Assistant Controller

Gwynedd Mercy University - Tarrytown, NY

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Tarrytown, NY

5,001-10,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Controller position at Mercy University is a vital role that provides assistance and support to the Controller's office on a day-to-day basis. This position encompasses a range of administrative, technical, and managerial responsibilities that are essential for the smooth operation of the Finance Office. The Assistant Controller will oversee and supervise the daily cash functions, ensuring the maintenance of wires files and acting as a liaison to the Students Accounts Department. This includes supervising the general ledger maintenance for all student activity, ensuring timely reconciliation of all accounts, and preparing the allowance for doubtful accounts while projecting the bad debt expense for the fiscal year. In addition to cash management, the Assistant Controller will oversee the Finance Grants Function, reviewing financial reports and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. The role also involves supervising all Payroll Department functions to maintain consistent workflow and reporting, as well as assisting in the supervision of investment activity. The Assistant Controller will provide support to the College Retirement Plan Administrator by coordinating external audits and filings, remitting employee contributions, and assisting record keepers with necessary disclosures. Furthermore, the position requires supervision of accounting for all Federal and Private Loan Programs and maintaining the Mercy Financial Policy and finance staff desk references. The Assistant Controller will be responsible for general ledger analysis, preparing audit and monthly schedules, analyses, and reconciliations for the areas supervised. This includes reviewing and approving all journal entries and coordinating the review and remittance of Abandoned Property to New York State. The role also requires the development and implementation of initiatives to build the team, engage the department in the College community, and foster positive morale. Regular staff meetings, training, and performance feedback are essential components of this position, as is the management of time and attendance for all employees. The Assistant Controller will ensure clear and timely communication within the department and across the College, demonstrating a professional and respectful attitude in all interactions. The role requires flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to continuous improvement, as well as compliance with all policies and procedures of the Department and the College. Overall, the Assistant Controller plays a crucial role in supporting the financial health and operational efficiency of Mercy University.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and supervise daily cash function including maintenance of wires file
• Liaison to Students Accounts Department and supervision of general ledger maintenance for all student activity in the general ledger including ensuring timely reconciliation of all accounts
• Supervise preparation of the allowance for doubtful accounts and project the bad debt expense for the fiscal year
• Oversee and supervise the Finance Grants Function including review of financial reports
• Oversee all Payroll Department functions to ensure consistent workflow and reporting
• Assist in the supervision of investment activity
• Oversee and supervise financial activities related to contributions and facilitate coordination with Student Advancement Office
• Provide support to the College Retirement Plan Administrator by coordinating the external audit and filings with the audit firm and record keepers, remitting employee contributions and assisting record keepers with disclosures
• Supervise accounting for all (Federal and Private) Loan Programs
• Assist in the maintenance of both the Mercy Financial Policy and finance staff desk references
• General Ledger Analysis
• Supervise preparation of audit and monthly schedules, analyses and reconciliations for areas supervised
• Supervise testing and system upgrades for areas overseen
• Review and approve all journal entries for areas supervised
• Coordinate review and remittance of Abandoned Property to NYS
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned
• Develops and implements initiatives to build the team, engage the department in the College community as a team member and build positive morale in the department
• Provides employees with clear expectations regarding organizational values and desired results, clear and honest performance feedback, suggestions for training, self-development and timely evaluations
• Conducts regular staff meetings and provides training to staff on a regular basis
• Develops goals, holds employees accountable for productivity goals and facilitates their development to meet those goals. Provides mentoring, coaching and training for employees to improve productivity
• Manages time and other resources to meet established short and long term goals within the agreed upon time frames
• Assesses departmental operations and policies to ensure optimal productivity and efficiency continuously
• Manages time and attendance of all employees
• Ensures clear, timely communications to others (both oral and written), particularly to those who will be affected by change. Listens to others carefully and attentively and encourages collaboration
• Builds effective formal and informal communication channels
• Maintains confidentiality in the management of information
• Demonstrates written and oral ability to deal with customers, supervisors, peers and subordinates as needed to do the job and resolve difficult situations
• Initiates actions that foster acceptance of organizational change and that build commitment to Department and College's objectives
• Gather and analyze appropriate information and appropriately use the information as improvement benchmarks/metrics
• Demonstrates flexibility in the acceptance and completion of work assignments
• Monitors employee productivity and customer service delivery of all staff and ensures that excellence is demonstrated in this area
• Answers telephones and emails in an appropriate, professional manner, and resolves problems in a reasonable time frame
• Demonstrates a professional, courteous, and respectful attitude in dealing with clients, staff and other members of the Mercy College community
• Maintains a work environment that is marked by respect for others; that values inclusiveness and builds workforce diversity; and that fosters cooperation and teamwork
• Is punctual and maintains a satisfactory attendance record. Is appropriately attired for the office
• Develops and maintains a cooperative, friendly and mutually supportive work environment for all staff. Uses resources wisely and effectively
• Collaborates and cooperates with other managers and departments
• Identifies and initiates actions independently to support the vision, mission and objectives, and to resolve or avoid problems
• Effective in taking action without being told. Takes initiative in troubleshooting and completing tasks

Requirements

• Master's Degree preferred. Bachelor's degree from an accredited four year college in Accounting or other Business related discipline required
• CPA a plus
• Minimum five years of Accounting, Auditing or Finance experience
• Public Accounting experience or CPA preferred
• Strong knowledge of general accounting
• Detail oriented and strong analytical and arithmetical skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal and State Rules and Regulations a plus
• Strong written & oral communication skills and ability to interact well with diverse internal (faculty, staff, etc.) and external (vendors, funders, etc.) College community
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Excel, Word and Powerpoint
• Prior management experience preferred
• Ability to work independently at a high level of responsibility
• Knowledge of Banner (College's ERP system) and related softwares preferred

Benefits

• High-quality health care plans
• Retirement benefits
• Tuition discounts
• Flexible spending
• Comprehensive and valuable benefits package