Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association · 22 hours ago
Assistant Controller
Madison, WI
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
7+ years expThe Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) is a private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW-Madison, seeking an Assistant Controller. This key leadership role involves overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, tax compliance, and ensuring adherence to GAAP, while managing a team responsible for various financial operations.
EducationHigher Education
Responsibilities
Oversee the preparation and review of monthly and quarterly financial statements and management reports, including variance analysis and KPIs
Ensure timely preparation of materials for senior leadership and the Board of Directors
Identify opportunities for automated dashboards and reporting and drive development
Proactively develop and maintain advanced working knowledge of applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices; research, interpret, and develop recommendations as needed
Ensure adequate quality assurance processes are followed for financial data used in internal and external reports
Coordinate and lead the external audit as primary staff liaison, as well as prepare and review workpapers, annual financial statements, and footnotes, ensuring GAAP compliance
Partner with the Controller on internal controls design, documentation, and oversight; maintain risk and control matrices; and execute internal control testing
Ensure adequate segregation of duties across finance activities and maintain documentation
Support strategic planning and coordination of outsourced internal control reviews
Responsible for ensuring that the monthly and quarterly close process is completed comprehensively and timely, assisted by well documented processes and standardization of supporting workpapers
Review monthly and quarterly reconciliations and analyses
Identify and implement improvements to accounting systems, processes, and documentation to ensure accuracy and timeliness and enhance efficiency and automation
Maintain general ledger integrity and governance, including chart of accounts changes, reporting standards and naming conventions, and journal entry documentation requirements
Provide oversight and strategic direction for disbursements, corporate card programs, and travel expense management; lead process improvements and team development; ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with organizational policies
Assist the Controller with effective design of the organization’s financial policies and supporting procedures, as well as integration of those policies and procedures with those of the university
Oversee preparation of the annual operating budget and the tools, processes, and communications supporting effective budget development
Design and implement effective expenditure controls to ensure proper authorization of organizational spending
Oversee processes for timely monthly and quarterly reviews of operating expenses against budget, including variance analyses and engagement with budget managers
Assist the Controller with financial modeling, trend analyses, and long-term financial planning
Provide insight into financial trends and results, identifying risks and opportunities; collaborate on strategic modeling and forecasting
Prepare supporting documentation for state and federal tax returns, and manage tax payments, coordinating with external tax advisors
Develop enhanced documentation and monitor adherence to procedures to ensure timely, accurate completion of all regulatory filings
Ensure organizational compliance with charitable state registrations and provide oversight and management of outsourced vendor(s)
Ensure compliance with state Sales & Use Tax regulations
Oversee or execute treasury operations including approval of wire transfers and ACH payments, management of cash transfers between accounts based on liquidity needs, and user access administration
Oversee or manage banking and brokerage relationships, including account administration, signatory authorities, service optimization, and fee analysis
Participate in the management of gateway/processor relationships and merchant card programs in collaboration with Gift Services and IT, ensuring internal controls and PCI compliance
Collaborate with the Controller to develop, implement, and monitor treasury administration and cash management policies and procedures
Collaborate with the Controller on other duties or projects as requested
Determine staffing needs, design appropriate roles, write/update job descriptions, allocate staff and assign/delegate duties accordingly
Lead and empower team members, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation; ensure skills and performance align with organizational needs
Train, mentor, coach and develop staff members, encouraging an appropriate level of independence and supporting professional growth
Identify the current and long-term development/training needs of individuals and provide or facilitate access to appropriate development experiences
Set priorities, develop work schedules, and establish performance measures
Provide ongoing feedback and recognition as well as periodic formal performance appraisals to staff
Ensure cross-training of critical tasks and procedures are documented and regularly reviewed
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation
7+ years of related professional work experience
3+ years supervisory and/or leadership experience demonstrating success in leading and developing team members
Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives, work collaboratively, and be self-directed
Problem-solving skills to manage day-to-day challenges and develop and execute long-term strategic goals
Preferred
Combined public and private accounting experience, as well as experience in non-profit organization settings, are both strongly preferred
Knowledge of and ability to implement internal control procedures, GAAP, accounting, non-profit, and tax regulations
Demonstrated professional presence and exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively and convey complex information clearly and confidently to senior leadership, campus partners, and external stakeholders
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong data analytics skills to develop and recommend actionable insights from data
Experience with ERP systems; NetSuite experience a plus
Familiarity with investment accounting, endowment accounting, and revenue recognition specific to contributions
Benefits
Competitive pay
Outstanding benefits program
Generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service
Company
Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association
WAA offers competitive salaries and benefits in an environment that is inspiring, creative, and respectful.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Mike Knetter
Chief Executive Officer
Paula Bonner
President and CEO
Recent News
2025-06-19
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