Assistant Vice President for Finance and Controller - Whitman College

Another Source•Walla Walla, WA

7d•$162,000 - $171,000•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 fiscal 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. The position also maintains the general ledger and financial management reporting, prepares audited financial statements and tax returns, and manages compliance with international, federal, and state tax laws. The position reports directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. The AVP oversees financial controls, processes, reporting, planning, legal compliance, staff supervision, asset management, audits, budgeting, debt, grants, tax compliance, and training. The role also oversees financial and tax reporting for endowment investments and accounting for the College’s rental properties and farm activity, and contributes to additional projects and evolving priorities. The College currently houses payroll in ABS, though a possible transfer of that function to Human Resources is under consideration. Whitman College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution in Walla Walla, Washington, with approximately 1,500 students and 500 faculty and staff. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement. Relocation assistance is available, and eligible employees may have access to College-owned rental housing and a homeownership assistance program. The anticipated annual salary range is $162,000–$171,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions; life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; paid time off and holidays; wellness resources; an Employee Assistance Program; and tuition benefits for eligible dependents.

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.
Ability to establish and maintain effective collegial working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, vendors, volunteers, agencies, and the general public.
Knowledge and understanding sufficient to maintain professional capability.
Ability to contribute positively to the College’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate financial information to varied audiences.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and implement standards, rules, and regulations governing the College’s financial and business activity.
Ability to work with technology partners to improve ABS service and efficiency through effective technology use.
Ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate financial programs, policies, and procedures.
Ability to develop and implement plans for the future needs and activities of ABS and the College.
Ability to provide training and lead presentations.
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 level of discretion and integrity.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain procedures and internal controls for fiscal operations, safeguard College assets, and support accurate and timely financial activity recording and reporting.
Oversee the Office of Accounting and Business Services, including annual budget management, student accounts, trust and endowment accounting, trust-property accounting, grants management and accounting, purchasing, and payables.
Maintain the general ledger and prepare financial management reports, audited financial statements, budget-to-actual reports, grant reports, Cabinet and Board of Trustees reports, and other required reports.
Design, implement, and maintain effective accounting systems, policies, and procedures, using technology to improve efficiency and promote paperless processes where possible.
Maintain compliance with applicable accounting standards, GAAP, Federal Uniform Guidance, and governmental and oversight agency requirements.
Support the VPFA with tax planning, purchasing strategies, grant applications, financial models, forecasts, and other ways to strengthen the College’s finances.
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 effective relationships with financial institutions.
Plan and coordinate annual financial statement, 403(b) retirement plan, and single audits; 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, monitor budget-to-actual alignment, and attend relevant budget and Board committee meetings.
Participate in planning, issuance, reporting, and compliance for the College’s long-term debt.
Coordinate grants compliance with relevant College colleagues; serve as Authorized Organization Representative for federal grant proposals; review and sign grant applications and reports; prepare the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards; and support grant accounting and reporting.
Oversee tax reporting and compliance, including preparation of Forms 990, 990-T, 4720, 5500, and other required tax reports, and manage communications with government agencies and tax advisors.
Coordinate investment tax compliance, track investment tax basis and K-1 information, identify allowable deductions, prepare required tax forms with tax advisors, and develop tax-planning strategies.
Work with the Director of Investments and accounting colleagues to track and report investment values, prepare financial-statement note disclosures, and report endowment information 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 as needed.
Contribute to additional projects, reporting requirements, reconciliations, and initiatives, and provide backup support within ABS and the Division of Finance & Administration.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Employee wellness resources
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition benefits for eligible dependents
Relocation assistance
Eligible access 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 home equity subject to program limits and eligibility