Assistant Controller - Higher Education Finance Leader

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

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.