What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Vice President of Finance/Controller position at PACIFIC UNIVERSITY?
Job Details
Description
Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice.
At Pacific University we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, acquire and share knowledge.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller is responsible for providing leadership to and management of all aspects of planning, directing, coordinating, and overseeing the financial operations and accounting affairs of the University. This includes the following areas: Financial applications and integration of data to/from the ERP system, Accounting and Financial Reporting, Treasury and Cash Management, Audit and Tax, Financial Policy and Compliance, Investments, Student Accounts and Loan Funds, Accounts payable and Disbursements, Purchasing/Procurement, Fixed Asset Management, all Debt, Bond compliance, and Grants and Contracts.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides leadership to general accounting and financial reporting.
- Responsible to coordinate, direct, compile, and oversee all financial reporting internal and external including the annual financial audit, OMB Circular A-133 Compliance audit, 403b audit, Form 5500, 1099 and 1098T filings, the 990 and 990T tax return and other tax returns.
- Responsible for other internal and external reports such as financial statements, IPEDS reporting, NACUBO Commonfund Investment reporting, eZ audit, cash management forecasting, bond compliance reporting, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s annual surveillance reporting, and other reports.
- Manage operations of treasury and cash management including investment, forecasting, assigning access to various systems, initiating and approving wires, transfer funds, monitor and oversee bank activity, negotiate contracts with banks, and update services as needed.
- Ensure accounting integrity and compliance with professional accounting standards, rules, regulations, pronouncements and laws such as FASB, GAAP, UPMIFA, and required governmental compliance requirements.
- Oversee accounting and reporting functions for grants, contracts, property acquisition, long-term investments, loan funds, leases, federal funds, debt, tax, revenue and expenditures.
- Oversee accounts receivable including student accounts and loan funds.
- Oversee accounts payable, procurement, fixed asset management, and property acquisition.
- Responsible for bond compliance monitoring and various related reporting.
- Ensure the correct accounting and timely disbursement of funds for campus-based programs and student loan funds.
- Responsible for creating and implementing University policies related to security and safeguarding financial information, record retention and fraud prevention. Ensure that policies and procedures are followed and appropriate controls are in place.
- Attend and participate in the annual budget meetings.
- Attend Board of Trustees meetings including Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Investment Committee and Campus Property Committee. Prepare presentations and participate when needed or requested.
- Attend other committees and meetings as appropriate.
- Responsible for special projects.
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
JOB SCOPE
This position makes high level decisions that can impact the assets and financial integrity of the University. Expected to demonstrate an exceptional ability to make sound decisions, work collaboratively with others on campus, report and investigate any financial irregularities encountered and develop controls and/or establish new policies or guidelines to ensure financial integrity to mitigate risk. Responsible to produce financial reports for internal and external users which must be accurate, timely, and relevant.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
This position supervises, either directly or indirectly, 12 or more employees. All positions in the Business Office are expected to have a certain level of experience with some positions requiring a degree earned from an accredited college or university for a particular position in which they have been hired.
Qualifications
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
- MBA or CPA is preferred.
- Seven years’ experience in a senior finance position with demonstrated progression.
- Higher education experience preferred.
- Experience supervising professional staff.
- Knowledge of integrated administrative software systems and proficient with computer spreadsheet programs (i.e., Excel).
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS
- Knowledge of GAAP, FASB, OMB, AICPA, NACUBO, at an advanced level.
- Ability to organize and manage complex functions and systems.
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
- Must possess excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrates confidentiality regarding information pertaining to all students, faculty and staff.
- Demonstrates success in working with persons from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrates leadership ability in a team environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal working conditions in an office.
Application Materials
Please upload the following documents along with your application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- 3 Professional References
At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. We understand that diverse perspectives and life experiences contribute to personal and professional growth and help create a thriving community. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.
Pacific University is a safe, welcoming work environment that values community and collaboration. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:
- Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
- Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
- Comprehensive dental and vision plans
- Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
- Free mental health appointments
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
- Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
- On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
- Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)
Equal Opportunity Employment
Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.
Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy
Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.
Application Process
To apply, please upload your application materials along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process will not be considered for employment.
Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.
Offers of employment at Pacific University are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and a successful criminal background check.
