Assistant Controller

Aurora University seeks talented staff and administrators who are passionate about supporting an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Position Purpose:

The Assistant Controller supports learning by working directly with the University Controller/Chief Business Officer in promoting financial accuracy at Aurora University. Primary responsibilities include supporting the University Controller with overall accounting and business office functions of the university. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards (GAAP). Responsibilities include: assisting with business office management, oversight of the general ledger, ensuring internal controls are operating as designed, financial reporting, and analysis. This position will directly supervise the purchasing and accounts payable functions.

Core Competencies:

Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.

Upholds the Mission Statement:Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.

Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.

Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

Assists in ensuring the completeness and accuracy of university accounting records. Maintains a climate of confidentiality.

Assists the University Controller with all university accounting and financial processes consistent with the requirements of the university’s policies and procedures including timely account reconciliation, monthly budget to actual reporting, grant oversight/reporting, and quarterly/year-end financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Assists with the oversight of the daily operations of the business office to ensure accurate and prompt services are provided/delivered to the employees/students of the university. Functions of the business office include accounts payable, payroll processing, grant accounting, endowment accounting, fixed assets, overall general ledger management, tax return filings, and compliance reporting.

Provides oversight to monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end closing procedures.

Performs/oversees complex general ledger transactions and reconciliations on a timely basis ensuring all adjustments are recorded properly within prescribed deadlines.

Assists with the preparation and review of various tax/compliance filings to includes sales taxes, payroll tax filings, and other regulatory requirements.

Ensures proper, consistent financial accounting methodology, techniques, and procedures are in place and used appropriately in the operation of the university. Trains other departments as needed to ensure accurate timely processing of transactions and information.

Supervises, trains, and mentors staff in a team environment; determines deadlines, plans staffing requirements for all fiscal activities; recruits/hires staff as needed; evaluates the performance of staff; ensure and/or conduct staff training/cross training.

Assists the University Controller with analysis, budget management, and other projects as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; Master’s and/or CPA preferred.

Experience:

• 4-5+ years of accounting and audit experience with increasing responsibility in a complex organization. Not-for-profit and/or higher education experience is highly preferred.

Skills:

• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate regulations, accounting principles, policies, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting and internal control systems.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accurate.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, understand and attend to details, meet established deadlines, and provide excellent customer service to the university community.
• Able to maintain a strong internal control environment including supporting documentation, and authorizations.
• Strong analytical skills as required for account analysis and reconciliation.
• Expertise in spreadsheet and word processing software: Microsoft is preferred.
• Experience with Ellucian’s Colleague system and/or the ability to learn the university ERP system independently.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others to perform at high levels.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to interact verbally in person, over the telephone, and via written and electronic media.
• Ability to move about campus and other locations.
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

If you were referred by a current employee of Aurora University please include the name of the employee in your submission.

Aurora University
Human Resources
347 South Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506
jobs@aurora.edu - email

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.