Assistant Controller

Job Title:

Full or Part Time:

Hours:

Exempt:

Supervisory Org:

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Assistant Controller will support the Controller’s Office to ensure accounting and financial transactions are processed and reported in compliance with University policies and external accounting and related industry regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform key role as administrator and user of financial systems for accounting functions.
• Review and approve journal entries for accuracy and proper supporting documentation.
• Prepare and/or review account reconciliations.
• Coordinate preparation of annual financial statements including audit by external audit firm.
• Review business asset transactions for capitalization and maintain fixed asset records.
• Assist with cash management activities.
• Prepare and/or review various financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in the review, development, and implementation of financial reporting and compliance policies, practices, and procedures.
• Read current regulations and publications; attend professional development conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay current on accounting rules and regulations applicable to the University.
• Respond to questions, conduct research, and provide advice regarding accounting transactions and the associated financial impact.
• Maintain process documentation for areas of responsibility.
• Provide leadership and oversight within the department.
• Assist with administrative functions of the Controller’s Office.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Controller

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Functional supervision is exercised over various staff responsible for general accounting, grant accounting, and financial reporting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required in a business-related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and finance or related field.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles related to university and/or non-profit entities.
• Experience with financial reporting systems, Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft applications, specifically Excel.
• Good problem-solving skills, analytical ability, organization skills, written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in business or public administration, finance, or related field.
• CPA or other professional certification.
• Prior experience in a higher education setting.
• Implementation of or experience with Workday or other university ERP system software.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

• All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.
• Duties are generally performed on campus, generally inside, and not exposed to adverse conditions.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The university does not provide employment visa sponsorship now or in the future for this job classification.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.  SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed.
 
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.