Apply on Employer Site

Inside Higher Ed · 2 weeks ago

Assistant Controller - Procurement & Accounts Payable

Marion, IN

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is seeking an Assistant Controller primarily responsible for overseeing the organization’s procurement and accounts payable functions. This role ensures strong financial controls, regulatory compliance, and efficient procure-to-pay operations while partnering with various departments to optimize vendor relationships and manage risk.

Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting

Responsibilities

Provide financial leadership over purchasing activities to ensure alignment with budgetary controls, cash flow objectives, and organizational strategy

Establish and enforce procurement policies, approval thresholds, and internal controls consistent with accounting and audit standards

Analyze procurement spend, cost trends, and savings initiatives; report findings to the Controller and senior finance leadership

Ensure purchasing activities are accurately reflected in the general ledger and financial statements

Review and approve vendor contracts from a financial and risk perspective, ensuring compliance with accounting policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements

Partner with Legal, Risk, and Operations to evaluate contract terms, payment structures, and financial exposure

Oversee vendor master data integrity and maintain a centralized contract and supplier management system

Monitor vendor performance, pricing compliance, and contractual obligations

Direct the accounts payable function, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing of invoices, payments, and accruals

Oversee invoice matching, coding, approvals, and payment runs in accordance with internal control standards

Implement and maintain controls to prevent fraud, duplicate payments, and errors

Manage AP aging, optimize payment terms, and support working capital and cash management objectives

Coordinate AP activities with month-end close, audits, and financial reporting requirements

Evaluate and enhance ERP, procurement, and AP systems to improve accuracy, efficiency, and auditability

Lead or support system implementations, upgrades, and automation initiatives related to procure-to-pay processes

Identify opportunities for automation, digitization, and AI-enabled solutions to strengthen controls and reduce manual effort

Partner with IT to ensure data integrity, system security, and reliable reporting

Lead, coach, and develop procurement and accounts payable staff within a controlled accounting environment

Establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and support professional growth

Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and compliance

Qualification

Accounting principlesVendor contract reviewERP systemsProcure-to-pay automationAnalytical skillsLeadershipCommunication skillsAttention to detailProject management

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field required

Five or more (5+) years of progressive experience in accounting, procurement, and/or accounts payable, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role

Strong experience with ERP systems and procure-to-pay or AP automation platforms

Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and audit requirements

Proven experience in vendor contract review and financial risk assessment

Advanced analytical and systems-thinking skills

Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage change

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

High level of integrity, attention to detail, and ownership

Strong organizational and project management capabilities