Associate Vice President, Accounting and Controller (AVP)

Community-College-of-Philadelphi; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Community College of Philadelphia seeks an Associate Vice President, Accounting and Controller to lead accounting functions including General Ledger, Grants, Payroll, and Fixed Assets. You will ensure GASB-compliant financial reporting and coordinate audits with college leadership.

The role requires seven years of progressive accounting experience, knowledge of GAAP/GASB, and strong leadership. Experience with Ellucian Banner and ERP reporting tools is preferred; CPA is desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• CPA certification highly desirable; seven (7) years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience in General Ledger, Grants/Endowment, Payroll, Fixed Assets, AP/AR, and financial statement prep.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all accounting functions including General Accounting, Fixed Assets, Grants, AP/AR, and Payroll.
• Ensure integrity of financial records and GASB-compliant financial statements.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and compliance activities; manage cash and investments.
• Lead and develop accounting staff; advise VP on accounting, controls, and regulatory issues.
• Oversee financial systems (Banner) implementation, upgrades, and reporting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Banner ERP

Audits

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA desirable

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Tableau/Argos

ERP reporting tools

Job description

Reporting to the Vice President, Finance and Administration, the Associate Vice President, Accounting and Controller (AVP) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the College's accounting and financial reporting functions, including General Accounting, Fixed Assets, Grant Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll.

The AVP is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the College's financial records, preparing annual financial statements in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, coordinating all financial, governmental and compliance audits, managing cash and investment activities, and supporting the effective implementation and use of financial systems throughout the College operations.

The AVP provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for accounting staff while serving as a strategic advisor to the Vice President, Finance and Administration on matters relating to accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

Financial Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction for all accounting functions, including General Accounting, Fixed Assets, Grant Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivables, and Payroll.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development to direct reports.
• Identify and implement professional development opportunities for staff and provide training on new accounting procedures, regulatory requirements, and accounting system enhancements.
• Support the Vice President, Finance and Administration in developing and implementing long-term financial strategies that advance the College strategic, operational, and fiscal sustainability goals.

Cash and Investment Management

• Perform daily and long-term cash flow analyses to ensure adequate liquidity and maximize opportunities for the short-term investment of temporarily unused operating cash.
• Manage short-term operating cash investments to optimize investment returns while maintaining compliance with College policies.
• Collaborate with Vice President, Finance and Administration, and the Investment Working Group to develop and implement strategies for investing longer-term operating cash reserves.
• Prepare operational reports to provide timely and accurate information regarding the College’s financial position, including cash position, investment performance, liquidity, and receivables management.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement

• Provide leadership for the ongoing implementation, development, and effective use of the Banner financial systems and related finance technologies.
• Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Information Technology staff to improve system functionality, operational effectiveness, and business processes.
• Support financial system upgrades and enhancements; develop testing plans and coordinate implementation activities.
• Develop and implement efficient financial processes, procedures, and internal controls that support operational excellence, sound financial management, and regulatory compliance.

Compliance, Audit, and Internal Controls

• Coordinate and facilitate all internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with applicable Federal and State regulations, accounting standards, and College policies and procedures.
• Conduct ongoing analyses of general ledger accounts and financial activity to support informed decision-making and maintain financial stability.
• Reviews asset and liability account reconciliations in preparation for the year end close and annual audits.
• Coordinate year-end closing activities and oversee the preparation of annual financial statements, supporting schedules, and audit workpapers.
• Prepare financial reports required for state reimbursement, federal and state regulatory reporting, audits, and other institutional reporting needs.
• Provide leadership to ensure the adequacy of internal controls and the integrity of College’s financial records. Develop, implement and monitor financial and internal control systems and procedures
• Stay current with and implement new pronouncements of accounting standards and other regulatory issues affecting accounting procedures, financial reporting, governmental funding and audit issues.

Institutional Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as key financial advisor to the Vice President, Finance and Administration, on accounting, auditing, treasury, investment, and financial reporting matters.
• Represent the Finance Division and participate in Banner Finance, Finance Staff, Controller Staff, Business Affairs, Board of Trustees, Foundation Investment Committee, Payment Match, HR/Payroll, and Community College Business Officers meetings.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with banks, auditors, governmental agencies, and College departments on matters of accounting and financial issues.
• Deliver quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a professional, collaborative, and respectful manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a accredited institution of higher education required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification highly desirable
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, including experience in: General Ledger Accounting, Grants and Endowment Management, Payroll Administration, Fixed Assets Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Financial Statement preparation required; experience in higher education preferred.
• Five (5) years work experience with demonstrated growth in leadership responsibilities required; prior supervisory experience required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing independent financial statement audits, governmental audits, and compliance audits required.
• Significant experience working within ERP environment; experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and financial reporting tools required, Tableau or Argos preferred.
• Project management and time management skills required.
• Competency in organizing data, maintaining files, and preparing reports required.
• Detail-oriented with excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with people of diverse backgrounds required.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative required.
• Ability to create and implement systems, procedures and processes required.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and planning skills required.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions required.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds required.

• Significant work in an ERP environment; Ellucian Banner preferred.
• Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting preferred.
• Microsoft Office and ERP reporting tool skills required, Tableau or Argos preferred.