Assistant Controller

Belmont University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Belmont University in Nashville seeks an Assistant Controller to oversee daily accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit processes, ensuring GAAP compliance for not-for-profit higher education.

You will supervise accounting staff, collaborate with campus partners, and support ERP maintenance and policy development.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance and 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience; CPA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Five to eight years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, preferably within higher education or not-for-profit environments.
• Experience with financial statement preparation, audit coordination, and month‑end close.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements per GAAP for not-for-profit.
• Support the annual external audit, including footnotes and schedules.
• Oversee general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, month-end and year-end close.
• Ensure accounting for donor-restricted funds, endowments, scholarships, and other funds.
• Monitor net asset classifications and releases from restriction.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over reporting and operations.
• Serve as primary contact for auditors and respond to inquiries.
• Supervise and develop professional accounting staff.
• Support ERP maintenance, COA updates, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Budget, Payroll, HR, Advancement, Sponsored Programs.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with regulatory, compliance, and survey reporting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Audit coordination

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Banner ERP

Workday

Oracle ERP

Job description

Employment Type

Staff

Internal Job Category

Exempt (Staff)

Full‑Time

37.5 hours per week

Department

Finance and Accounting

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in managing the university’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit processes. This role provides leadership over day-to-day accounting functions while ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), federal and state regulations, and institutional policies. The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the university’s financial records and serves as a key liaison to internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP for not-for-profit institutions.
• Support the annual external audit, including preparation of financial statement footnotes, schedules, and audit workpapers.
• Oversee general ledger operations, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Ensure proper accounting and reporting for donor‑restricted funds, endowments, scholarships, and other university funds.
• Monitor net asset classifications and ensure accurate releases from restriction.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over financial reporting and operational processes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for auditors and respond to audit inquiries and findings.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop professional accounting staff.
• Support financial systems, including ERP maintenance, chart of accounts updates, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Budget, Payroll, Human Resources, Advancement, and Sponsored Programs.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with regulatory, compliance, and survey reporting as required.

Reporting Structure

The Assistant Controller reports to the VP of Financial Operations & Controller and supervises professional accounting staff. The role works closely with senior finance leadership and campus stakeholders to support the university’s financial operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Five to eight years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, preferably within higher education or not‑for‑profit environments.
• Experience with financial statement preparation, audit coordination, and month‑end close.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CPA‑eligible.
• Experience in higher education, fund accounting, or donor‑restricted accounting.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience with university ERP systems such as Banner, Workday, or Oracle.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate technical accounting concepts into practical guidance.
• Collaborative, service‑oriented mindset.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during audit and close cycles.

Background Check and E‑Verify

The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check satisfactory to the University. Belmont University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.