Posting Summary:

Teachers College, Columbia University (the College) is seeking an Associate Controller. Reporting to the Associate Vice President & Controller, the Associate Controller, is responsible for overseeing & supporting financial reporting, operational accounting, taxation and compliance initiatives and treasury and endowment functions; leading and supporting a team of seven Accounting & Financial System personnel through supervision, training and mentoring and serves as a strategic partner across the College. The ideal candidate should be a solution-oriented problem solver possessing forward-thinking perspectives that embrace process improvement, change and data-informed decision making.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Associate Controller is responsible for general accounting operations, financial reporting, cash management and treasury functions, investment and endowment accounting and reporting, taxation and other compliance areas and financial system operations. Ensure the College’s financial records are properly managed and stated, assets are safeguarded, recurring and non-routine account analyses are performed, financial reporting requirements and compliance initiatives are timely managed, financial staff are fully supported and recommends and implements accounting policies and operational procedures. Manage a total of 7 professional staff (4 are direct reports).

Financial Reporting

• Prepare and fairly present multiple (currently five) annual financial statements in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Research accounting methods, practices and standards established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to ensure the College’s full compliance with GAAP
• Serve as the primary liaison between the College and external auditors and coordinate and manage all audits
• Oversee and manage month and year-end financial reporting close processes

Cash Management & Treasury Operations and Investment & Endowment Accounting & Reporting

• Direct and manage banking relationships and the cash management function to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet operating needs and excess reserves are prudently invested
• Responsible for monthly cash position projections and analysis
• Review and manage endowment activity including fund manager account reconciliations, donor endowment pool unitization, share allocations and analysis and assess monthly endowment funding requirements

General Accounting & Financial System Operations

• Manage all aspects of the general ledger including chart of account maintenance, associated reporting structures and integrity of financial data and systems
• Responsible for monthly, quarterly and yearly reconciliations, account analyses and preparation of financial reports
• Enhance, automate and reorganize existing business processes and procedures to improve efficiencies and eliminate redundancies
• Ensure all accounting policies and operational procedures follow regulatory requirements and best practices

Tax & Other Compliance Reporting

• Responsible for accurate and timely preparation and filing of annual federal returns and reporting including Form’s 990, 990-T and related State returns, multiple State Sales and Use Tax collection and reporting, periodic State compliance reporting and other informational surveys and disclosure reports (IPEDS, US Census, US Department of Education, NACUBO Endowment Study, etc.)

Other

• Represent and serve the Controller’s Office on cross functional initiatives through working groups, committees and team collaboration
• Other ad-hoc reporting and analysis

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must possess advanced knowledge and technical competencies in accounting, financial concepts and financial accounting standards, regulations and best practices
• Strong customer service skills, ability to work in a team-oriented environment, excellent analytical skills, effective written and verbal communication and the ability to communicate accounting matters to non-financial College constituents
• Solution oriented problem solver possessing forward-thinking perspectives that embrace process improvement and change
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement
• Ability to manage and lead an accounting team through training, coaching, motivation and collaboration
• Ability to interpret and communicate changing regulations and laws resulting in timely implementation and compliance
• Ability to acclimate, adjust and respond to a continuous and changing work environment while meeting competing demands and deadlines

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting
• 5-7 years of experience (or more) in accounting and financial reporting preferably in a not for profit business or higher education environment
• 4 years of experience (or more) managing professional and support staff in an accounting or finance department

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree with a concentration in Finance, Accounting and/or Business
• CPA Certification or CPA track
• Experience with enterprise resource planning software and core business process upgrades
• Advanced MS Excel skills