Associate Vice President/Controller, Finance

GHJ Search and Staffing has been exclusively retained by Mount Saint Mary's University to find their next Associate Vice President/Controller, Finance.

OVERVIEW: Mount Saint Mary's is the only women's university in Los Angeles and one of the most diverse in the nation.

The Mount is known nationally for its research on gender equity, its innovative health and science programs, and its commitment to community service. As a leading liberal arts institution, the University provides year-round, flexible and online programs, including a co-ed Weekend and Evening College, and our Graduate Division. Mount alums are engaged and active global citizens who are using their knowledge and skills to better themselves, their communities and the world.

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To provide leadership and overall management and integrity of the University's financial information, transactions and services according to GAAP and other compliance requirements.

To oversee the business and financial reporting and operations of the traditional business office, audit and finance functions of a non-profit university. To contribute at both strategic and operational levels. To establish policies, improve processes, and institute methods of control.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee financial functions, including GAAP financial reporting, month end and year end closings, audit preparation, tax return (e.g. 990's, 990T) preparation, external financial and statistical reporting related to university rankings, and interaction with external auditors.

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable (Student Accounts and Collections) functions, business office, general ledger, fund management, payroll office, investment accounting, insurance, and serve as a liaison to insurance companies, supporting the VPAF with risk management.

• Work with the VPAF in their role as Treasurer, first contact for banking activity including cash management, investment reporting, wire transfers, etc. Serve as liaison to investment consultants.

• Prepare materials and action items for Board Committees (Audit, Finance and Investment) with the VPAF's leadership.

• Supervise four direct reports (Assistant Controller/Treasury Management, Assistant Controller/Finance Functions, Payroll Manager, Director of Student Accounts & Vendor Management) with a total staff of 15-20. Shared responsibility with VP for the supervision of the annual budget compilation process and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting and forecasting, with the Budget Director.

• Provide fiscal oversight for the departmental budget, the University's investment pool, and institutional administrative budget.

• Serve as fiduciary and voting member of the University's Retirement Plans Committee.

• Manage the financial reporting for the Women's College Coalition and the Association of Sisters of Saint Joseph Schools.

COMPLEXITY:

• Ensuring the tracking, reporting, and advising on fiscally sound and effective allocation and utilization of University resources. Working collaboratively with a diverse group of internal and external constituents to effectively achieve departmental goals and support university goals. Chief advisor to the VPAF on the tracking, reporting, and management of resources.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSETS:

• This position is responsible management of a $1-$1.5-million-dollar departmental budget; tracking, monitoring and reporting on a $90-$100-million-dollar University budget; and $160 million dollar investment pool/endowment.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• KNOWLEDGE: Fundamentals of non-profit accounting, financial analysis, university administrative operations, current management practices, and working knowledge of general ledger system theory and practice.
  
  Strong working knowledge of GAAP accounting/financial software and spreadsheets/databases. Working knowledge regarding fiscal and legal issues as related to higher education, related payroll and human resources, and contract services is desired.
• ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Clear communicator and collaborator.
  
  Able to make sound financial decisions involving complex issues, in collaboration with the VPAF and other senior leaders. Effectively organize, prioritize and handle multiple tasks. Understanding of, and sensitivity to, a diverse university environment.
  
  Effectively interact with faculty and staff at all levels within the organization. Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize and present complex issues (orally and in writing) for diverse audiences. Build rapport and maintain effective and positive relationships with people at various levels.
• EDUCATION: BA/BS in Finance, Business, Accounting or related field required; CPA highly desirable; MBA preferred.
• EXPERIENCE: Experience as a Controller highly preferred.
  
  Five to ten years of progressively responsible experience with financial management, financial reporting, and fund accounting. Proven experience in analyzing financial and budget data, developing policies and procedures, and making decisions consistent with sound financial management principles. Experience with system conversions and/or implementations highly desirable; Colleague/Prophix and ADP familiarity preferred. Non-profit, or non-profit higher education experience a plus.
• LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant preferred.

$185,000 - $195,000 a year

Mount Saint Mary's is exclusively partnering on this search with GHJ Search and Staffing. No agency referrals please. Please direct any inquiries to Matthew Cruz, Director of Executive Recruiting, at mcruz@ghjadvisors.com