Assistant Controller

Lewis & Clark College; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Lewis & Clark College is seeking an Assistant Controller to lead financial accounting, GL management, and staff supervision in the Business Office. The role supports tax reporting, grants administration, and internal controls to ensure accurate, timely financial records.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication and leadership skills, with experience in higher education and proficiency with Colleague or similar financial systems.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business and four years of professional accounting experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; total three years minimum.
• Experience with private nonprofit colleges or higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger and daily accounting operations.
• Assist with annual financial statements, audits, and internal controls.
• Supervise accounts payable, purchasing, and grant administration.
• Promote process improvements and use of financial systems across the campus.
• Provide leadership and development for the accounting staff.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Leadership

Communication

Staff development

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Master's degree may substitute for experience

Tools

Colleague system

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Assistant Controller within the Business Office reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller. This role is primarily responsible for supporting the College’s financial accounting objectives, overseeing the general ledger and day-to-day accounting operations, managing accounting staff, supporting financial and tax reporting, administering grant and restricted accounts, and helping develop and implement effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, financial operations, regulatory and grant compliance, internal controls, and accounting systems, along with effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at maintaining accurate and timely financial records, leading and developing staff, strengthening financial processes and controls, collaborating across departments, supporting audits and reporting requirements, and advancing the effective use of technology within Business Office operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Financial Accounting & General Ledger Management

• Responsible for timely and accurate recording of financial transactions to the College’s general ledger. Manages day-to-day operations of the accounting team to ensure adherence of financial accounting and reporting information to generally accepted accounting principles, and that financial objectives and reporting deadlines are met.
• Performs periodic balance sheet reviews with staff to ensure accounts are regularly reconciled, and identified accounting issues are addressed in a timely manner.

Financial Reporting, Audit & Internal Controls

• Assists Controller in the preparation of annual financial statements and related schedules, and coordination of the fiscal year-end financial and uniform guidance audits.
• Assists auditors with review of internal control processes and related testing.
• Assists with internal risk assessment process including identification of areas of potential internal control weakness. Researches, develops, and implements policies and procedures to strengthen internal control systems.

Grants, Accounts Payable & Purchasing Administration

• Responsible for oversight of accounts payable function including supervision of staff, vendor and independent contractor setup and maintenance, and Forms 1099 and 1042 tax withholding and reporting.
• Assists with administration of purchasing card program and purchasing program memberships.
• Coordinates the reconciliation of general ledger balances with external department records for federal, state, and private financial awards. Maintains appropriate restricted accounts.
• Makes required general ledger entries for administrative allowances, matching requirements, federal award transfers, and year-end reclassification. Completes required reporting and funding requests for federal, state and private grants.

Financial Systems, Process Improvement & Campus Support

• Actively participates in advancing the College’s use of technology to enhance business processes, internal controls, and user experience. Assists in the implementation of new financial systems and processes including design, testing, and training.
• Communicates with other departments regarding Business Office policies and procedures, and provides ongoing training and guidance to faculty and staff.
• Uses Colleague and related financial systems, reporting tools, and data retrieval functions to support accounting operations, reporting, reconciliation, and process improvement.

Accounting Team Leadership

• Provides leadership to the accounting team through active participation in departmental goal-setting, continued open communication, and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and financial accounting practices applicable to private nonprofit colleges and universities
• Proficient knowledge of federal and state requirements related to financial reporting, tax compliance, grant administration, and business operations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to accuracy, detail, and financial integrity
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including communicating complex financial information clearly to varied audiences
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with a collaborative and service-oriented approach
• Proficient use of Colleague or comparable enterprise financial systems, including report writing and data retrieval
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with demonstrated effectiveness managing multiple deadlines and competing priorities
• Extremely high level of professional judgment, discretion, accountability, and commitment to maintaining confidential information
• Proficient understanding of internal controls, risk assessment, financial systems, and accounting process best practices
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace and building positive working relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other directly related field
• Four years of professional accounting experience
• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other directly related field may substitute for one year of the required experience, with three years of qualifying professional accounting experience required

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other directly related field
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Experience working in higher education settings
• Experience working in a private nonprofit organization
• Preferred Tech: Colleague or other similar financial and enterprise systems

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday
• Benefit Eligible: Yes
• Travel: Limited travel may be required for meetings, training, or professional development
• Hybrid/Remote: This position is primarily in person, with limited hybrid flexibility based on departmental needs and College policy

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting at $95k per year, with consideration for experience