ERP systems.
Strong systems orientation, with the ability to translate accounting requirements into functional specifications and process designs.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; working knowledge of MIP and BudgetPak preferred.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

CPA or CMA certification preferred.

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