Whittier College is an independent, four-year Liberal Arts College distinguished by its small size (1600 undergraduates) and a nationally recognized liberal arts program. Whittier College has a history of strong and innovative interdisciplinary programs and a diverse student body. The College is ideally situated in the scenic hills eighteen miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Assistant Controller The Finance Department at Whittier College is seeking an Assistant Controller. The Assistant Controller supports the financial integrity and fiscal operations of the College by overseeing day-to-day accounting functions, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and managing the accuracy of reported financial results. This role is pivotal in maintaining the general ledger, coordinating annual external audits, and providing strategic financial analysis to support decision-making within the unique landscape of higher education.

Hours:

varies

Exempt Status:

Exempt Full Time/Part Time status: Full Time, 12 months

Salary Range:

$80,000

• 90,000 annually; Salary will commensurate with experience, skills, and knowledge.

Reports to:

College Controller, AVP of Finance Location/Department:

Whittier College (Main Campus)/Finance

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions of the job: 35%

• Financial Reporting & General Ledger Management:

  Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Oversee the month-end and year-end close process, including complex reconciliations, journal entry reviews, and maintenance of the Chart of Accounts. 25%

• Audit & Compliance Coordination:

  Lead the preparation for the annual external financial audit by coordinating audit schedules and collaborating with auditors. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including the preparation of IRS Form 990, UBIT (unrelated business income tax) returns, and grant reporting. 20%

• Supervisory & Operational Oversight:

  Directly supervise business office staff (e.g., Accounts Payable, Payroll, or Student Accounts). Review operational data for accuracy and ensure internal controls are robust and effective in preventing errors. 10%

• Budgeting & Financial Analysis:

  Assist in the development and monitoring of departmental budgets. Conduct variance analysis, trend forecasting, and financial modeling to provide actionable insights for senior leadership. 10%

•

Systems Administration & Special Projects:

Act as a core administrator for the College's ERP/financial systems (e.g., Oracle, Sage, or Colleague). Manage special projects such as system implementations or policy updates to enhance operational efficiency. Non-essential Functions of the

Job:

1. None identified at this time.

Position Specifications and Requirements:

âEUR¢

Advanced Accounting Knowledge:

Thorough understanding of GAAP, fund accounting principles, and financial reporting standards specific to non-profit higher education. âEUR¢

Analytical Skills:

Proven ability to interpret complex data and present clear insights to diverse stakeholders. âEUR¢

Communication:

Strong verbal and written communication skills for explaining complex financial transactions and collaborating with campus departments. âEUR¢

Technical Proficiency:

Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and experience with automated accounting systems/ERP software. âEUR¢

Confidentiality & Integrity:

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive financial information with a high degree of confidentiality and professional judgment. Minimum Qualifications âEUR¢

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. âEUR¢

Experience:

5+ years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management. âEUR¢

Supervisory Experience:

At least 2 years of experience managing or leading professional staff. Preferred Qualifications âEUR¢

Certifications:

Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). âEUR¢

Advanced Degree:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master's in Accounting. âEUR¢

Higher Education Experience:

Previous experience in a liberal arts college or university setting. âEUR¢

System Knowledge:

Direct experience with higher education ERP systems (e.g., Ellucian Colleague, Banner, or Oracle Cloud).

Application Deadline:

until the position is filled. The position is based in Whittier, California. To be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to: whittierjobs@whittier.edu or mail to

Whittier College, Attn:

Human Resources Manager, 13406 E Philadelphia Street Whittier, CA 90608. AA/EOE. Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. Whittier College does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position and does not participate in the E-Verify program. Because participation in E-Verify is required for certain employment authorization categories, applicants who would require employer participation in E-Verify to obtain or maintain employment authorization are not eligible for employment in this position. Equal Employment Opportunity Whittier College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. je-cd54f7d84dbb433fbd30d6e77e224861