The Assistant Controller supports Stetson University by ensuring that the financial activity of the University is recorded timely and accurately, enforcing University policies and procedures, and providing guidance and recommendations regarding financial processes and related systems. Serving as a member of the Budget and Finance Leadership Team, the Assistant Controller will lead our treasury function, optimizing the University’s financial resources, ensuring liquidity, and mitigating financial risks with a unified approach collaborating across campuses. In alignment with Stetson’s Strategic Priorities, the Assistant Controller will assist with the management of the Accounting team, including the daily activities of the Controller’s office while ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, regulations and statutes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Employment duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Responsible for tracking, forecasting, and analyzing university cash flows for short-term and long-term planning
• Prepare cash flow projections and monitor cash balances, making recommendations to senior management regarding balances and sufficiency of funds
• Supervise and review bank and investment account reconciliations and related journal entries
• Assist with evaluating our banking program and short-term investment portfolio, identifying and implementing strategies for a more effective structure
• Assist with university endowment portfolio management, related accounting and internal/external reporting
• Maintain strong relationships with banking partners, investment advisors, and bond rating agencies
• Assist with managing the issuance and administration of the university’s debt portfolio, including development of the annual debt service budget, overseeing debt service payments and tracking the use of bond proceeds, producing and distributing financial data and reports related to debt reporting and compliance, accounting and related analysis
• Prepare and/or review information for monthly and fiscal year-end closing processes, account analysis, reconciliation, audit support schedules, financial statement preparation. and other reports as needed
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and applicable law and provide recommendations to improve adherence, compliance and internal controls
• Identify and implement improvements in financial processes, policies, and internal controls and ensure appropriate documentation of standard operating procedures
• Prepare and/or review annual surveys and other ad hoc reports
• Ensure proper and consistent financial accounting methodology, techniques, and policies are adopted by the University and used in operations, and assist various departments on campus to ensure that proper accounting procedures are used
• Assist Finance leadership with special projects as needed
• Serves as a member of university committees as assigned
• Supervises and develops accounting staff
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial systems, and regulatory requirements
• Analytical abilities and skills to interpret complex financial data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions
• Sophisticated user of Excel, accounting software, and reporting tools
• Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple tasks, prioritizing effectively, and meeting deadlines
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Ability to supervise and guide accounting staff, foster teamwork, motivate and promote development
• Flexibility to work outside of regular office hours; some travel may be required
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion through both the completion of job duties and in interactions with others
• Ability to lead cross-functional groups, work in diverse teams, and build consensus among divergent perspectives
• Support the University’s Mission and Values in their role

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field; or Master’s degree in related field
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
• Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place

Ideal Candidate Qualifications: 

• Higher education experience preferred or equivalent experience with generally accepted accounting principles, finance, treasury and reporting
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and modernizing business processes//using technology
• Banner/ARGOS experience preferred
• Master’s degree in related fields preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred
• Experience in government/non-profit/university accounting

Work Environment: Hybrid work location available, at the discretion of the supervisor. Flexibility to work outside of regular office hours, and some travel may be required.

Salary Grade: 9