The Assistant Controller is responsible for developing monthly financial reporting, facilitating the annual operating and capital budgets, monitoring the University's financial performance against the budget and other measurements, analyzing business performance and market conditions to create forecasts, and assisting the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Controller in recommending tactical and strategic decisions by providing periodic reports. Additionally, the Assistant Controller will be responsible for modeling revenue and expenses, trend and variance analysis, data mining, develop financial scorecards and dashboards, and provide support to Vice Presidents. Academic Deans, Directors and Budget Managers in matters pertaining to their respective financial results and budgets.
Assist the Controller with the monthly closing and preparation of the monthly financial statements.
Responsible for the University budget software, including reporting, maintain user security, provide use training, and maintain the general ledger hierarchy.
Coordinate the annual operating and capital budget process in conjunction with the CFO.
In collaboration with the Controller and CFO, lead the annual, quarterly and monthly financial modeling and forecasting.
Oversee and coordinate position (salaries and benefits) control with Human Resources and Payroll Services for the University's operating budget.
Develop and create standardized financial reports for operational budget managers to assist in monitoring their operations.
Collect and analyze current and past financial data, perform variance analysis including key metrics, identify trends and create reports to support leadership decisions.
Assist with the evaluation of financial performance by comparing and analyzing actual results with budgets and other measurements, investigate variances, and presentation of results.
Collaborate with the CFO and Controller in modeling revenue and expenses for academic and non-academic programs and the various responsibility center units.
Calculate the annual academic and non-academic program gross profit margins and administrative overhead allocation.
Collaborate with the CFO and Controller to identify and drive process improvements, including the creation of standard and ad-hoc reports, operational processes and internal controls, tools, and scorecards and dashboards.
Assist with preparation of miscellaneous surveys as requested.
Serve on various University committees or task forces as identified, including serving as liaison to the Institutional Budget Committee.
Other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science or Arts in accounting, finance, operations, or a related area from an accredited university or college
Three (3) to five (5) years of accounting and budget management experience
Stay current on financial and cost accounting standards and budgeting methodologies, techniques and processes
Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects, meet deadlines, use sound judgment, and interpret local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations; through self-directed professional readings and attending professional development training
Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to synthesize complex or diverse information; and experience working with large data sets. Understanding of the principles of accounting and standards of internal control
Proficiency in data management systems and computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Ability to assist with the development and implementation of efficient technological applications and workflows as needed
Excellent communication (written, verbal and presentation) skills. Sound organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships. Diplomacy, tact, and discretion are essential
Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision as well as work as part of the team
Ashland University, ranked in the top tier of colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category for 2017, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University places great emphasis on the importance of each individual. The phrase “Accent on the Individual” has been our motto for many years and, hopefully, characterizes well the nature and content of the campus environment. It means that our concern for the student extends beyond ensuring a quality education in the classroom and laboratory to include a commitment to provide a stimulating and supportive environment in every respect.Translating the ideas of our Mission Statement into the realities of everyday life is the responsibility of each Ashland University employee. These ideas must be evidenced daily in the classroom, residence halls, each teaching site, on the playing fields and in our interaction with others. It should be the goal of each Ashland University employee to ensure that our Mission Statement is not merely words on paper but a true reflection of who and what we actually are and intend to be in the future.