Assistant Vice President of Finance & Controller

DescriptionThe mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.Position Description Summary/Purpose :Goodwin University seeks an experienced, mission driven leader who will be accountable for all facets of the Finance/Accounting/Business Office departments, including but not limited to: design of all financially-relevant internal controls and the associated policies and procedures, overseeing daily treasury and cash management operations, all vendor payments, financial reporting both on a GAAP basis and on a grant-reporting basis, consolidation of financial data for 10+ legal entities, and the successful completion of the annual audits (GAAP and State/Federal Single Audits). The individual will lead a highly-functioning team that works collaboratively across departments and business entities while also providing strategic leadership support to the executive team.Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)Leading a team of upwards to 13 full-time employees, ensuring compliance with all policies and procedures, developing their skill sets and knowledge bases, completing annual performance reviews and ensuring their career developmentPrimary point of contact with external audit team, oversees the audit process, including all preparation of supporting data and documentsMaintains financial reporting for all related business entities (10+) in coordination with the Senior Director of Finance throughout the year in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including the maintenance of any related policies, and maintains a strong knowledge of the changing accounting regulationsAssists with the consolidated operating and capital budget processes across business entities while aligning the anticipated expenditures with the overall University strategic planOversees the form 990 tax preparation process and coordinates deliverables across departments and business entities to support the ultimate federal and state tax submissionsEnsures the timely issuance of monthly financial statements, for distribution to management, banking partners, and grant providersLead the strategic integration, governance, and operational application of artificial intelligence across the Finance and Accounting functions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, insight generation, and decision supportAnalyzes and reports key financial trends to senior leadership team, provides timely information to support operational decision-makingInteracts with key banking and vendor leadership partners to ensure the smooth operation of the business, including negotiation of contract terms for maximum financial benefit to the UniversityManages daily banking and treasury operations, including maintaining proper cash levels cross over 20+ different bank accounts at multiple banking institutionsOversees the processing of all federal financial aid drawdowns/refunds (approximately $40 million annually) in accordance with regulatory guidanceEnsures the proper endowment accounting of the Goodwin Foundation holding over $16M of investmentsOversees the accounts payables operations, ensuring timely payment of vendors, proper design of and adherence to all payment policies, and accurate 1099 reporting each yearOversees the magnet school finance operations, including the proper accounting for GAAP and Grant financial statements, the timely and accurate submittal of annual reports (ED111, ED114, ED141), and the timely reporting of significant financial matters to senior leadership across business entitiesEnsures proper accounting and financial operation of all University real estate activitiesAttends and provides support to CFO during all meetings of the Audit and Risk, Budget and Finance, and Investment CommitteesPosts and analyzes bi-weekly payroll data into the general ledger, for proper reporting of all payroll expenses, and ensures proper funding for each cycleRegularly produces high-quality ad-hoc reports and data to the CFO and other members of the University’s leadership teamConducts and oversees all accounting and financial reporting for the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, an affiliated but separate non-profit organizationOther Functions :Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictatesAttends multiple training sessions and conferences throughout the year to stay current on business, financial and accounting trends and regulationsAssists other department staff as needed to promote a team effortKnowledge, Ability and Skill :Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.Ability to attract, recruit, motivate, develop, and retain a high-performing staff while supporting the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles of the UniversityExceptional interpersonal skills, a collaborative style and the ability to communicate effectively at all levelsDemonstrates initiative and the ability to work effectively within stringent time constraints, including a willingness to work overtime and outside normal business hoursSound knowledge of US GAAP, Education sector regulations, non-profit entity requirements, and grant reporting guidanceWorking knowledge of Ellucian-ColleagueAdvanced Microsoft Excel skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office SuiteSound understanding of relevant technology for the industryStrong knowledge of HR and Labor regulations to properly manage employment matters with the assistance of the HR teamQualificationsMinimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting required, with a relevant Master’s Degree strongly preferred.CPA certification, with public accounting experience strongly preferred.10+ years of relevant experience, with at least 5 of those including supervisory experience.Special Requirements:Valid Driver’s license and insured vehicle.Physical and Mental Requirements :Work EnvironmentNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3Outdoor Weather ConditionsXWork with fumes or airborne particlesXWork near moving mechanical partsXRisk of electrical shockXVibrationXPhysical ActivityNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3StandingXWalkingXSittingXTalking & HearingXUsing hands/fingers to handle/feelXClimbing or balancingXBending, pulling, pushingXDrivingXLifting RequirementsNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3Up to 10 poundsXUp to 25 poundsXUp to 50 poundsXUp to 75 poundsXUp to 100 poundsXOver 100 poundsXVision Requirements:X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)X Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down orleft and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances andspatial relationships)___ No special vision requirementsFull-Time Employee Benefits:Medical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsurancePet Insurance401k employer matchEmployee & dependent life insuranceGreat tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependentsPTO programFlexible work schedules(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by The University as the needs of The University and requirements of the job change.) #J-18808-Ljbffr