ASSOCIATE CONTROLLER JOB DESCRIPTIONS

An Associate Controller who cannot keep pace with GASB pronouncements leaves a university exposed to audit findings, bond covenant violations, and misstated endowment valuations. Governing. This role owns the operational accounting infrastructure that keeps a campus financially sound - general ledger integrity, treasury operations, grant compliance, and tax filing obligations spanning 1099s to non-resident alien reporting. It sits one level below the Controller and carries direct supervisory authority over accounting staff serving multiple campus units.

As the Associate Controller, you deliver accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance across the full spectrum of university accounting operations, from post-award grant administration to deferred giving and auxiliary reporting. You supervise a team of accounting professionals and serve as the institution's primary technical resource on GAAP, GASB, and FASB standards, with a reporting line that reaches campus finance leadership.

Career Impact: Mastering fund accounting, GASB compliance, and endowment unitization within higher education builds a credentials profile that commands senior controller and CFO-track opportunities at research universities and college systems.

Business Impact: The institution's bond ratings, audit outcomes, and donor confidence in charitable gift annuity portfolios rest directly on the accuracy and timeliness of the financial reporting this role produces.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to grant administration, treasury management, and CSU or NACUBO regulatory frameworks accelerates the move into Controller or VP of Finance roles at larger, more complex institutions.

• Own general ledger integrity and month-end close, ensuring all entries, reconciliations, and feeds are recorded accurately and on schedule.
• Oversee post-award grant compliance and financial activity for government and private awards, coordinating with program directors on cash needs.
• Direct treasury operations including cash flow monitoring, banking relationships, and investment and long-term debt reporting.
• Implement accounting pronouncements derived from GAAP, GASB, and FASB and maintain compliance with applicable institutional and regulatory mandates.
• Coordinate annual external audits by preparing audit schedules, work papers, and documentation for designated business areas.
• Manage tax compliance obligations including 1099 and 1098 reporting, non-resident alien filings, abandoned property due diligence, and annual state filings.
• Supervise and develop accounting staff through performance appraisals, coaching, training, and clear communication of job requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate internal controls, recommending and implementing process improvements to strengthen accuracy and compliance.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with demonstrated knowledge of fund accounting principles and supervisory responsibility.
• CPA certification required or actively in progress, consistent with institutional expectations across source examples.
• Strong technical knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and FASB standards as applied in a not-for-profit or higher education environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage month-end and year-end close cycles, including journal entries, reconciliations, and audit preparation.
• Proven ability to maintain discretion with sensitive financial data and work effectively across a diverse campus community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise non-financial stakeholders on accounting policies and procedures.

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, providing deeper preparation for technical research and financial statement analysis.
• Prior experience in higher education, non-profit fund accounting, or a similarly complex multi-entity environment.
• Familiarity with enterprise accounting systems used in higher education settings, reflecting the ERP knowledge cited across multiple source examples.
• Knowledge of endowment accounting, deferred giving instruments, or post-issuance bond compliance within a university finance context.

• Month-end close cycle completion rate, measuring whether all entries and reconciliations are posted by institutional deadlines.
• Audit finding count per annual external audit cycle, tracking the accuracy of financial statements and supporting schedules produced by this role.
• Grant compliance exception rate, reflecting accuracy of post-award financial reporting against sponsor requirements.
• 1099 and tax filing on-time rate, measuring adherence to IRS and state deadlines across all applicable filing types.
• Staff performance review completion rate, indicating whether supervisory responsibilities for the accounting team are fulfilled on schedule.
• Typical tools: ERP platforms (commonly Workday or PeopleSoft); spreadsheet and reporting software (commonly Microsoft Excel).

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on institution size and location.
• Bonus: Modest or none; some institutions offer year-end discretionary awards.
• Equity: Not applicable in higher education settings.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision; often includes domestic partner coverage.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days vacation plus institutional holidays and winter closure periods.
• Common Perks: Tuition remission for employee and dependents; defined benefit pension or strong 403(b) match.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion is a condition of employment for all positions; financial roles may require additional credit history review in accordance with applicable law. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Associate Controller owns the technical accounting function, assessing the impact of new IFRS guidance, reviewing contracts for IFRS 15 compliance, and leading the monthly HFM reporting and variance analysis cycle for the corporate finance team. Reporting to senior finance leadership and collaborating with finance business partners and operations groups, this work ensures internal controls, audited financial statements, and closing processes meet both regulatory standards and business deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the impact of new accounting guidance under IFRS and serve as subject matter expert and/or reviewer of complex accounting areas.
• Review contracts for compliance with IFRS 15.
• Build and maintain working relationships with finance business partners and operations groups, providing accounting subject matter expertise for business transactions.
• Prepare schedules for and assist in facilitating the internal and external audits; prepare audited financial statements.
• Develop and document business processes to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Participate in monthly, mid-year and annual closing process including journal entries, account reconciliations and continuous process improvement.
• Prepare/review monthly HFM reporting packages to corporate and perform monthly variance analysis for balance sheet and income statement, liaising with Finance teams to develop accurate commentary of business factors and trends.
• Assist with review, resolution, or optimization of intercompany transactions; run and review payroll reports and timecards.
• Lead special projects and ad hoc reporting needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting and CPA or MBA required.
• 5+ years of relevant accounting experience, public accounting or technical accounting preferred.
• Working ERP knowledge, Dynamics and SAP preferred.
• Strong analytical, technical, and Excel skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Driven, detail-oriented individual who can meet aggressive deadlines and work independently with minimal supervision.

Embedded within the university finance division, the Associate Controller delivers comprehensive oversight of banking, treasury, endowment, payables, and tax compliance functions, ensuring all financial reporting aligns with GAAP and FASB standards. Working closely with the Accounting Office, the Office of Philanthropy, and departmental personnel, this role safeguards institutional financial integrity across bond covenants, charitable gift annuity portfolios, and multi-jurisdictional tax filing obligations.

Core Functions

• Oversee banking and treasury functions including cash, investments, and long-term debt, ensuring financial reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP; direct and manage operational banking relationships and cash management to ensure sufficient liquidity while maximizing investment opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Accounting Office and Office of Philanthropy to account for endowment and charitable gift annuity portfolios.
• Work on special projects including researching technical issues, implementing new accounting standards, drafting financial statement disclosures, and responding to auditor requests.
• Maintain compliance of all bond covenants and ensure timely preparation of informational surveys and disclosure reports.
• Direct disbursement operations related to payables, ensuring wire transfers are properly scheduled, processed, and documented; oversee all 1099 processing, due diligence of abandoned property, and yearly filing with applicable states.
• Oversee the University's Corporate Card Program and establish payables deadlines and closing cut-off dates.
• Support and prepare timely month-end closings, audit documentation, and account reconciliations for designated business areas.
• Review existing financial controls and provide recommendations to develop and maintain controls ensuring compliance with laws, GAAP, FASB standards, and University policies.
• Adhere to federal and state tax compliance requirements, resolve tax notices, and provide tax guidance to departments as needed; review and prepare filing requirements including corporate, international, bond compliance, independent contractors, and non-resident alien matters.
• Monitor the University's tax compliance, identify potential tax exposure, and facilitate process improvements to mitigate compliance gaps; assist with development of tax-related communications and training for University departmental personnel.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in accounting or finance preferred; MBA or master's in accountancy preferred.
• CPA certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible accounting and business leadership experience in a similarly complex environment.
• Higher education industry knowledge is a plus.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with ability to identify patterns, trends, and inconsistencies and formulate solutions.
• Experience with Workday and/or Oracle a plus; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills; demonstrated experience leading and developing professionals, fostering teamwork and a culture of excellence.

Reporting to senior financial leadership at the Claremont Colleges, the Associate Controller leads a team delivering the full spectrum of financial accounting services, including general ledger maintenance, post-award grant compliance, investment accounting, and external financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and higher education industry practices. Partnering with internal and external constituents across one or two member institutions, this work ensures audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and high-quality customer service throughout the Financial Services Office.

Primary Duties

• Oversee and maintain general ledger(s) in accordance with GAAP and higher education industry practices; oversee post award grant compliance, investment accounting, unitization, unit market value, and deferred giving accounting.
• Prepare, review, and analyze external financial reports and implement systems ensuring accurate, timely financial recording and reporting.
• Coordinate annual external audit, prepare audit schedules, and compile information for IRS filings and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and evaluate internal controls and key processes by collaborating with internal constituents to implement best practices.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external constituents and provide advice and counsel on financial matters.
• Recruit, select, and retain staff with professional capabilities suited to a dynamic environment; conduct performance appraisals and ongoing coaching.
• Communicate job requirements, ensure appropriate training and development, and maintain current job descriptions for all staff; address employee work habit and performance problems in a timely manner with appropriate follow-up.
• Monitor all financial transactions and reports to ensure compliance with institutional guidelines, GAAP, and federal and state regulations; assess potential for improvement of systems and processes and implement changes where appropriate.
• Maintain sub-ledger accounting systems in areas of responsibility.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field required.
• CPA certification required.
• Four years of auditing, not-for-profit/higher education, or equivalent experience required.
• Proficiency in various accounting software systems and ability to learn new software; experience and knowledge of Workday required.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, establish priorities, and respond promptly to constituents, peers, and superiors.

Sitting at the intersection of operational accounting and institutional compliance, the Associate Controller supervises Staff Accountants, the Accounts Payable Specialist, and the Principal Clerk while administering grant compliance, treasury operations, and tax reporting for international students, employees, and vendors. Operating across auxiliary operations, foreign programs, university debt, and deferred giving, this role ensures month-end and fiscal year-end close cycles are executed accurately and that campus departments receive authoritative guidance on accounting policies and the Colleague Finance system.

Duties

• Supervise Staff Accountants, Accounts Payable Specialist, and Principal Clerk in daily, monthly, and yearly accounting tasks supporting accurate and complete financial reporting.
• Oversee accounting and reporting for auxiliary operations, foreign programs, university debt, and deferred giving; administer government and private grant financial activity and compliance.
• Work with the Purchasing Department to manage the university purchasing/travel card program and SupplierPay platform.
• Manage tax reporting requirements for international students, employees, and vendors; administer calendar year-end reporting obligations including 1099 and 1098 statements.
• Administer the month-end financial close process to ensure feeds and entries are recorded correctly and in a timely manner.
• Serve as departmental expert for Colleague Finance and related reporting tools; assist other accounting users in understanding and using these systems.
• Manage the treasury function including cash flow, balance monitoring, and banking partner relationships; coordinate with foreign program directors on cash needs.
• Assist in fiscal year-end closing and preparation of annual financial statements and audit, including preparing work papers, testing transactions, and assisting auditors; communicate with campus departments regarding accounting policies and transactional issues.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; master's degree preferred.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible accounting and managerial experience with demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles.
• Work experience in higher education, non-profit, or similar setting preferred; experience with accounts payable, grant administration, or investment accounting a plus.
• Experience with Colleague or similar enterprise accounting system preferred; strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to exercise good judgment within assigned authority.
• Must be able to maintain discretion with highly sensitive and confidential information and work collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

A key member of the executive leadership team, the Associate Controller leads all financial services operations at Redscout, including general accounting, payroll, budgeting, revenue management under ASC 606, auditing, and strategic planning. Collaborating across business units and reporting directly to the CEO, this role serves as the primary financial partner to both company leadership and the Stagwell holding company, ensuring the organization's financial controls, close cycles, and compliance obligations are met with precision.

Functions

• Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, purchasing, and banking operations including preparation of GL monthly close.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close; function as a contact for all business units on accounting and finance matters.
• Develop and implement new procedures to enhance workflow and departmental operations.
• Create short-term and long-term operating budgets and measure performance against objectives; work with the leadership team to support revenue and cost analysis and ensure compliance with all contractual and program requirements.
• Report financial status by developing forecasts, reporting results, analyzing variances, and developing improvements.
• Coordinate preparation for external audits, filing of tax returns, and ensure proper maintenance of accounting records in compliance with statutory requirements and company policies.
• Work closely with HR to review and approve semi-monthly payroll; manage and train a staff accountant and help execute staff succession and growth plans.
• Define standards, policies, procedures, and organizational enhancements to meet company goals for finance; provide ad hoc analysis and reports as needed.

Position Requirements

• Degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or relevant field preferred.
• Experience with ASC 606 reporting in professional services required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; Maconomy ERP system preferred.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills with ability to flex style for different audiences; proven ability to anticipate challenges and propose solutions proactively.
• Experience working with a diverse team of individuals from different backgrounds.

Accurate financial oversight of foodservice and retail account operations depends on the Associate Controller, who manages financial reporting, POS systems, payroll, bank reconciliation, P&L, and inventory cost controls for the account. Based within the account's business office and reporting to both the Controller and Account GM, this role ensures monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles are completed with integrity and in conformity with the highest standards of personal conduct.

Accountabilities

• Manage all financial reporting and analysis for the account.
• Manage POS systems, employee payroll, and HR administration.
• Assist in maintaining client and employee relations.
• Maintain bank reconciliation, P&L, and balance sheets for the account.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Maintain inventory and cost control procedures.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned by the Controller and Account GM.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum two years of experience with revenue control and cash handling responsibilities.
• Accounting experience in foodservice or retail industry required; foodservice operations experience a plus.
• Ability to prepare monthly financial statements, key metric reports, budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and analyses.
• Experience with POS, cash, credit card reports, and sales analysis and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with concentration in Excel; strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior.

As the Associate Controller, this role leads the operational accounting and financial compliance functions of a California State University campus, spanning journal entry preparation, debt financing, tax, fixed assets, banking, treasury operations, and custom auxiliary reporting across all campus units. The university finance division relies on this work to maintain conformity with GAAP, GASB, FASB, and ICSUAM mandates while driving PeopleSoft CFS system upgrades and cultivating a diverse, high-performing accounting team.

Key Deliverables

• Interpret and stay current on campus, CSU, federal, and state regulations, guidelines, policies, and mandates relating to campus accounting functions.
• Implement all relevant accounting pronouncements derived from GAAP, GASB, and FASB.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, policies, and procedures referenced by the ICSUAM.
• Continually evaluate current and emerging technology to meet the University's financial data processing, control, security, and reporting requirements.
• Serve as subject matter expert on PeopleSoft Common Financial System for all accounting and financial reporting activities and lead system upgrades and module implementations.
• Demonstrate commitment to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Build effective teams committed to organizational goals, fostering an environment that recognizes employee accomplishments and contributions.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business required; master's degree and/or CPA license preferred.
• Seven or more years of accounting experience required.
• Five or more years of supervisory experience required.
• Strong technical knowledge of Fund Accounting, GAAP, GASB, and FASB.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems; strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent management, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.