Associate Controller of Financial Reporting

Calvin University; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvin University seeks an Associate Controller of Financial Reporting to lead the university's financial reporting function within the Finance Department, ensuring GAAP-compliant statements, external reporting, and oversight of budgets and audits.

Reporting to the CFO, this role collaborates with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations to support strategic decision-making and stewardship of institutional resources while managing a team and coordinating with external auditors and

Qualifications

• CPA license required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, auditing, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Maintain fund accounting and ensure sound decision-making.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual GAAP financial statements.
• Develop forecast budget models and long-range projections.
• Provide budget strategy and oversight with CFO and leadership.
• Coordinate external reporting including IRS form 990 and NACUBO Endowment reporting.
• Serve as primary contact for external auditors and committees.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Workday

ERP systems

Job description

SUMMARY

The Associate Controller of Financial Reporting serves in a key leadership role within Calvin University's Finance Department, providing oversight of financial reporting, compliance, financial analysis, strategic planning, and the stewardship of institutional resources. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, supporting strategic financial decision-making, and maintaining effective budget oversight. The Associate Controller of Financial Reporting collaborates closely with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations, who leads and oversees the university's day-to-day financial operations, to advance the institution's financial objectives and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintain a fund accounting system that meets the University’s needs, assures accountability, and encourages sound decision‑making.
• Develop a keen understanding of the accounting system’s processes, controls, and reporting capabilities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop future forecast budget modeling and long-range financial projections.
• Provide budget strategy and oversight in partnership with the CFO and finance leadership.
• Support institutional financial strategy development with the CFO.
• Calculate and analyze key financial metrics.
• Prepare audited financial statements and serve as a primary contact for external auditors.
• Prepare and oversee external reporting, including IRS form 990, Educational Statistical Data Collection, S&P financial analysis and NACUBO Endowment reporting.
• Report financial results and analyses to University and Board committees.
• Manage funding of capital projects.
• Establish and maintain procedures for complex financial transactions, including debt , split-interest agreements and endowment activities.
• Manage and record investment activity for accurate record‑keeping.
• Collaborate with the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager on the annual budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Collaborate closely with the Associate Controller of Financial Operations and other University leaders to support financial stewardship and strategic initiatives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly supervises the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager and may supervise other financial accounting staff as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field
• CPA license (Required)
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, auditing, and internal controls
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong communication and leadership skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Workday or similar ERP systems
• Experience in nonprofit/fund accounting or higher education

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

• Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.

ABOUT CALVIN UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1876, Calvin University is a top-ranked, liberal arts institution that equips its more than 3,600 students from 48 U.S. states, 55 countries, and five Canadian provinces to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.

Calvin offers 100+ majors and programs, including a growing portfolio of graduate-level offerings.

Calvin students engage in intensive internships, community-based service learning, and significant research that results in publishing and presenting alongside world-class faculty.

The university’s 400-acre campus is in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Discover more atwww.calvin.edu.