Assistant Controller

Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives.

For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitivebenefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

Primary Purpose

The Assistant Controller plays an active role in helping the College to meet its financial accounting objectives, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

This position manages accounting staff, and oversees the maintenance of the College’s general ledger. Assistant Controller supports the development and implementation of accounting policies, procedures and controls, as well as assisting with oversight of financial and tax reporting processes, and business operations.

This position is responsible for the financial administration of federal, state and private grants and sub-grants, and maintenance of all grant and other restricted accounts.

The Assistant Controller is also responsible for administration of the College’s purchasing card program, and maintenance of institution-wide vendor relationships.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsible for timely and accurate recording of financial transactions to the College’s general ledger. Manages day-to-day operations of the accounting team to ensure adherence of financial accounting and reporting information to generally accepted accounting principles, and that financial objectives and reporting deadlines are met.

Assists Controller in the preparation of annual financial statements and related schedules, and coordination of the fiscal year-end financial and uniform guidance audits.

Performs periodic balance sheet reviews with staff to ensure accounts are regularly reconciled, and identified accounting issues are addressed in a timely manner.

Assists auditors with review of internal control processes and related testing.

Assists with internal risk assessment process including identification of areas of potential internal control weakness. Researches, develops, and implements policies and procedures to strengthen internal control systems.

Actively participates in advancing the College’s use of technology to enhance business processes, internal controls, and user experience.

Assists in the implementation of new financial systems and processes including design, testing, and training.

Communicates with other departments regarding Business Office policies and procedures, and provides ongoing training and guidance to faculty and staff.

Responsible for oversight of accounts payable function including supervision of staff, vendor and independent contractor setup and maintenance, and Forms 1099 and 1042 tax withholding and reporting.

Supports the administration of the College's purchasing card program and purchasing program memberships. Manages vendor relationships.

Coordinates the reconciliation of general ledger balances with external department records for federal, state, and private financial awards.

Maintains appropriate restricted accounts. Makes required general ledger entries for administrative allowances, matching requirements, federal award transfers, and year-end reclassification.

Completes required reporting and funding requests for federal, state and private grants.

Provides leadership to the accounting team through active participation in departmental goal-setting, continued open communication, and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Sets vision and goals for the department in the advancement of financial initiatives for campus constituents.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other directly related field, and four years of professional accounting experience;

or a Master’s degree in same, and three years of qualifying experience.

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles as they pertain to colleges and universities.

Extensive knowledge of financial operations and accounting processes and best practices, and ability to apply this knowledge in the implementation of process improvements.

Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and reporting requirements as it pertains to tax, grant administration, financial reporting, and business operations.

Demonstrated written and oral communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate complex financial issues to various stakeholders.

Proven supervision capabilities including hiring, development, and motivation of staff with an emphasis on providing excellent customer service.

Demonstrated ability to successfully lead, motivate, and direct teams on assigned projects. Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work (faculty, administrators, staff, students, and vendors).

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in private higher education or other non-profit entity.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with public accounting experience and active license or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.

Familiarity with Colleague (preferred) or other similar software, including report writing and data retrieval.

Payrate

Salary commensurate with experience

Work Schedule

Full-time, (1.0 FTE)

Benefits eligible : Yes