Assistant Controller

Lewis & Clark College; United States; On-site; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

The Assistant Controller at Lewis & Clark College in Portland will oversee the general ledger, daily accounting operations, and financial reporting to support the College’s objectives. The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, staff leadership, and effective cross-department collaboration.

Responsibilities include grants administration, accounts payable oversight, and driving process improvements within the Business Office using Colleague or similar systems, with a focus on accuracy, compliance,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field required.
• Minimum four years of professional accounting experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; CPA/CMA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Financial Accounting & General Ledger Management.
• Financial Reporting, Audit & Internal Controls.
• Grants, Accounts Payable & Purchasing Administration.
• Financial Systems, Process Improvement & Campus Support.
• Accounting Team Leadership.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial accounting

Internal controls

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Four years of professional accounting experience

Master’s degree may substitute for one year experience

CPA or CMA (preferred)

Tools

Colleague or similar ERP system

Job description

Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more. Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

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.

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tailor the physical requirements to the specific role. Include any necessary environmental details (e.g., office, fieldwork, etc.). Example: General office environment Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer Ability to communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators (https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance).

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.

Explorare, Discere, Sociare (to explore, to learn, to work together)

Lewis & Clark’s motto defines why it’s such a great place to work! Employees join a learning community that rewards ideas and resourcefulness, and embraces the common good and a sense of social justice. We strive to recruit and retain a diverse blend of talented, enthusiastic individuals who will take full advantage of the extraordinary environment and resources available to them to further their lives and careers. We offer a generous benefits package that includes health, retirement, paid time off, tuition, and much more.