Assistant Controller

Position Description:

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing the College’s accounting operations, including general ledger management, payroll oversight, student accounts, grant accounting, and financial compliance.
This hands-on leadership role supervises Payroll and Student Accounts staff (two direct reports) and partners across departments to help ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced accounting professional seeking increased responsibility within a collaborative, mission-driven higher education environment.

The salary range for this position is $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience.

Why Join Us:

We offer:

• A stable and supportive higher education environment
• Competitive benefits package
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plan participation
• Professional growth opportunities within the Finance division
• Meaningful exposure to grants, compliance, and institutional financial operations

The Assistant Controller works closely with the Controller and external advisors to ensure responsibilities are appropriately supported and balanced.

Key Responsibilities:

Tax Reporting / Compliance

• Coordinate preparation of federal and state tax filings (990, 990-T, 1098-T, and related filings) with external tax advisors as necessary; ensure timely data gathering and review
• In collaboration with external audit and other professional partners, stay informed of relevant IRS, federal, state, and local regulatory changes and share updates with appropriate stakeholders
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on research and analysis as needed.

Payroll & Student Accounts

• Supervise and support team members within the Payroll and Student Accounts departments (two direct reports)
• Promote and support excellent customer service to students, families, and colleagues
• Assist with bi-weekly payroll processing
• In collaboration with Financial Aid, reconcile federal and state financial aid awards and coordinate drawdown of funds in compliance with federal regulations

Grant & Auxiliary Accounting

• Coordinate and manage grant accounting functions, including invoicing, journal entries, financial reporting, budget tracking, fund setup and reconciliation, and preparation of audit work papers
• Assist in establishing and maintaining appropriate internal controls, operational policies, and procedures related to grant and auxiliary accounts
• Educate campus partners regarding grant requirements and processes

General Accounting Responsibilities

• Assist with general ledger maintenance, including account setup, structure, and user access
• Post budget and journal entries in accordance with established guidelines
• Maintain, reconcile, and balance assigned accounts and funds
• Assist with annual financial and statutory audits
• Prepare special reports and required surveys as assigned
• Support process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Provide project support for finance-related technology initiatives
• Support Finance & Accounting team operations as needed

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (BA/BS)
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of GAAP
• Experience with payroll processing or student receivables

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting
• Grant accounting exposure
• Experience supporting tax filings or federal compliance processes
  

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard business software applications
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Commitment to providing excellent service to a diverse campus community

Work Environment:

This position is based on-site at our Valparaiso, Indiana campus and requires regular in-person collaboration with campus partners and the Finance team.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Mrs. Jennifer Zatarski, Controller
Valparaiso University

Required Skills


Required Experience