Associate Controller, Financial Operations-Hybrid Schedule

Columbia University In the City of New York • New York, NY

74d • $240,000 - $265,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the University Controller and Associate Vice President, the Associate Controller, Financial Operations oversees a portfolio of financial operations for the University. The broader Controller's Office includes Financial Reporting & Operations, Benefits & Pension Accounting, Sponsored Projects Finance, Tax, Payroll, and International Operations. The Associate Controller's portfolio will include some or all of the following departments: Payroll, Fringe Benefits & Pension Accounting, and International Operations. The incumbent will also be responsible for implementing various process improvement initiatives and system implementations across the Controller's organization. This portfolio is subject to change. This role is a senior advisor and key member of the leadership team in Finance, and is responsible for strategically leading a team of 15+ to support the operational and compliance needs of the University.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in accounting, Business Administration or Finance.
• Ten years related experience, including management experience.

Nice To Haves

• An MBA, CPA and/or CIA designation.
• Experience in higher education or research operations.
• PeopleSoft or other ERP experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the Executive Director of Benefits and Pension Accounting and their team responsible for monthly accounting, reporting and forecasting of all fringe expenditures and recoveries totaling over $1.8B in activity.
• Oversees the accounting and reporting for the University's six pension plans and one post-retirement health benefit plan with combined assets in excess of $11B.
• Oversees the Payroll team responsible for managing the accurate and timely payment of compensation exceeding $4.43B to over 34,000 University employees utilizing the PeopleSoft system.
• Ensures timely payments and returns for all federal, state and local taxes and management of all related audits.
• Shares responsibility with Treasury for two staff dedicated to International Financial Operations.
• Provides guidance to the University community regarding international operations, spanning over 30 countries.
• Partners with leaders across the Controller's organization to implement technology solutions that streamline business processes.
• Provides project management support to ensure initiatives are delivered effectively and on time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees