The Assistant/Associate Controller (AC) is responsible for leadership and oversight responsibilities for a number of areas. The AC oversees select staff members and supports the Controller’s Office generally, and the day-to-day accounting and fiscal activities of the College including general accounting in accordance with college policies and generally accepted accounting principles, general ledger maintenance, cash management, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, and fiscal policies and procedures. Reporting to the Controller, this individual will be instrumental in ensuring accurate and timely processing of transactions, management of the College’s restricted fund account portfolio, completion of the annual financial audit and responsive service to campus stakeholders. The College is seeking a forward-thinking manager with confidence in the areas of problem solving and supervision of staff. Candidates with greater level of experience will be considered for the role of Associate Controller.
Essential Functions
Leadership & Management of Accounting Services 20%
Lead and manage in a high transaction volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness
Supervise and provide mentorship for staff and senior accountant(s), overseeing day to day activities and reviewing work particularly in the areas of fixed assets, receivables, debt, and cash reconciliations
Collaborate with staff across various campus departments, educating other campus stakeholders on financial procedures and exploring opportunities where accounting services can better support program operations.
Restricted Giving Liaison 30%
Responsible for investment accounting with a specific focus on the improvement of investment transaction processing, reporting and internal controls.
Review or prepare quarterly consolidated investment activity and endowment spreadsheets detailing gift activity, income distribution, and investment activity at both cost and market. Prepare/review related journal entries to record activity in the general ledger.
Prepare market value reporting on a monthly basis and reconcile quarterly to the investment advisor reporting. Maintain contact with investment managers and advisor as necessary to gather monthly information.
Reviews gift agreements and planned giving instruments to determine appropriate classification and accounting treatment within the financial system and external financial statements. This includes oversight for stock gifts and gifts-in-kind.
Prepare quarterly and year end workpapers for contributions, investments, release of restrictions on funds with donor restrictions, and planned giving instruments.
Accounting and Compliance 40%
Identify areas of improvement within the internal controls, finance, and general accounting procedures, guidelines and policies, and work towards implementation of long-term solutions. Investigation and reconciliation of variance ledger accounts.
Coordinate the preparation/prepare audit schedules for key general ledger accounts.
Act as a liaison for the external auditors during interim and the year-end audit.
Assist with preparation of the first draft of college’s financial statements and footnotes.
Provide support to the Controller and Vice President for Finance and Administration, CFO/COO in preparing materials for the Board of Trustees Finance and Facilities and Audit Committees, including development/editing of presentations and other deliverables, preparing and editing committee minutes, and other tasks as requested.
Prepare required schedules related to the College’s tax returns including the 990, 990-T, MA Form PC and M990-T.
Prepare responses to survey requests from external and internal requestors.
Support stakeholders across campus with financial and related transactions and questions
Project Management 10%
Complete ad hoc projects that further the strategic goals and initiatives of the College
Identify areas of improvement within the internal controls, finance, and general accounting procedures, guidelines and policies, and work towards implementation of long-term solutions.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field. 5+ years experience in a related position/field.
CPA and/or MBA and experience in higher education or related field preferred.
Wheaton is a private coeducational liberal arts college within easy commuting distance of Boston and Providence. We have nearly 1,700 undergraduates from 40 U.S. States and more than 70 countries. Wheaton College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.