Santa Clara University · 11 hours ago
Assistant Controller
Santa Clara, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$160K/yr - $178K/yr
10+ years expSanta Clara University is seeking an Assistant Controller to manage the internal controls, annual audit, and external reporting requirements of the University. The role involves overseeing financial data maintenance, managing accounting and accounts payable staff, and ensuring compliance with GAAP.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Ensure the propriety of general ledger accounting data for accurate reporting
Manage Accounting staff and Accounts Payable Staff of 9, consisting of 3 direct reports (Accounting Manager – Revenue and Treasury, Accounts Payable Manager, and Fixed Asset Accountant) and their teams. Accounting functions managed include banking, general accounting, fixed assets, debt, leases,, and tuition revenue and receivables. Accounts Payable functions managed including processing of all University payments, including supplier invoices, travel and expense transactions, and ad hoc payments
Serves as deputy to the University Controller, working collaboratively with the Controller on priorities and projects, including financial system implementations, policy development, and process improvements
Review and evaluate accounting policies and procedures. Institute changes for improved efficiency and effectiveness; communicate relevant updates to staff and University community
Monitor University internal controls; recommend and assist with implementation
Review journal entries and ensure that reconciliations for all accounts are completed
Research and implement new GAAP guidance, drafting technical accounting memos as needed and presenting impact and analysis to external auditors
Provide oversight to monthly and fiscal year-end close processes
Work with the Financial Systems Manager to ensure timely processing of journals and interfaces for monthly close
Monitor monthly close cycle; continually evaluate process flows and modify as appropriate to ensure efficiency
Lead the University fiscal year-end; coordinate and communicate timing; ensure that deadlines are met for year-end audit and other reporting requirements
Oversee and/or prepare information for Financial Reporting requirements
Ensure that reporting data for the NCAA Agreed upon Procedures are prepared accurately and on time
Prepare Financial Surveys in accordance with sponsor instructions and deadlines (e.g. IPEDS)
Oversee and/or prepare information for periodic and other ad hoc financial reports for internal and external users
Ensure that all information and deliverables for the annual University audits are ready and available for the auditors, meeting agreed-upon deadlines
Provide oversight over the University’s Accounts Payable Function
Work with the Accounts Payable manager to ensure timely, accurate, and regulatory compliant disbursements to individuals and vendors; to include federal and state tax requirements with respect to withholdings, use tax, informational returns (e.g. 1099), and employee reimbursements (accountable plan)
Ensure adherence to University policy with respect to payment approval, travel and expense guidelines, and allowed payment types; work with the Financial Systems manager as necessary to ensure correct ERP configuration to enforce business process rules
Maintain appropriate segregation of duties within the Accounts Payable function
Work collaboratively with the University Procurement Director and Financial Systems Manager to ensure an efficient and University policy compliant Procure-to-Pay process, reviewing and evaluating A/P workflow and utilize technology to reduce bottlenecks and improve vendor and non-vendor payee experience
Provide tools and resources to the University community to ensure proper and consistent recording of transactions
Ensure that proper financial accounting methodology, techniques, and policies are adopted consistently by the University
Act as a liaison to a variety of University constituents for financial accounting and GAAP reporting matters
Work with Business Managers to ensure that shared responsibilities and business processes are as efficient and effective as possible
As a manager, work with others to ensure related processes flow effectively and efficiently from one department to another
Lead staff to assume increasing responsibility and encourage them to work independently
Analyze business processes and modify as appropriate
Work with the Financial Systems Manager for continued improvement to processes, utilizing available systems and technology
Provide finance leadership on system implementations, testing, and upgrades
Own certain configurations in Workday Financials, including but not limited to Account Posting Rules, Custom Validations, Worktag Usage, Ledger Accounts, Revenue Categories, and Spend Categories
Other responsibilities as required
Qualification
Required
Excellent technical knowledge and working proficiency of accounting standards
Proficiency in financial statement compilation and presentation
Proficiency in large ERP systems, demonstrated expertise in Accounts Payable and General Ledger modules
Thorough knowledge of Procure-to-Pay cycle best practices with respect to accounts payable, including vendor management, fraud prevention, internal controls
Working knowledge of IRS and state tax regulations with respect to accounts payable (e.g. 1099 filing requirements, etc)
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, online systems required
Excellent analytic and decision-making skills
Outstanding judgment, including discretion in the management of confidential information
Superb oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work with all levels in the organization
Ability to multitask on a daily basis and manage numerous requests
Ability to work well independently
Proven problem-solving skills, outgoing and able to function effectively; proactive in problem solving
Must be able to distill and act on feedback from a variety of sources
Outstanding organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills, working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
Strong customer service focus with an emphasis on outreach to departments and the ability to listen to and understand business needs
Possess a high degree of initiative, attention to detail and follow through, as well as ability to adjust to changing requirements and priorities
Commitment to understand and willingness to support Santa Clara University's distinctive Jesuit educational vision and institutional values of competence, conscience and compassion in pursuit of its mission and goals
Undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in Accounting or Finance required
10 years of progressively responsible experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, that includes supervision/management experience
Preferred
Professional designation (e.g. CPA or MBA) preferred
Experience in higher education a plus
Company
Santa Clara University
Jesuit University in Silicon Valley
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$100MKey Investors
National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing BiopharmaceuticalsKnight FoundationJohn A Sobrato,Susan Sobrato
2024-04-09Grant
2022-04-07Grant
2017-01-22Grant· $100M
Leadership Team
T
Tim Harris
Dean’s Executive Professor, Coord Contemporary Business
Recent News
2025-11-05
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2025-10-24
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