Overview

Job Location:
Colby College

Job Description

Department:

VP and Chief Financial Officer

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

Interested candidates should contact Susan Pemberton of Pemberton & Associates at 207-888-9346 or [email protected].

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

  • Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all financial reporting; prepare and fairly present the College’s annual financial statements and interim reporting;   meet other external reporting requirements

  • 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; coordinate all audits and assist Controller in coordinating the annual financial statement audit 

  • Partner with Controller to oversee and manage year-end financial reporting close processes, and enhance, grow, and streamline monthly and quarterly close procedures

  • Support monthly cash position projections and analysis

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

  • Oversight responsibilities 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

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

  • Oversee and coach one direct report, reviewing their work and providing growth and development opportunities

  • Responsible for accurate and timely preparation and filing of annual federal returns and reporting including Form’s 990, 990-T and related State returns, 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.)

  • Collaborate with assistant general counsel and director of risk management to review contracts for independent contractor status and sign contracts under $5,000 on behalf of the College

  • Coordinate data collection, treaty applicability, tax withholding and reporting for nonresident alien students, staff, and vendors with various departments

  • 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 duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or     without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; MBA or other advanced degree in accounting,      finance, business, or a related field is preferred

  • CPA certification strongly preferred

  • Five to seven years of experience as an accounting professional, including leadership experience; strong  preference for experience in higher education or a public accounting firm with a higher education/not-for-profit client base

  • Strong understanding of tax codes and laws

  • Demonstrated experience in performing functions and in the oversight of general ledger, fund accounting, accounts  receivable, grants, plant/capital accounting, and tax preparation

  • Must possess advanced knowledge and technical competencies in accounting, MS Excel, financial concepts, financial accounting standards, regulations, and best practices

  • Enthusiasm for building process and structure around the financial close 

  • Understands the balance of building strong internal controls and efficient processes with the need for efficiency and optimization of finite resources. 

  • Uses emotional intelligence to work collaboratively and engage staff and colleagues of all backgrounds and financial expertise levels

  • Experience with accounting information and ERP systems required; Workday experience preferred

  • Ability to acclimate, adjust, and respond to a continuous and changing work environment while meeting competing demands and deadlines

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

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

  • Detail oriented, strong problem solving and creative thinking skills; sound judgment and decision making skills based on accurate  and timely analyses

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

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

The Associate Controller is supervised by the Controller. This position has significant    interactions with administrators, faculty, staff, and other outside constituencies.  

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment with opportunity for a flexible/hybrid work schedule. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus is required as is some travel. Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements.

A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran’s status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution’s education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby’s Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our college.

For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.