Position Details
Requisition Number: SCA00893
General Description: Reporting to the Vice President, Business and Finance, the Associate Vice President, Accounting and Controller provides leadership and effective management in: General Accounting, Fixed Assets Accounting, Grant Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Payroll. The AVP is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the College’s annual financial statements in accordance with GASB reporting standards; coordinates all financial, governmental and compliance audits; and supports the implementation and effective use of financial systems in College operations and in financial and management reporting. The AVP provides oversight and supervision to direct reports. #ID23
About the College
Success starts at Community College of Philadelphia. Innovators and difference makers work at Community College of Philadelphia. Diversity thrives at Community College of Philadelphia. We are a college that is committed to promoting a work environment that attracts and retains talented and diverse faculty and staff. We challenge each other and ourselves to achieve at the highest level while contributing to the mission of the College and the betterment of Philadelphia. We value and support an intellectually dynamic community to prepare our students for global citizenship. Join us and become a part of a community that has long been and will continue to be generators of generational chance in this city and beyond.
Community College of Philadelphia is an open-admission, associate-degree-granting institution which provides access to higher education for all who may benefit. Its programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences, career technologies, and basic academic skills provide a coherent foundation for college transfer, employment and lifelong learning. The College serves Philadelphia by preparing its students to be informed and concerned citizens, active participants in the cultural life of the city, and enabled to meet the changing needs of business, industry and the professions. To help address broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond, the College draws together students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and seeks to provide the programs and support they need to achieve their goals.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and direction for all accounting functions including general accounting, fixed assets accounting, grant accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
- Provide leadership, direction and guidance to direct reports.
- Undertake daily and longer-term cash flows analysis to ensure required liquidity is addressed and opportunities maximized for short and investment of temporarily unused operating cash.
- Actively manage operating cash investments to optimize investment returns.
- In collaboration with Vice President and Investment Working Group, develop and implement recommended strategies for longer-term investment of core operating cash balances.
- Prepare operational reports to provide timely and accurate information on the College’s financial status in the areas of cash position, investment return and receivables management.
- Conduct ongoing general ledger account analyses to understand factors impacting college financial condition and support management decisions making with respect to financial operations.
- Provide leadership for the ongoing implementation, development and effective use of the Banner financial systems. In accomplishing this, work with various college work groups (Banner Finance, HR, and Payroll) and the appropriate members of the Information Technology Staff.
- Support finance system upgrades; develop testing plans and coordinate implementation.
- Coordinate and facilitate all internal and external audits. Ensure compliance with all Federal and State regulations as well as internal policies and procedures.
- Prepare for, and participate in, Banner Finance, Finance Staff, Controller Staff, Business Affairs, Board of Trustees, Foundation Investment Committee, Payment Match, HR/Payroll, and Community College Business Officers meetings.
- Reviews asset and liability accounts reconciliations in preparation for the year end close and annual audits.
- Coordinate closing procedures and oversees preparation of annual financial statements and work papers; prepares financial reports required for State reimbursement and audit purposes and other related year-end financial reports.
- Provide leadership for ensuring the adequacy of internal controls and the integrity of College’s financial records. Develop, implement and monitor financial and internal control systems and procedures.
- Advise the Vice President of Business and Finance on financial, accounting and auditing matters.
- Interact with banks, auditors, governmental agencies, and other College departments on matters of accounting and financial issues.
- Stay current with and implement new pronouncements of accounting standards and other regulatory issues affecting accounting procedures, financial reporting, governmental funding and audit issues.
- Identify and implement professional development opportunities for staff; train staff on new accounting procedures and accounting system enhancements.
- Deliver quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a professional helpful and courteous manner.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required. Any and all degree(s) must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
- Seven (7) years professional accounting work experience, to include: General Ledger, Grants and Endowment Management, Payroll, Fixed Assets, Accounts Payable, Payroll and Financial Statement preparation required.
- Five (5) years work experience with demonstrated growth in leadership responsibilities required; prior supervisory experience required.
- Proficiency in GAAP and GASB financial reporting.
- Significant work in an ERP environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of GASB financial reporting requirements, and experience in managing independent accountant and government audits required.
- Microsoft Office and ERP reporting tool skills required.
- Project management and time management skills required.
- Competency in organizing data, maintaining files, and preparing reports required.
- Detail-oriented with excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with people of diverse backgrounds required.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative required.
- Ability to create and implement systems, procedures and processes required.
- Exceptional organizational, problem-solving and planning skills required.
- Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions required.
- Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting preferred.
- CPA certification highly desirable.
- Experience in higher education preferred.
- Experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
- Experience with Tableau or Argos preferred.
Work Location
Main Campus
Benefits Summary
Benefits: “Success Starts Here” at Community College of Philadelphia. We recognize that our success as a college and the success of our students starts with our employees. Our employees are vital to our success. Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive offer of benefits that are unrivaled by most.
Full-time faculty and staff benefits include:
- College-paid medical, dental, drug, life and disability insurance
- Tuition remission (for classes at the college)
- Forgivable tuition loan (for classes at any accredited academic institution)
- 403(b) retirement plan with 10% College contribution with employee contribution 5%
- Flexible spending accounts
- Paid vacation, holida