Assistant Controller

Alma College; Alma (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Alma College is seeking an experienced accounting professional to manage core financial duties including accounting, tax, and risk management. You will prepare journal entries, analyze ledgers, and assist with budgets and audits, while overseeing endowment activity and related investments.

The role requires 5+ years in accounting, a strong GAAP background, and excellent technology and communication skills. The position supports a diverse campus community and reports to the Controller.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• Good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Excellent technology skills.
• Effective communicator / good people skills.
• Minimum of 5 years in accounting or related field.
• Experience working with underrepresented, first-generation, Pell-eligible, and diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Complete monthly bank account reconciliations.
• Perform regular general ledger account analysis and reconciliations.
• Prepare and review journal entries.
• Assist with software system development and implementation.
• Oversee the accounting and reconciliation of College's endowment activity and all investments.
• Assist with external audits.
• Assist with preparation and ongoing review of annual operating budget.
• Assist with preparation of annual tax returns - 5500's, 990, 990-T, sales tax, etc.
• Oversee the accounting for College-owned/managed LLC's (Alma Opera Block).
• Serve as back up for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
• Assist with various College purchasing and policy-related matters as they arise.
• Work with campus community on managing departmental budgets.
• Maintain accounting systems and general ledger structure.
• Assist with ongoing cash flow analysis.
• Complete internal audits, as requested.
• Oversee College purchase card program, including the related expense management platform.
• Oversee the work of other staff in the Financial Services department.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Accounting expertise

Technological proficiency

Communication skills

People skills

Diversity experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Ellucian

Softdocs

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The duties and responsibilities would include accounting, tax, and risk management matters. This includes, but not limited to, preparing and reviewing journal entries, financial reporting, account analysis, preparing and assisting with various tax returns, college budget, and serving as the backup to accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Supervision Received/Supervision Exercised

This position reports to the Controller and has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Complete monthly bank account reconciliations
• Perform regular general ledger account analysis and reconciliations
• Prepare and review journal entries
• Assist with software system development and implementation
• Oversee the accounting and reconciliation of College's endowment activity and all investments
• Assist with external audits
• Assist with preparation and ongoing review of annual operating budget
• Assist with preparation of annual tax returns - 5500's, 990, 990-T, sales tax, etc.
• Oversee the accounting for College-owned/managed LLC's (Alma Opera Block)
• Serve as back up for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
• Assist with various College purchasing and policy-related matters as they arise
• Work with campus community on managing departmental budgets
• Maintain accounting systems and general ledger structure
• Assist with ongoing cash flow analysis
• Complete internal audits, as requested
• Oversee College purchase card program, including the related expense management platform
• Oversee the work of other staff in the Financial Services department

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field
• Good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Excellent technology skills
• Effective communicator / good people skills
• Minimum of 5 years in accounting or related field
• Experience working with underrepresented, first- generation, Pell-eligible, and diverse populations

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer for approximately eight hours per day.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Certified Public Accountant - Experience with tax and financial reporting (FASB) for non-profit organizations - Experience with Ellucian and/or Softdocs software packages- Experience working with underrepresented, first- generation, Pell-eligible, and diverse populations.

Alma College

Alma College is classified as a selective Baccalaureate College: Diverse Fields by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Alma is committed to academic excellence and the development of responsible leaders; our students thrive on challenging academic programs in a supportive, small-college environment emphasizing active, collaborative learning and close student-faculty interaction. Alma is a private Phi Beta Kappa institution located in the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Alma College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

Alma College recognizes that we are all transformed when we celebrate and value the varied identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in our campus community. We are committed to recognizing and removing barriers to success and providing equitable access to opportunities through education and advocacy. In our increasingly diverse campus and world, we pledge to create a climate where everyone is safe and free to grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.