Associate Controller

Job Description

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an independent, culturally diverse institution providing quality education and research in aviation, aerospace, engineering and other related fields with residential campuses located in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona. The University’s Worldwide campus provides educational opportunities online and at approximately 130 locations throughout the United States, Asia, Europe, and Central/South America.

As the largest and most comprehensive aviation and aerospace-focused university in the world, Embry-Riddle is a unique institution. Over the past 90 years, the University has evolved with the industry to break new ground and produce top-level graduates who serve the ever-changing needs of aviation and aerospace and other STEM-related disciplines. Embry-Riddle offers programs in seven primary fields of study including: Applied Science; Aviation; Business; Computers and Technology; Engineering; Safety, Security and Intelligence; and Space.

For Academic Year 2020-21, there were over 10,700 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students that attended the University’s residential campuses and approximately 32,700 students in total enrolled with the University around the world.

The Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is seeking an experienced Associate Controller reporting directly to the University Controller. This individual must be skilled and experienced with the ability to provide collaborative leadership in the organization's accounting, tax, compliance and related functions. The Associate Controller must possess strong communication skills and the ability to interact productively with all constituents of the University. Under the direction of the Controller, the Associate Controller will assist in providing leadership to the University in the areas of cash management and treasury functions, investment and endowment accounting, debt (including leasing), accounts payable, taxation and other compliance areas. The Associate Controller will lead a staff of nine full-time employees.

Examples of Key Responsibilities and Opportunities for Associate Controller

Treasury and Debt Management:

• Oversee banking and treasury functions and accounting including cash, investments, and long-term debt, assuring financial reporting is prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  
  
• Direct and manage operational banking relationships and cash management function to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet operating needs while maximizing investment opportunities.
  
  
• Collaborate with the University’s Accounting Office and the Office of Philanthropy to account for the endowment and charitable gift annuity portfolios.
  
  
• Work on special projects including researching technical issues, providing data to other stakeholders for key reports including bondholders and rating agencies, implement new accounting standards, draft financial statement disclosures, respond to internal and external auditor requests, and maintain investment and long-term debt reporting systems.
  
  
• Maintain compliance of all bond covenants.
  
  
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of informational surveys and disclosure reports (NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments, etc.).
  
  

Accounts Payable:

• Direct the operations of disbursements related to payables.
  
  
• Oversee and ensure disbursements and wire transfers are properly scheduled, processed and documented.
  
  
• Responsible for all 1099 processing on an annual basis, for due diligence of abandoned property, as well as yearly filing with applicable states.
  
  
• Oversee program administration of University’s Corporate Card Program.
  
  
• Direct and establish payables deadlines and closing cut-off dates.
  
  
• Responsible to support, and as needed, prepare timely and accurate month-end closings and audit documentation along with account reconciliations which support the general ledger for designated business areas related to payables and related reconciliations.
  
  
• Resolve issues presented by other University constituents or external parties and suppliers.
  
  
• Oversee and aid in the development, documentation and implementation of all applicable accounts payable-related policies and procedures. Assure adherence to University, as well as, department policies and procedures.
  
  
• Serve as the risk management liaison for accounts payable.
  
  

Compliance:

• Review existing financial controls; provide recommendations to develop, refine and maintain controls to help ensure protection of University resources and compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as GAAP and FASB standards, University policies and industry best practices.
  
  
• Develop compliance management checklist(s) and demonstrated proof of completion.
  
  
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance and the Director, Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance on compliance matters.
  
  

Tax Management:

• Adhere to federal and state tax compliance requirements, resolve tax notices, gather data and assist in field exams; provide tax guidance to specific departments as needed.
  
  
• Review and/or prepare filings requirements, including but not limited to, corporate, international, post-issuance bond compliance, independent contractors, scholarships and fellowships, non-resident aliens, sales and use, and real and personal property related matters.
  
  
• Determine appropriate tax objectives, scope, and methodology and actively participate in decisions related to tax matters with University management and other members of the Controller’s Office.
  
  
• Propose and implement modifications to existing accounting policies and procedures that impact tax and compliance.
  
  
• Assist with the development of tax-related communications and training for University departmental personnel to improve awareness on tax matters and financial compliance.
  
  
• Monitor the University's tax compliance, particularly in high risk tax areas, identify potential tax exposure due to non-compliance, assist with the recovery of taxes paid in error, if any, and facilitate process improvements to mitigate compliance gaps and weaknesses.
  
  

Other:

• Effectively leverage available technology and other resources to maximize technical applications to support accurate and timely reporting.
  
  
• Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in nonprofit accounting, tax, municipal securities market developments and compliance.
  
  
• Represent the Controller’s Office on cross-functional initiatives through working groups, committees and team collaboration.
  
  

Qualifications

• Exceptional personal qualities: A reputation for integrity and the highest ethical standards; sound judgment; enthusiasm for the mission; creativity in solving problems; collegial style and strong desire to be an integral part of the Embry-Riddle community.
  
  
• Customer focus: Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
  
  
• Strong manager and leader: Demonstrated experience at leading and developing professionals, with an emphasis on promoting teamwork, supporting professional development, and fostering a positive environment where people feel encouraged to speak up, innovate, learn from mistakes, and make positive changes. Demonstrated ability to establish a culture and expectation of excellence in terms of what and how work is accomplished, continuous improvement, and strong customer service. Demonstrated ability and interest to be a trusted leader, ambassador, and catalyst for change in a fast paced, and dynamic environment, respecting all constituent groups. Proven experience in establishing and maintaining strong professional relationships. Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated success in networking and cross-functional collaboration.
  
  
• Effective communicator: Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization. A sophisticated understanding of how best to present complex financial issues and ideas effectively orally and in writing with well-articulated analyses, reports, and issues appropriate for varied audiences including senior leadership and business officers/lead administrators.
  
  
• Systems and technology: Functional knowledge of information technology and its appropriate use for effective and efficient delivery of accounting and financial reporting. Experience with Workday and/or Oracle a plus. Efficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite required.
  
  
• Strategic agility: Able to see ahead clearly, anticipating and aware of future consequences and trends. Strong financial and analytical skills required to analyze information, practices, or procedures to identify patterns, trends and inconsistencies, develop logical and objective conclusions and formulate alternatives and their implications.
  
  
• Well organized: Able to ensure all deliverables are met on time with excellent products, while anticipating implementation or workload issues related to emerging developments.
  
  
• Education and experience: A bachelor’s degree is required; a degree in accounting or finance is preferred; an MBA or a master’s degree in accountancy is preferred. Certified Public Accountant certification is strongly preferred. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible business and accounting leadership experience in a similarly complex environment. Higher education industry knowledge and knowledge of the principles and techniques in higher education is a plus.