Assistant Vice President for Finance and Controller - Whitman College

Another Source•Walla Walla, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Whitman College is seeking an Assistant Vice President for Finance and Controller to lead the fiscal operations of the College and oversee its Office of Accounting and Business Services (ABS). The role establishes and maintains procedures and internal controls, ensures accurate and timely recording and reporting of financial activity, and safeguards College assets. ABS responsibilities include the annual budget, student accounts, trust and endowment accounting, trust-property accounting, grants management and accounting, purchasing, and payables. Payroll currently resides in ABS, though its reporting location may change. The position maintains the general ledger and financial management reporting, including audited financial statements, budget-to-actual reporting, grant reporting, reports for Cabinet and the Board of Trustees, and other required internal and external reports. It also oversees the College’s tax returns and compliance with international, federal, and state requirements. The AVP reports directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. The role leads work across operating funds, endowment investments, and farm and rental properties. It oversees internal controls, accounting processes, financial planning, legal and regulatory compliance, staff supervision, asset management, audits, budgeting, debt, grants, and tax compliance. The AVP also works with investment and accounting colleagues on investment reporting, tax matters, and trust-property accounting; provides training; and contributes to evolving projects and organizational needs. The position is based in Walla Walla, Washington, with a hybrid work arrangement. Relocation assistance is available. Whitman College offers a comprehensive benefits package and housing programs for eligible employees, including below-market College-owned rentals and a homeownership assistance program, subject to eligibility and program limits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or accounting, or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
CPA licensure.
At least 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit or business accounting and financial services, including financial reporting and tax matters, or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
Thorough knowledge of, and ability to interpret and implement, standards, rules, and regulations governing the College’s financial and business activity.
Ability to communicate financial information effectively, orally and in writing, to varied audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, vendors, volunteers, agencies, and the general public.
Ability to contribute positively to the College’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.
Ability to work with technology partners to improve ABS service and efficiency through effective use of technology.
Ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate financial programs, policies, and procedures, and plan for future ABS and College needs.
Working knowledge of accounting systems and computing.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to delegate effectively.
Collegial, collaborative, and transparent approach; high discretion and integrity.
Ability to provide training and lead presentations.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain internal controls that help prevent and detect fraud or errors and safeguard College assets.
Maintain an effective accounting system and develop clear, documented policies and procedures, leveraging technology and paperless processes where practical.
Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, GAAP, higher-education and nonprofit requirements, and Federal Uniform Guidance; prepare financial statements, reports, and analyses for internal and external audiences.
Support the VPFA with tax planning, purchasing strategies, grant applications, financial models, forecasts, and other approaches to strengthen financial planning and reduce costs.
Maintain compliance with governmental and oversight requirements, including timely charitable and business registrations, and work effectively with College legal counsel.
Supervise ABS staff and activities in collaboration with the Assistant/Associate Controllers.
Control and account for College assets and net assets, including donor restrictions, and maintain relationships with financial institutions.
Plan and coordinate the annual financial statement audit, 403(b) retirement plan audit, and single audit; prepare financial statements and work with independent auditors and the Board of Trustees’ Audit Committee.
Coordinate annual budget development with the VPFA and Budget Manager, maintain the general ledger, monitor budget-to-actual alignment, and attend President’s Budget Advisory Council and Board of Trustees’ Resource Committee meetings.
Work with the VPFA, underwriter, and municipal bond advisor on planning, issuing, reporting, and compliance for long-term debt.
Coordinate grant compliance with relevant College directors and offices; serve as the College’s Authorized Organization Representative for federal grant proposals; review and sign applications and reports; prepare the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards; and oversee grant tracking, accounting, and reporting.
Oversee tax reporting and related matters, including tracking taxable transactions and preparing required returns and reports such as Forms 990, 990-T, 4720, and 5500; manage communications with government agencies and work with tax advisors.
Work with the Director of Investments and accounting staff to determine investment-related tax obligations, track investment tax basis and K-1s, identify allowable deductions, prepare tax forms, and develop tax-planning strategies.
Coordinate financial reporting for College investments, including investment valuations, audited financial statement note disclosures, and endowment reporting to outside agencies.
Oversee accounting for rental properties, including depreciation schedules and capital projects; support tenant-related issues and work with the Director of Investments on farm accounting and reporting.
Provide training and presentations to internal and external constituencies.
Contribute to additional projects, reporting, reconciliations, and initiatives; adapt to changing priorities and provide backup support within ABS or the Division of Finance & Administration.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with generous employer contributions
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Generous paid time off
Paid holidays
Employee wellness resources
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition benefits for eligible dependents
Relocation assistance
Access for eligible employees to College-owned rental properties at approximately 15% below market rental rates
Homeownership assistance program for eligible employees, with the College contributing up to 40% of a home’s equity subject to program limits and eligibility requirements