Associate Controller

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

10d•$103,000 - $132,500

About The Position

The Accounting Services office provides essential fiscal services to the College, including general accounting, financial reporting, and compliance oversight. We ensure sound fiscal management, careful resource stewardship, and deliver accurate, timely financial data to enable strategic decision-making. The Associate Controller is a key financial leader, serving as the deputy to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Controller. This role is directly accountable for the leadership and execution of all core accounting functions, including financial reporting, general accounting, investment accounting, and tax compliance. The Associate Controller ensures the integrity and compliance of all financial records (GAAP/GASB), acting as a strategic partner while personally executing complex financial analyses and leading continuous process improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
Eight years of progressively responsible financial management experience.
Three years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated expertise in compiling, interpreting, and analyzing complex financial statements and transactions.
Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, financial concepts, and financial accounting standards (including GAAP) and thorough knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local financial regulations.
Thorough knowledge of non-profit investment accounting principles and the accounting treatment of endowments.
High level of proficiency in analyzing financial data to ensure conformity with internal procedures and external regulations.
Extensive knowledge of and experience applying internal controls standards (e.g., COSO).
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across organizational levels with diverse campus constituencies and with vendors.
High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially advanced Excel) and financial management systems.
Ability to proactively identify and implement solutions to complex financial and operational challenges.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with an active New York State License or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
Higher education or large nonprofit experience.
Working in a complex enterprise resource planning system, particularly Workday.

Responsibilities

Provides direct leadership, management, and professional development for the General Accounting staff. This includes strategic alignment of team goals with the College's vision, organizing workflow, conducting training, monitoring productivity, resolving issues, and executing all performance management activities (e.g., coaching, evaluations, and disciplinary actions).
Serve as a strategic partner across the College, particularly in developing a financial framework to support strategic financial reporting and analysis.
Ensure the accurate and timely preparation and submission of all tax filings (federal, state, and foreign, including Forms 990 and 990-T), informational surveys (IPEDS, US Census, DOE), and bond compliance reports.
Manages and enhances the internal control framework, ensuring controls are appropriate, routinely tested, and that processes are continuously improved such that they are easy to navigate, are efficient to implement, transparent to end users, and add value to the institution while creating appropriate controls and accountability.
Establishes, documents, and communicates financial policies and procedures across the campus community such that policies and procedures are clear and transparent to ensure compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local laws/regulations, and alignment with the College's strategic goals.
Analyzes new reporting requirements (ex: FASB, GAAP), informs management of implications and potential impact, and develops cross-functional processes for implementation and adoption across the College.
Conduct advanced, complex, and specialized analysis and reconciliations for key financial areas, including investment activity, monthly endowment calculations (additions, unit market value, and due to/from balances in Workday).
Manages cross-functional data integration and reconciliation for key operational areas, specifically working with the Advancement Office (gifts/restricted purposes) and Student Financial Services Office (tuition, fees, aid) to ensure accurate data flow into the Finance ERP.
Review and approve departmental journal entries, ensuring accuracy, proper supporting documentation, and the overall financial reasonableness of the transaction.
Oversees the maintenance of the chart of accounts, security access to the general ledger, and related financial systems.
Assist with the maintenance and continued improvement of the College’s Finance ERP system.
Ensure that all financial documentation and data are properly filed and meet record retention standards.