Associate Controller of Financial Reporting

Calvin University; Grand Rapids; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvin University seeks an Associate Controller of Financial Reporting to lead financial reporting, compliance, and analysis within the Finance Department. Reporting to the CFO, you will ensure the integrity of financial reporting, support strategic decisions, and maintain budget oversight.

You will collaborate with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations and other university leaders to advance financial stewardship and institutional objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field is required.
• CPA license is required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, auditing, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a fund accounting system that meets the University's needs, assures accountability, and encourages sound decision‑making.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop future forecast budget modeling and long‑range financial projections.
• Provide budget strategy and oversight in partnership with the CFO and finance leadership.
• Support institutional financial strategy development with the CFO.
• Calculate and analyze key financial metrics.
• Prepare audited financial statements and serve as a primary contact for external auditors.
• Prepare and oversee external reporting, including IRS form 990, Educational Statistical Data Collection, S&P financial analysis and NACUBO Endowment reporting.
• Report financial results and analyses to University and Board committees.
• Manage funding of capital projects.
• Establish and maintain procedures for complex financial transactions, including debt, split-interest agreements and endowment activities.
• Manage and record investment activity for accurate record‑keeping.
• Collaborate with the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager on the annual budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Collaborate closely with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations and other University leaders to support financial stewardship and strategic initiatives.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Auditing

Internal controls

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field

CPA license

Tools

Workday

Job description

Summary

The Associate Controller of Financial Reporting serves in a key leadership role within Calvin University's Finance Department, providing oversight of financial reporting, compliance, financial analysis, strategic planning, and the stewardship of institutional resources. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, supporting strategic financial decision‑making, and maintaining effective budget oversight. The Associate Controller of Financial Reporting collaborates closely with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations, who leads and oversees the university's day‑to‑day financial operations, to advance the institution's financial objectives and operational excellence.

Summary

The Associate Controller of Financial Reporting serves in a key leadership role within Calvin University's Finance Department, providing oversight of financial reporting, compliance, financial analysis, strategic planning, and the stewardship of institutional resources. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, supporting strategic financial decision‑making, and maintaining effective budget oversight. The Associate Controller of Financial Reporting collaborates closely with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations, who leads and oversees the university's day‑to‑day financial operations, to advance the institution's financial objectives and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintain a fund accounting system that meets the University's needs, assures accountability, and encourages sound decision‑making. Develop a keen understanding of the accounting system's processes, controls, and reporting capabilities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop future forecast budget modeling and long‑range financial projections.
• Provide budget strategy and oversight in partnership with the CFO and finance leadership.
• Support institutional financial strategy development with the CFO.
• Calculate and analyze key financial metrics.
• Prepare audited financial statements and serve as a primary contact for external auditors.
• Prepare and oversee external reporting, including IRS form 990, Educational Statistical Data Collection, S&P financial analysis and NACUBO Endowment reporting.
• Report financial results and analyses to University and Board committees.
• Manage funding of capital projects.
• Establish and maintain procedures for complex financial transactions, including debt , split-interest agreements and endowment activities.
• Manage and record investment activity for accurate record‑keeping.
• Collaborate with the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager on the annual budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Collaborate closely with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations and other University leaders to support financial stewardship and strategic initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directly supervises the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager and may supervise other financial accounting staff as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field
• CPA license (Required)
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, auditing, and internal controls
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Workday or similar ERP systems
• Experience in nonprofit/fund accounting or higher education

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

• Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.