Assistant/Associate Comptroller

FLSA Classification
Exempt
Salary Range/Grade    
Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000
Reports to
Comptroller

Job Description 
Summary/objective
Under the supervision and direction of the Comptroller, incumbent in this position will provide management, supervision, and support to the accounting and financial functions of the University.  This includes, but is not limited to general accounting activities, grant accounting, financial reporting, banking, student accounts, travel, accounts payable, Banner control systems including complex analysis and development of financial models relating to cash flow, reporting, grant and contract accounting, lease accounting, financial analysis, chart of accounts maintenance, reconciling balance sheet accounts, and benchmarking. Activities will also include assisting with maintaining strong internal controls in areas of assigned responsibility to provide reasonable assurance of effective and appropriate resource use, accurate financial information, and adherence to SUNO policies, procedures, and external regulatory requirements. Assist with the preparation and reconciliation of Financial Statements including year-end entries.

Facilitates collaboration between the Office of the Comptroller and institutional business units to ensure effective accountability, custody, and stewardship of institutional resources and assets. Responsible for preparing complex analytics and reports dealing with decision support issues is a major function of the position. Incumbent in this position will provide guidance to Accounting Staff.

Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely collection and recording of all financial transactions of the university within the requirements of GAAP and GASB, and other financial regulatory bodies. 

• Assists in posting and ensures the proper classification and recording of all university financial transactions. 
• Ensures reconciliations are prepared on a timely basis on all accounts. 
• Prepares year-end and other necessary general ledger transactions to close and balance the University’s financial records. 
• Ensures proper documentation of all transactions, and the retention of that documentation.
• Manage cash and cash reserves to ensure the university’s ability to cover its financial obligations as they occur.  

Manage the daily banking requirements, including wires.  

• Oversee staff in recording banking activities (cash, wires, etc.) to general ledger to ensure revenue and expenses are recorded in the proper accounts and period for reporting activities.  
• Oversee monthly bank reconciliations. 
• Prepare cash flow analysis to assist in scheduling expenditures.  
• Actively manage accounts receivables in order to reduce late payments and bad debts.  

Supervise the monthly financial close process, including ensuring all costs incurred are properly recorded, preparing, reviewing journal entries for accuracy and completeness, account balance reconciliations and reports preparation.  

• Prepares and reviews monthly reconciliations for assigned balance sheet accounts.

Supervise daily accounting activities, journal entries, and reviews required to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger to reflect SUNO’s financial position.  

• Approve and post journals. Reviews general ledger monthly to ensure accuracy of postings.  
• Responds to inquiries from the Comptroller and Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and other SUNO employees’ inquiries regarding accounting activities.

Ensure chart of accounts is maintained to ensure accuracy in the general ledger and financial statements.  

• Ensure accuracy of classifications and postings of all transactions.  
• Ensure maintenance and retention of an organized set of detailed records (source documents) and files to document financial transactions for the department and University.

 Assist in the fiscal year end close by ensuring adherence to the system closing schedule, reviewing and reconciling accounts and transactions.  

• Recording necessary adjustments for depreciation and prepaid expenses. 
• Preparing year-end accrual entries and general fund accounts. Review and finalize financial statements. 
• Maintain detailed documentation of the closing process for future reference and potential audits.

Responsible for identifying, hiring, and improving staff in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the Accounting Department’s goals and objectives within the department’s budget.  

• Supervise accounting staff personnel to ensure all financial reporting deadlines are met.  
• Advise staff regarding the handling of non-routine transactions.  
• Provide training to new and existing staff as needed.

Participate in ongoing development/establishment of accounting policies and procedures including the review and implementation of processes and system changes.  

• Monitors and analyzes department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy.  
• Assist in the preparation and training on accounting policies and procedures, including maintaining data and forms on Comptroller’s website.  

Collaborate with other departments to support overall department goals and objectives. 

• Assist and work closely with Federal, State, and Internal Auditors by answering questions and implementing recommendations. 
• Prepare recurring and ad-hoc decision supporting reports and resolve accounting problems and questions.

Other duties as assigned. 

Competencies 
•    Proficiency with MS Office applications (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) required with ability to run V-Lookup, pivot tables, etc.
•    Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•    Self-starter with efficient time management and organizational skills.
•    Strong attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analytically and to apply financial tools in the analysis of data is essential. 
•    Proven familiarity working with an ERP/integrated technology, including data extraction and presentation of data in a format suitable for executive decision making is required. 
•    Strong oral/written skills and the ability to perform with a high degree of diplomacy, confidentiality and professionalism are required.
•    The ability to work effectively in a very collaborative executive leadership environment) is required.

Required education and experience
•    Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related discipline.
•    Three (3) to five (5) years of significant accounting and / or financial reporting experience, three (3) years of audit experience of public higher education with managerial responsibilities may be substituted.
•    Extensive working knowledge of and experience with MS Excel and Word, and computerized accounting / general ledger related applications.
•    Demonstrated success and commitment to exceptional customer service.
•    Excellent analytical skills and demonstrated effectiveness dealing with complex processes & systems.
•    Ability to work effectively with professional, non-professional, student personnel and/or various outside agencies in a professional and friendly manner.
•    Ability to clearly & effectively express self in written and oral communication.
•    Ability to function independently with a minimum of supervision, but willingness to receive and respond to direction.

Preferred education and experience
•    Advanced experience with Ellucian Banner strongly preferred.
•    Certified Public Accountant preferred.
•    Master degree in Business Administration or Accounting preferred.
•    Experience at an institution of higher education is preferred.

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Non-Discrimination Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.