Assistant Controller

Company Description:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

The Assistant Controller serves as a member of the management team of Financial Services and is responsible for all aspects of the Payroll and Accounts Payable functions.   Develops policies and procedures to ensure strong internal controls and compliance with regulations, and manages the timely and accurate processing of payments to faculty, staff, students and vendors.  Works closely with the Business Manager to assist the community with training and resolving issues related to encumbrances and payments processed through the purchasing system and the general ledger.  Provides a high level of customer service support for all constituents. Generates reports and analyses of data, develops and delivers training to departmental employees, assists in the preparation of various reports, and provides support during the annual financial audit.

• Oversees and direct the Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Staff Accountant staff and operations.
• Establishes and enforces policies and procedures to ensure that all operational and compliance requirements are achieved.
• Identifies opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Payroll and Accounts Payable operations, including workflow changes, new technology, or outsourcing.
• Works with staff to ensure payments are processed timely and accurately, and resolves issues in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Manages the relationships with third-party providers including but not limited to Bank of America (Purchasing Card), ADP (payroll tax reporting and withholding), AMEX (T&E Card), IRS (TIN matching)
• Leads and attends meetings for the purpose of identifying appropriate actions, developing recommendations and supporting staff.
• Assists in year-end close and audit, and prepares supporting documentation for a number of required financial and tax reports (i.e. Form 990).
• Periodically tests systems and applications used by Payroll and Accounts Payable, and makes recommendations to improve processes and efficiencies.

Accounts Payable:

• Manages and approves vendor payments and employee reimbursements to ensure compliance with IRS and Commonwealth of MA regulations as well as University policies and procedures.
• Establishes and enforces controls to mitigate against fraud including but not limited to segregation of duties, review of payments, submission of the positive pay file to the bank, and appropriate training of staff and the community.
• Assists with cash management as it relates to accounts payables by monitoring invoice aging in to ensure payments are made within terms.
• Administers the P-card program including establishing parameters for issuing; managing the p-card system; reviewing purchases, training managers and users, and reconciling P-Card transactions to statements.
• Manages and coordinates training and activities of staff to ensure quality output, timely payment of invoices, and compliance with University and IRS policies and guidelines.
• Monitors vendors for proper authorization and accurate master data; ensures compliance with University as well as federal and state regulations.
• Manages and develops resource tools to research and resolve accounting issues with internal and external customers; reconciles vendor account statements.
• Supports the University's tax compliance as it relates to Accounts Payable; accumulation and aggregation of necessary data; creation and filing of tax forms 1099 and 1042.

Payroll:

• Oversees payroll activities to ensure the timely and accurate processing of payments and remittance of 403b plan contributions.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of a variety of payroll related documents for the purpose of documenting activities and issues; meeting compliance requirements, and providing audit reports.  This includes invoices for overpayments, retirement plan transfers, payroll register, stop payments, W-2 and 1042S controls, worker's compensation checks, COBRA and other related payroll documents.
• Reviews reconciliation of tax, benefits and other withholding general ledger accounts and works closely with the Human Resources area to resolve discrepancies.
• Audits payroll related information (i.e. time sheets, direct deposits, wage attachments, benefits, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate distribution of funds.
• Manages relationships and communications among internal and external parties (city/state/federal agencies, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the accurate processing of payroll. 

Requirements:

• Master's degree in business or CPA with at least 2 years in a related accounting field, or a Bachelor's Degree in Business or Accounting with a minimum of 3-5 years of accounting experience.
• Excellent management and administrative skills; ability to prioritize, problem solve, take initiative, organize and adhere to deadlines.
• Supervisory experience and proven leadership skills.
• Ability to develop strong, positive working relationships with staff, and provide excellent customer service to all members of the community.
• Thorough understanding of Federal and state requirements for proper withholding and reporting of payments.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data, regulations and policies, and a demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to design strong internal controls and implement policies and procedures.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to use and manage accounting and payroll software and reporting tools.
• Higher education background and experience with Banner and Jaggaer systems preferred.

Clark University currently requires all employees and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions will be made for medical or disability reasons or religious beliefs, and could be made, at the sole discretion of the University, for other well-documented reasons.

Additional Information:

Clark University embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action as core values: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

 A successful background check is required upon acceptance.

Apply Online