Associate Controller

Associate Controller
Whitman College

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually dynamic, diverse, and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty and 1,500 students. With an endowment exceeding $500 million, fiercely loyal alumni, exceptional students, and accomplished faculty and staff, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence ranking as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Associate Controller manages the operations of payroll, accounts payable and portions of budget reporting and general ledger. Additionally this position bears responsibility for external reporting, taxation, compliance and internal control functions at the college.

ESSENTIAL PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Accounting Operations

• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of accounting records by
  • Overseeing maintenance of the general ledger chart of accounts
  • Overseeing the preparation and timely reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts
  • Leading the monthly, quarterly and year-end closing general ledger activities
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting by
  • Assisting in the preparation and planning of all audits including, the annual financial audit and the 403(b)-retirement plan audit;
  • Preparing audit schedules to meet all audit timelines
  • Executing audit activities in compliance with audit schedules
  • Leading the compilation of year-end financial statements
  • Maintaining an effective working relationship with the independent auditors

Business Operations

• Ensure an effective business operations process by
  • Overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of disbursement functions, including payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing cards
  • Working with Sponsored Programs coordinator to maintain adequate compliance and accountability
• Maintain an effective system of internal controls by
  • Evaluating operations and making routine recommendations to the Controller as necessary
  • Implementing internal controls activities as necessary
• Safeguard the College's tax status by
  • Developing, interpreting and maintaining knowledge of taxation laws as applicable to Whitman College and constituents
  • Maintaining compliance with pertinent governmental and oversight agencies
  • Leading the preparation and timely reporting of all tax reports, including but not limited to, Form 990, 941, 1099, 1042S, K-1s, and State returns
• Provide timely and accurate reporting for making proper business decisions by
  • Preparing and coordinating financial reports and analysis as requested by external and internal users, including financial data, IPEDS and other survey requests
• Inform an effective budgeting process by
  • Providing historical financial data when needed
  • Providing access to and budgeting reports to College stakeholders

Administrative

• Develop and maintain a high performing work team by
  • Supervising staff and activities of the Business Office - Direct reporting staff are Accounting Coordinator, Payroll Coordinator and Accounts Payable Coordinator
  • Hiring, training and developing staff
  • Providing timely and positive feedback to staff to enhance development
  • Building a diverse team in backgrounds and knowledge
  • Implementing an effective operating structure in how, what and by whom work is done
• Lead continuous improvement efforts by
  • Working with IT staff on program issues to further improve service, efficiency and internal controls in the Business Office
  • Identifying department process improvement opportunities and technology solutions to implement, and lead implementation efforts.
  • Participating on other College process improvement teams to provide expert knowledge as necessary
• Complete other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Ability to maintain an effective collegial working relationship with students, parents, faculty and staff as well as vendors, volunteers, agencies and the general public
• Ability to establish and maintain exemplary customer service and fiscal accountability as it relates to all functions within the department
• Knowledge of internal controls within the Business Office and campus wide
• Knowledge of US GAAP, including non-profit accounting concepts, and taxation issues as applicable to Whitman College
• Ability to understand complex issues and communicate to a wide non-financial audience
• Ability to positively and actively contribute to the College's core values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, preferable Colleague, sequel reporting, and demonstrated skills with Excel and other Microsoft Office programs
• Strong oral and written communication skills

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• A CPA certification
• Progressive experience in non-profit or business accounting and financial services

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on February 5 and continue until the position is filled.

START DATE

June 1, 2021


For full application instructions and position description, visit https://whitman.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=38




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