Senior Associate University Comptroller
The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles - a global center for arts, technology and international business. USC has embarked on an unprecedented period of expansion and is now poised to take its place as the preeminent research institution of the 21st century. We are looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education. As the city's largest private employer, responsible for more than $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work.
The USC Finance Division - Office of the Comptroller is seeking a strategic-minded and experienced Senior Associate University Comptroller with strong business acumen and leadership capabilities to join its team.
The USC Finance Division - Office of the Comptroller handles various accounting & financial processes for the University, including the establishment, implementation, and administration of: university accounting principles, practices, and procedures, systems for the maintenance of its fiscal records, and preparation of financial reports. The Comptroller's Office manages Fringe Benefits Accounting, Financial Systems Administration, Financial System Access & Support, and University Payroll Services. The USC Office of the Comptroller values accountability, teamwork, open communication, integrity, and opportunities for growth and professional development.
About the Opportunity:
Reporting to the University Comptroller, the Senior Associate University Comptroller has the overall accountability for the financial controls of university's academic and health enterprises. Monitors best practices in accounting using financial analytics to forecast the future needs of the organization and aligns financial performance and responsibility objectives with university overall strategic plan. Validates and implements integrated and coherent financial control policies and processes within university to enhance its business practices. Responsible for leading and directing teams to achieve the university business strategy related to financial performance and responsibility; implementing an organization wide technology system integration, modeling and cultivating the organizational culture, values and behaviors within a team.
Accountabilities of the Senior Associate University Comptroller:
- Serves as the organizational authority on achieving financial accounting requirements. Develops and implements policies and decision-making process for key financial controls that are aligned and integrated with the University strategic plan. Directs daily operations to ensure adherence to established standards of accounting principles, Board of Trustee rules and regulations and university policies. Ensures university accounting procedures comply with generally accepted accounting principles. Maintains budget control and ensures university funds are dispersed according to budget guidelines.
- Responsible for financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly and annual reporting. Prepares financial statements. Prepares and provides financial data necessary for completion of financial reports and/or annual surveys. Provides ongoing financial analysis, as necessary.
- Evaluates and uses judgment to analyze and project the fiscal year end expenditures and revenues are on target to budget.
- Assists in the preparation and auditor review of the annual financial statements and reports. Coordinates information between external auditors and university departments regarding the fiscal year end audits.
- Acts as a liaison between university and auditor for information requests. Provides internal and external reports and analyses. Coordinates the production of the annual financial report.
- Evaluates monthly financial performance projection reports which outlines the university operation budget for all schools, auxiliaries and administrative departments. Communicates with schools and departments to understand their unit's fiscal performance.
- Monitors ledger transactions to ensure data integrity and compliance to university guidelines and policies. Develops queries and special reports utilizing financial systems to ensure accuracy.
- Directly supervises all assigned subordinate staff. Recruits, screens, hires and trains staff. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback to assigned staff. Counsels, disciplines and/or terminates employees as required. Recommends departmental goals and objectives. Implements and communicates to staff. Reassesses or redefines priorities as appropriate to achieve performance objectives.
- Accountable for the development of team members by helping them set and achieve goals for their career growth. Fosters an inclusive environment that values differences and creates a sense of belonging and appreciation for team members. Leads by example, demonstrating strong ethics, high accountability, and actively drive the process of embedding organizational values and behaviors. Creates a culture of trust and transparency. Drives best-in-class customer service to USC through effective team member engagement.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders by participating in governance boards, councils, and meetings to understand current and future business needs, and to ensure consistent, reliable service. Develops relationships across campus and uses clear and effective communication; identifying and addressing priorities, issues and strategic challenges for the university regarding best practices and technology around financial performance and responsibility.
- Monitors best practices in accounting using financial analytics to forecast the future needs of the organization and aligns financial performance and responsibility objectives with university overall strategic plan.
- Serves as a key resource for account structure and financial decisions and information. Resolves problems or questions referred by staff, senior university administrators, or professionals outside the university.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
USC Employee Benefits and Perks:
Employee benefits and perks at USC include a broad range of programs to help protect the health, wealth and future of its employees and their family. We offer benefits which include medical/health, dental, vision coverage, generous holiday and vacation accrual plans, a choice among competitive retirement options, life insurance and other types of financial protection, tuition assistance for staff members and their eligible family members, child care programs, credit union memberships, library privileges, neighborhood homeownership assistance, and participation in cultural and social events. Learn more about our employee benefits and perks at: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks
Come and join the USC Office of the Comptroller - a team that values accountability, teamwork, open communication, integrity, and opportunities for growth and professional development.
The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.
The ideal candidate for the position of Senior Associate University Comptroller meets the following criteria:
- Master's degree in Business Administration
- At least 10 years of management experience and accounting and financial systems experience
- Experience in Public Accounting
- Experience in Payroll Administration is also desired
- Active/Valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license
- Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
- Demonstrated strong oral and written communication and analytical skills
- Ability to work effectively with senior management
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Must be detail-oriented with ability to multi-task and meet time sensitive deadlines