Assistant/Associate Controller

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position manages the daily operations associated with the business office. This position will work directly with various stakeholders, faculty, staff, senior management, and external vendors, to ensure the daily operations associated with the business office are performed including accounts payable, purchasing cards, student accounts, and other accounting functions are being performed appropriately. Additionally, the individual in this position supervises a senior accountant, accounting assistant, and student accounts administrator. Position title will be determined by candidate's experience and education.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, refine, and maintain appropriate financial and internal control systems that ensure protection of School resources and compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations as well as generally accepted account principles (GAAP), federal grant regulations, School policies, and best practices.

• Research accounting methods, practices, and standards established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to ensure the School's full compliance with GAAP.

• Partner with the Controller to oversee and manage financial reporting processes, and enhance, grow, and streamline monthly and quarterly close procedures.

• Support monthly cash position projections and analysis.

• Perform bond compliance procedures ensuring correctness and timeliness of reporting requirements.

• Oversight responsibilities for monthly, quarterly, and yearly reconciliations, account analyses, and preparation of financial reports.

• Manage all aspects of the general ledger including chart of accounts maintenance, associated reporting structures, and integrity of financial data systems, assure that any accounting issues are promptly identified and solved with appropriate documentation.

• Enhance, automate, and reorganize existing business processes and procedures to improve efficiencies and eliminate unnecessary redundancies.

• Monitor financial and internal controls including, but not limited to, the timely performance, documentation, and review of account reconciliations.

• Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.

• Represent the department on cross functional initiatives through working groups, committees, and team collaboration.

• Perform additional/other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Enthusiasm for building process and structure around the financial close.

• Ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Organized, accurate, and detail oriented.

• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement.

• Exceptional leadership, organization, and communication skills.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.

• High level of professionalism, initiative, and customer service focus.

• Detail oriented, strong problem solving and creative thinking skills.

• Sound judgement and decision-making skills based upon accurate and timely analysis.

• Strong organization, analytic, and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively (i.e., orally, in writing, and through presentations of complex financial information to constituencies with varied levels of financial expertise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Previous experience working in a finance/business office.

• Strong understanding of GAAP, FASB, tax codes and laws.

• Intermediate Microsoft Office and software application skills.

• Experience with accounting information and ERP systems.

• Demonstrated reputation for integrity and ethical standards; ability to handle confidential information with utmost discretion.

• Previous project management experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree and/or professional certification such as CPA, CIA, etc.

• Previous higher education experience.

To apply, please submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirements.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. We are dedicated to building a diverse employee base that is committed to teaching and working in an environment focused on equity and inclusion. The Assistant/Associate Controller is responsible for ensuring equity and inclusion is rooted in their day-to-day work. The Assistant/Associate Controller must strive to promote equity through continuous learning and improvement, the positive development of our community, and the identification and removal of barriers.