Associate Controller, Financial Operations-Hybrid Schedule

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • Hours Per Week: Full-Time
  • Salary Range: $240,000-$265,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the University Controller and Associate Vice President, , the Associate  Controller, Financial Operations oversees a portfolio of financial operations for the University. The broader Controller’s Office includes Financial Reporting & Operations, Benefits & Pension Accounting, Sponsored Projects Finance, Tax, Payroll, and International Operations. The Associate Controller’s portfolio will include some or all of the following departments: Payroll, Fringe Benefits & Pension Accounting, and International Operations. The incumbent will also be responsible for implementing various process improvement initiatives and system implementations across the Controller’s organization. This portfolio is subject to change.  This role is a senior advisor and key member of the leadership team in Finance, and is responsible for strategically leading a team of 15+ to support the operational and compliance needs of the University. 

Responsibilities

Fringe Benefits Forecasting and Pension Accounting

  • 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.

Payroll

  • 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.

International Operations

  • 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.

Process Improvements and System Implementations

  • 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.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in accounting, Business Administration or Finance.
  • Ten years related experience, including management experience.  

Preferred Qualifications

  • An MBA, CPA and/or CIA designation.
  • Experience in higher education or research operations.
  • PeopleSoft or other ERP experience.  

Other Requirements

  • 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.

  • In addition, the successful candidate 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. 

  • In addition, the successful candidate 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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