at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job ID49790
LocationEvanston, Illinois
Department: Office of Financial Operations
Salary/Grade: EXS/16
Job Summary:
The Office of the Controller is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of Northwestern University, providing a wide range of financial services on behalf of and for the University community. Financial accounting and reporting duties at the University are complex and significant. Northwestern operates with annual expenses exceeding $3.0 billion, total investments in excess of $14.0 billion (representing one of the largest endowments in the country), more than $1.0 billion in research awards, and total long-term debt outstanding of $2.4 billion. The University has more than 23,000 students enrolled in 12 colleges and schools on three campuses. Its fiscal year ends August 31.
The Controller's Office works diligently as a team to cultivate a positive culture and mindful work environment.Its scope of work directly supports the education and research mission of the University, while also ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. A mindset of stewardship, professional excellence, and a customer-service orientation are valued across the team. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Finance, the Controller oversees key accounting and reporting functions. The Controller supervises the following units, which altogether employ 19 professionals and staff:
Accounting Services - performs the central accounting and financial reporting functions and transaction management across all expense and revenue categories within the University's PeopleSoft financial system. Duties also include contributions to develop, prepare, and review planned and ad hoc analyses and forecasts provided to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees
Depository Services -provides general oversight of departmental bank deposits, cash receipt ticket creation, and credit card use in 100+ campus locations. It also manages the stored value card program, allocates electronic payments received university-wide, and oversees all petty cash accounts
Financial Operations IT - provisions access for the University's administrative systems and provides other support functions including bank access administration, chart of accounts processing, etc.
The Controller serves as the principal deputy to the Assistant Vice President for Finance (AVP), representing the AVP as necessary, and contributes to several cross-functional initiatives to enhance the delivery of financial services across the University. These initiatives involve collaborations with other central units, including Northwestern Information Technology, Facilities Management, Alumni Relations and Development, and the Office of Budget and Planning, and with school-based financial leaders. The Controller shall also anticipate changes in regulations and standards impacting higher education and be well-versed in current accounting rules and sensitive to trends. She or he will engage as an active participant in networks of Controller colleagues at other universities.
While reporting directly to the AVP, the Controller will work with the University's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and others in the ongoing development of a best-in-class central administration to support Northwestern's pursuit of excellence.
Manages more than one university accounting-related area or program
Directs the development of & manages a school's/dept's budget & financial operations including the development & implementation of strategies for: budgeting; forecasting, modeling & projecting; identifying & explaining variances; financial reporting; internal controls; expense reductions; cost containment; & revenue enhancements.
Manages a portfolio of multiple schools/depts' financial operations comprised of very complex financial work such as internal & external organizations, international situations, and very large dollar volumes.
Manages daily, monthly, quarterly and annual financial processes for the area or program.
Applies industry and professional standards, interprets university policy and procedure, federal and state laws and other regulations; recommends accounting policy for the university.
Represents &/or guides business area on internal & external financial affairs & is viewed as an expert resource regarding area's financial affairs.
Please note: Supervisor provides objectives & deadlines.Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objective & deadlines & overall compliance with policy & procedures.EE completes some activities without direction, informing supervisor only of potentially controversial matters,... For full info follow application link.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
