Columbia University · 3 months ago
Associate Controller, Financial Operations-Hybrid Schedule
Columbia University is seeking an Associate Controller for Financial Operations, who will oversee a portfolio of financial operations including Payroll and Pension Accounting. This role will involve implementing process improvements and leading a team to support the operational and compliance needs of the University.
EducationHigher EducationMedicalTrainingUniversities
Responsibilities
Oversees the Executive Director of Benefits and Pension Accounting and their team responsible for monthly accounting, reporting and forecasting of all fringe expenditures and recoveries totaling over $1.8B in activity
Also oversees the accounting and reporting for the University’s six pension plans and one post-retirement health benefit plan with combined assets in excess of $11 B
Oversees the Payroll team who are responsible for managing the accurate and timely payment of compensation exceeding $4.43B to over 34,000 University employees utilizing the PeopleSoft system, as well as ensuring the timely payments and returns for all federal, state and local taxes and management of all related audits, and the accurate posting of all expenses to the University's financial accounting system
The Associate Controller shares responsibility with Treasury for two staff dedicated to International Financial Operations, and plays a significant role in providing guidance to the University community regarding international operations, which span over 30 countries; this includes providing support for specific financial, compliance or operational issues as well as the development and implementation of policies related to international financial operations which require complex and cross-functional coordination
The Associate Controller partners with leaders across the Controller’s organization to implement technology solutions that streamline business processes, strengthen financial operations, and drive operational efficiencies while also providing project management support to ensure initiatives are delivered effectively and on time
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in accounting, Business Administration or Finance
Ten years related experience, including management experience
Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of senior University administrators
Must be able to negotiate issues, resolve problems and have strong influencing skills
Must have a good understanding of the effect change will have on the organization, be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature
Must be experienced at senior level presentations
Must be a strategic thinker, with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation, and a strong role model, manager and coach, with the ability to provide a positive working and learning environment for staff, as well as to develop a first-class service organization that responds effectively to inquiries and engenders trust from the University community
Must have a demonstrated passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality, as well as very high energy levels
Preferred
An MBA, CPA and/or CIA designation
Experience in higher education or research operations
PeopleSoft or other ERP experience
Company
Columbia University
Columbia University is a research institution and Ivy League school for undergraduate and graduate students across various fields
H1B Sponsorship
Columbia University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (433)
2024 (353)
2023 (333)
2022 (370)
2021 (283)
2020 (221)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$21.84MKey Investors
ValeNational Institutes of HealthNational Science Foundation
2024-09-24Grant· $0.02M
2023-08-17Grant
2023-05-04Grant· $20M
Leadership Team
Recent News
Crain's New York Business
2025-12-11
Medical Xpress - latest medical and health news stories
2025-11-19
Company data provided by crunchbase