Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Adelphi University in their search for Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller (AVPF&C).

For best consideration, please apply by August 16, 2021.

Adelphi University offers a dynamic environment for a strong financial leader looking to make a lasting impact as they step into this transformative role with the opportunity to contribute to the restructure and financial operations of the University. The ideal candidate is a tech savvy change agent well versed in accounting principles to join this data and numbers focused culture.

This position is well supported from the top down as the University invests to modernize their practices. The AVPF&C joins an energized team as they support a financially oriented President with a successful track record of adapting to the current trends in higher education.

The Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and oversee approximately twenty-three team members. The AVPF&C is responsible for overseeing all of the accounting and financial reporting functions, and cash and investment management and serving as the key liaison to the One Stop Shop with the student accounts and Bursar functions. The Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller is responsible for monitoring and ensuring adherence to the internal control policies and procedures of the University. This position will also have ability to sign certain University contracts.

The position offers a competitive salary and benefits.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Financial Accounting and Reporting:

1. Oversee the day to day financial accounting business processes including cash receipts, cash disbursements, payroll, investment management, purchasing, and grants accounting.
2. Oversee the annual external financial statement audit, including the A-133 and NCAA audits.
3. Prepare regular financial reports to assess performance to date and collaborate with the external auditors during the annual audit.
4. Lead the implementation of new accounting standards for financial statements, revenue recognition, and lease accounting.
5. In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, represent the University with external parties such as auditors, banks, investment and tax consultants, attorneys and the Internal Revenue Service.
6. Collaborate with other members of the University on matters relating to finance.
7. Serve as the primary contact person with the Office of Information and Technology for SAAS (general ledger) and other financial accounting and information systems.
8. Prepare and reconcile fundraising reports for the Office of University Advancement and distribution to the Board of Trustees and President.
9. Prepare ad hoc reports and analyses, as requested by the President, Vice President for Finance and Admin, and Chief Financial Officer.
10. Prepare quarterly and ad hoc financial reports for Board of Trustees to assess the financial health of the University and support decision-making.
11. Review and authorize all accounts payable checks ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures and external regulations.
12. Review all expense reimbursements for the President and Trustees, and prepare reports on such activities for submission to the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Regulatory Compliance:

1. Ensure that effective internal controls are in place and compliance.
2. Ensure compliance with long-term debt agreements, including debt service payments, annual reporting requirements, monthly billings and debt covenants.
3. Lead the preparation of financial reporting and documentation associated with any financings.
4. Manage Endowment funds for compliance with donor stipulated endowment and restricted fund agreements.
5. Ensure compliance with all IRS tax policies and regulations
6. Prepare various external financial reports including IPEDS, Federal Nursing Loan Report, Annual Financial Aid Report (FISAP), and other reports as required by the federal government and other external reporting agencies.
7. Prepare all tax returns - Forms 990, 990-T, 1099's, 1098's, W-2's, 941's, etc.

Cash and Investments:

1. Oversee the treasury operation and coordinate investment management operations and reporting with the university's Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO).
2. Work with the OCIO to provide quarterly investment reports for Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees.
3. Manage daily operating cash and approving wire transfers and ACH payments.
4. Monitor investments, ensuring compliance with approved allocations and investment policy alongside the OCIO.
5. Prepare Cash Flow Analysis and Projections.

Student Account Services and Cashiers:

1. Work with members of Enrollment, Registrar, Student Account Services, and Student Financial Services to implement the One Stop Shop where all student-facing functions within these areas will be centralized.
2. Coordinate the collection of student accounts receivable for current and past-due accounts with the One Stop Shop.
3. Review and approve all student refund requests as necessary in conjunction with the One Stop Shop.
4. Approve all requests for write offs of student accounts and assignment to outside collection agencies.
5. Approve exceptions to the University's policies for Tuition and Fee, refunds, billing and payment policies and procedures, expense reimbursements.
6. Oversee the billing and financial reports requirements for all grants and sponsored projects.

Human Resources:

1. Review monthly medical claims and ensure adequate reserves are maintained for the University's self-insured medical plan. Participating in semi-annual meetings with the Insurance Carriers and consultants regarding medical and pharmacy plans.
2. Collaborate with Human Resources on labor relation negotiations, medical, retirement and other fringe benefits.

REQUIREMENTS: (Knowledge, skills and abilities)

1. Significant experience in how state and federal laws and regulations impact private universities, including policies and procedures in the areas of business, financial administration, and risk management.
2. Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Standards pertaining to higher education institutions.
3. A work history that demonstrates progressively higher levels of managerial and administrative responsibility in comparable public or private institutions of higher education.
4. Excellent communication, managerial and human relations skills.
5. Knowledge of implementation of automated solutions in finance and administration, i.e., e-Procurement, financial reporting, etc. ERP implementation experience a plus.
6. Knowledge of investments, banking, and fringe benefits.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
2. Master's degree or Certification in Public Accounting (CPA) required.
3. 10 years of experience in higher education finance.
4. Strong supervisory skills and experience required.

POSITION(S) DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

1. Assistant Controllers (2).
2. Executive Director of Accounting and Finance.
3. Director of Cashiers.
4. Director of Student Account Services.

ABOUT ADELPHI UNIVERSITY:

Adelphi University located in Garden City since 1929 was the first private, coeducational university on Long Island. Adelphi was first founded as Adelphi Academy in 1863 and originally located in Brooklyn.

Currently, more than 8,100 students are thriving in their classrooms, programs, on sports fields at the main Garden City campus and at centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie. Adelphi reaches more students than ever before with multiple dynamic learning hubs and convenient online options. Colleges include the College of Arts and Sciences; the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology; the Honors College; the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business; the College of Education and Health Sciences (comprised of the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and the School of Health Sciences); the College of Nursing and Public Health; the School of Social Work; and the College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Scholars throughout the University are making significant contributions to their disciplines. In recent years, Adelphi faculty members have been recognized as Fulbright and Hartford Scholars, and have received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The School of Social Work is accredited for the maximum time that the accrediting agency grants.

Adelphi University has a strong and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

LIVING IN THE AREA:

Grand houses. Wide boulevards. Charming scenery. A safe, small-town community feel. It’s no wonder Garden City, a village of about 20,000 residents, earned a rare overall A+ by Niche.com in Best Suburbs to Live in New York category. This Long Island locale is filled with shops, restaurants, pubs, architectural gems, historic landmarks, museums and recreational activities. Long Island’s famous beaches and other shopping, dining and entertainment destinations; and of course, our nearby neighbor, New York City.
The campus is easily accessible via public transportation.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

For best consideration, please apply by August 16, 2021.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and CV. To be considered, applications must be made through the application link and not emailed.

Review will begin upon receipt. Inquiries, referrals and nominations are treated confidentially and can be sent to: Jennifer Muller, Academic Career & Executive Search at Jennifer@ACESrch.com.

Adelphi University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. They encourage you to consider becoming part of their community and welcome applications from all candidates, including people of color and those who are, or identify as, members of any marginalized, underserved or underrepresented group. You can read their University statement on diversity here: https://www.adelphi.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/about/.