Vassar College
Assistant Vice President For Finance And Controller
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, United States
Assistant Vice President For Finance And Controller
R00032227 Poughkeepsie, NY
Department
Accounting Services
Job Family
Administrator
Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact
careers@vassar.edu
.
Job Description
Position Summary
Vassar College seeks an experienced financial professional to serve as Assistant VP for Finance and Controller (AVP), a key leadership role that combines strategic financial stewardship with a commitment to serving and supporting the campus community. The AVP will provide both strategic oversight and operational management of accounting services, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants accounting, and payroll. This individual is responsible for ensuring the college's financial policies and procedures comply with all of our regulatory obligations as well as reflect current financial best practices. Additionally, the AVP will serve as a subject matter expert that supports a culture of transparency and accountability for all members of the campus community. This position requires an individual who values relationship-building, collaboration, and transparency in advancing Vassar's mission of academic excellence and inclusive community through sound financial processes and procedures.
Responsibilities Provide financial leadership as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, senior leadership, and the broader campus community on accounting and compliance matters.
Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, monthly and year-end closing processes, and preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP standards
Coordinate and manage external audits, serving as primary liaison with independent auditors and ensuring timely completion of annual financial statements
Collaborate with multiple campus partners to complete reports or audits tied to their areas of expertise including IT, Financial Aid, employee benefits, and all tax filings to ensure accuracy and data integrity.
Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive, transparent, and efficient internal controls and financial policies to safeguard College assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Manage endowment, restricted fund, and grants accounting by working closely with the Advancement Office, Grants Office, and departments responsible for fund administration to ensure proper stewardship of restricted funding sources as well as partnering with the Grants Office to ensure compliance with federal, state, and private grant requirements
Direct treasury and cash management by monitoring cashflow and liquidity requirements, overseeing banking relationships, coordinating short-term investment activities and credit lines through robust reporting and forecasting.
Coordinate debt service payments and maintain relationships with bond trustees and financial institutions
Lead a team of eight professionals whose work supports accounts payable, receivables, payroll, and general accounting functions
Provide strategic oversight of the implementation and optimization of financial systems and technology solutions to enhance efficiency and accuracy by working collaboratively with other campus functions to understand barriers and design effective solutions that meet the finance and community needs.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners, serving as an accessible resource for financial guidance and support
Seek out, apply, and share knowledge of higher education accounting services trends and innovations through research, participation in peer networks and professional organizations, and continuing education
Required knowledge, skills and abilities Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
CPA certification or full breadth of accounting and tax experience
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role
Strong knowledge of GAAP and regulatory requirements
Experience managing external audits and the ability to provide guidance on regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across organizational levels with diverse campus constituencies and with vendors
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse audiences
Proficiency with financial management systems and advanced Excel skills
Unquestioned ethical standards and commitment to transparency and accountability
Experience implementing new approaches and technologies to improve financial operations
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and respond to changing priorities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience developing financial strategies based on data, institutional needs, constituent feedback and field knowledge.
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities Higher education or large nonprofit experience
Working in a complex enterprise resource planning system, particularly Workday
Experience with endowment management and fund accounting
Knowledge of federal, state, and private grant compliance requirements
Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field
Compensation
The starting annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$195,000(USD)
When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting. To apply, visit
https://vassar.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Vassar-External/job/Poughkeepsie-NY/Assistant-Vice-President-for-Finance-and-Controller_R00032227?jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c4fa7b8078820e&jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c4fed539988210&jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c506cf57a48214 .
Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-f816ddfe9b61be42927fb745f774f2e0 #J-18808-Ljbffr
R00032227 Poughkeepsie, NY
Department
Accounting Services
Job Family
Administrator
Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact
careers@vassar.edu
.
Job Description
Position Summary
Vassar College seeks an experienced financial professional to serve as Assistant VP for Finance and Controller (AVP), a key leadership role that combines strategic financial stewardship with a commitment to serving and supporting the campus community. The AVP will provide both strategic oversight and operational management of accounting services, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants accounting, and payroll. This individual is responsible for ensuring the college's financial policies and procedures comply with all of our regulatory obligations as well as reflect current financial best practices. Additionally, the AVP will serve as a subject matter expert that supports a culture of transparency and accountability for all members of the campus community. This position requires an individual who values relationship-building, collaboration, and transparency in advancing Vassar's mission of academic excellence and inclusive community through sound financial processes and procedures.
Responsibilities Provide financial leadership as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, senior leadership, and the broader campus community on accounting and compliance matters.
Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, monthly and year-end closing processes, and preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP standards
Coordinate and manage external audits, serving as primary liaison with independent auditors and ensuring timely completion of annual financial statements
Collaborate with multiple campus partners to complete reports or audits tied to their areas of expertise including IT, Financial Aid, employee benefits, and all tax filings to ensure accuracy and data integrity.
Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive, transparent, and efficient internal controls and financial policies to safeguard College assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Manage endowment, restricted fund, and grants accounting by working closely with the Advancement Office, Grants Office, and departments responsible for fund administration to ensure proper stewardship of restricted funding sources as well as partnering with the Grants Office to ensure compliance with federal, state, and private grant requirements
Direct treasury and cash management by monitoring cashflow and liquidity requirements, overseeing banking relationships, coordinating short-term investment activities and credit lines through robust reporting and forecasting.
Coordinate debt service payments and maintain relationships with bond trustees and financial institutions
Lead a team of eight professionals whose work supports accounts payable, receivables, payroll, and general accounting functions
Provide strategic oversight of the implementation and optimization of financial systems and technology solutions to enhance efficiency and accuracy by working collaboratively with other campus functions to understand barriers and design effective solutions that meet the finance and community needs.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners, serving as an accessible resource for financial guidance and support
Seek out, apply, and share knowledge of higher education accounting services trends and innovations through research, participation in peer networks and professional organizations, and continuing education
Required knowledge, skills and abilities Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
CPA certification or full breadth of accounting and tax experience
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role
Strong knowledge of GAAP and regulatory requirements
Experience managing external audits and the ability to provide guidance on regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across organizational levels with diverse campus constituencies and with vendors
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse audiences
Proficiency with financial management systems and advanced Excel skills
Unquestioned ethical standards and commitment to transparency and accountability
Experience implementing new approaches and technologies to improve financial operations
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and respond to changing priorities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience developing financial strategies based on data, institutional needs, constituent feedback and field knowledge.
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities Higher education or large nonprofit experience
Working in a complex enterprise resource planning system, particularly Workday
Experience with endowment management and fund accounting
Knowledge of federal, state, and private grant compliance requirements
Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field
Compensation
The starting annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$195,000(USD)
When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting. To apply, visit
https://vassar.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Vassar-External/job/Poughkeepsie-NY/Assistant-Vice-President-for-Finance-and-Controller_R00032227?jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c4fa7b8078820e&jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c4fed539988210&jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c506cf57a48214 .
Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-f816ddfe9b61be42927fb745f774f2e0 #J-18808-Ljbffr