About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for an Assistant Controller. This position will report to the Controller. The Assistant Controller is primarily responsible for the operation of the central accounting and financial control systems for the University related to the Accounts Receivable function This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Lead the Accounts Receivable function at the University, including endowment and grant accounting, gift pledges and donations, and student and donor accounts receivables management and reporting.
• Execute Endowment accounting and Gift Annuity accounting standards for Higher Education sector.
• Maintain tuition, room, board, and other spend or A/R rates into related reporting and systems.
• Oversee Coordination with A/R staff and with all departments on setting key dates and delivering on deadlines each semester, and for the collections on unpaid A/R and student accounts.
• Approve daily banking transactions, including Tuition and Accounts Payable ACH deposits.
• Record and reconcile all investment and endowment activity monthly, and prepare related reports.
• Review and approve expenses charged to responsible funds (gift, grant, endowment-funded)
• Monitor special assets (real estate, ranch property and mineral leases) on a monthly basis for JEs
• Gift Annuity accounting.
• Monitor and record monthly activity for Charitable Remainder Trusts & Perpetual Trusts (Funds Held in Trust by Others) by various custodians.
• Prepare schedule for trusts (FHITBO) & then prepare year-end adjusting journal entry.
• Approve A/R related JEs and Recons as needed.
• Prepare monthly Fundriver and Commonfund reports
• SME for Commonfund and Fundriver applications: documenting and developing sustainable processes around the preparation of related JEs, Reconciliations, and monthly reporting
• Prepare all financial statement footnotes related to investments.
• Responsible for setting up endowment and grant details such as restricted fund budgeting, accounting, and reporting.
• Assist in preparation of year end endowment accounting, including lifting of restrictions and pooled income distributions.
• Set-up new general ledger accounts related to endowments, investments, grants, gifts, and tuition.
• Prepare Department of Education monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare annual NACUBO Endowment Study Annual Report.
• Prepare complex audit workpapers for Investments and Endowments, and new investment details.
• Ensure compliance with federal and non-federal grant regulations, and prepare filings, including SEFA
• Submission of SU Financial Analysis Trades to Regions Bank.
• Assist in establishing and overseeing a coordinated system to ensure the integrity and accountability of all financial and operational activities, including financial reporting and control systems.

Additional Duties:

• Answer inquiries related to A/R and revenue accounting, processes and systems from faculty and staff.
• Perform partial duties of the Controller in his/her absence.
• Conduct special analyses and projects as requested.
• Assist the Associate Vice President for Finance & Accounting as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or BBA in Accounting.
• Two years of hands-on experience in accounting or finance, with two years supervisory experience.
• Certified Public Accountant License (Preferred).
• Strength in auditing, accounting, and financial record keeping.
• Ability to work individually and with staff to prepare bookkeeping and other entries to ensure the integrity of the books and records.
• Ability to effectively utilize automated systems for financial and operational reporting, analysis, and control.
• Ability to process information in a highly computerized, database management system.
• Familiarity with the financial operation of an educational organization with similar characteristics. This includes fund accounting, NACUBO standards, FASB rules and standards, and other generally acceptable accounting principles.
• Financial and operational analytic skills, with a business management orientation.
• Ability to translate policy into procedures and to effectively implement those procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines and work effectively to meet priorities.
• Proven supervisory and management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.
• Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values.
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.
• Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituents.
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce reliable work product.
• Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations.
• Ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation.
• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to a liberal arts faculty.
• Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience in higher education.

Starting annual salary: $90,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/171351. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.