Associate Vice President, Accounting and Controller (AVP)

Community College of Philadelphia•Main Campus - Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Success starts at Community College of Philadelphia. Innovators and difference makers work at Community College of Philadelphia. Diversity thrives at Community College of Philadelphia. We are a college that is committed to promoting a work environment that attracts and retains talented and diverse faculty and staff. We challenge each other and ourselves to achieve at the highest level while contributing to the mission of the College and the betterment of Philadelphia. We value and support an intellectually dynamic community to prepare our students for global citizenship. Join us and become a part of a community that has long been and will continue to be generators of generational chance in this city and beyond. Community College of Philadelphia is an open-admission, associate-degree-granting institution which provides access to higher education for all who may benefit. Its programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences, career technologies, and basic academic skills provide a coherent foundation for college transfer, employment and lifelong learning. The College serves Philadelphia by preparing its students to be informed and concerned citizens, active participants in the cultural life of the city, and enabled to meet the changing needs of business, industry and the professions. To help address broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond, the College draws together students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and seeks to provide the programs and support they need to achieve their goals. Position Summary Reporting to the Vice President, Finance and Administration, the Associate Vice President, Accounting and Controller (AVP) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the College's accounting and financial reporting functions, including General Accounting, Fixed Assets, Grant Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll. The AVP is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the College's financial records, preparing annual financial statements in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, coordinating all financial, governmental and compliance audits, managing cash and investment activities, and supporting the effective implementation and use of financial systems throughout the College operations. The AVP provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for accounting staff while serving as a strategic advisor to the Vice President, Finance and Administration on matters relating to accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a accredited institution of higher education required.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, including experience in: General Ledger Accounting, Grants and Endowment Management, Payroll Administration, Fixed Assets Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Financial Statement preparation required; experience in higher education preferred.
Five (5) years work experience with demonstrated growth in leadership responsibilities required; prior supervisory experience required.
Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) financial reporting requirements.
Demonstrated experience managing independent financial statement audits, governmental audits, and compliance audits required.
Significant experience working within ERP environment; experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and financial reporting tools required, Tableau or Argos preferred.
Project management and time management skills required.
Competency in organizing data, maintaining files, and preparing reports required.
Detail-oriented with excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with people of diverse backgrounds required.
Ability to work independently and take initiative required.
Ability to create and implement systems, procedures and processes required.
Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and planning skills required.
Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions required.
Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds required.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification highly desirable
Significant work in an ERP environment; Ellucian Banner preferred.
Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting preferred.
Microsoft Office and ERP reporting tool skills required, Tableau or Argos preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction for all accounting functions, including General Accounting, Fixed Assets, Grant Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivables, and Payroll.
Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development to direct reports.
Identify and implement professional development opportunities for staff and provide training on new accounting procedures, regulatory requirements, and accounting system enhancements.
Support the Vice President, Finance and Administration in developing and implementing long-term financial strategies that advance the College strategic, operational, and fiscal sustainability goals.
Perform daily and long-term cash flow analyses to ensure adequate liquidity and maximize opportunities for the short-term investment of temporarily unused operating cash.
Manage short-term operating cash investments to optimize investment returns while maintaining compliance with College policies.
Collaborate with Vice President, Finance and Administration, and the Investment Working Group to develop and implement strategies for investing longer-term operating cash reserves.
Prepare operational reports to provide timely and accurate information regarding the College’s financial position, including cash position, investment performance, liquidity, and receivables management.
Provide leadership for the ongoing implementation, development, and effective use of the Banner financial systems and related finance technologies.
Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Information Technology staff to improve system functionality, operational effectiveness, and business processes.
Support financial system upgrades and enhancements; develop testing plans and coordinate implementation activities.
Develop and implement efficient financial processes, procedures, and internal controls that support operational excellence, sound financial management, and regulatory compliance.
Coordinate and facilitate all internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with applicable Federal and State regulations, accounting standards, and College policies and procedures.
Conduct ongoing analyses of general ledger accounts and financial activity to support informed decision-making and maintain financial stability.
Reviews asset and liability account reconciliations in preparation for the year end close and annual audits.
Coordinate year-end closing activities and oversee the preparation of annual financial statements, supporting schedules, and audit workpapers.
Prepare financial reports required for state reimbursement, federal and state regulatory reporting, audits, and other institutional reporting needs.
Provide leadership to ensure the adequacy of internal controls and the integrity of College’s financial records.
Develop, implement and monitor financial and internal control systems and procedures
Stay current with and implement new pronouncements of accounting standards and other regulatory issues affecting accounting procedures, financial reporting, governmental funding and audit issues.
Serve as key financial advisor to the Vice President, Finance and Administration, on accounting, auditing, treasury, investment, and financial reporting matters.
Represent the Finance Division and participate in Banner Finance, Finance Staff, Controller Staff, Business Affairs, Board of Trustees, Foundation Investment Committee, Payment Match, HR/Payroll, and Community College Business Officers meetings.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with banks, auditors, governmental agencies, and College departments on matters of accounting and financial issues.
Deliver quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a professional, collaborative, and respectful manner.
Perform other duties as assigned