Description

Position Summary
The Assistant Controller plays a key role in Westmont College’s financial operations by ensuring accurate accounting records, regulatory compliance, and the timely delivery of financial information. This position advances the College’s mission by providing financial leadership and stewardship of institutional and gift-funded resources, overseeing core accounting functions, supporting reporting, and facilitating clear communication with leadership, Trustees, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Recurring Accounting Activities
Monitor and reconcile deposits of payments received online, in-person, and via mail
Oversee all accounts payable operations, ensuring accurate substantiation, approval, payment, and reconciliation of outstanding balances
Perform and review bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness
Validate accounting procedures performed by other departments, including employee benefit expenditures, payroll entries, and auxiliary services revenues  
Support Chart of Accounts maintenance to ensure consistent financial reporting
Prepare and file the IRS Form 990 for the College and the College Foundation
Record and reconcile annuity and trust activity, including quarterly entries, matured instruments, and required regulatory filings.
Support preparation of the annual FISAP report to the Department of Education
Draw down and record federal financial aid funding; invoice and record research and grant-based revenues; ensure compliance with funder and governmental requirements

Financial Reporting & Audit
Support the Controller in the preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with FASB standards, including footnotes, and coordinate directly with external auditors
Produce and analyze monthly management reports and quarterly Trustee reports, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and usefulness for decision-making
Maintain and enhance financial reporting tools that provide timely budget and gift-funded resource information to departmental managers, enabling strong stewardship of funds
Build collaborative relationships across campus by assisting and educating employees on financial information relevant to their roles, tailoring support to varied levels of expertise
Maintain the integrity of a balanced general ledger across all funds at all times

Investment & Asset Accounting
Record and reconcile investment activity on a monthly basis
Administer endowment accounting and unitization on at least a quarterly basis, supporting accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted endowment funds
Assist the Controller in the management of fixed assets and capital leases, including asset schedules, additions and disposals, and depreciation calculations

Other Responsibilities
Provide accounting and financial report leadership for the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Committee, including management of an active CIP request list
Support the Controller in the development and maintenance of the College’s budget
Support major vendor relationships, including invoice and contract review and coordinating with relevant departments at Westmont.  
Serve as backup administrator for Westmont’s Housing Assistance Programs, which includes overseeing real estate transactions; communicating with employee, property management, bank, and government stakeholders; calculating equity shares; and coordinating showings and move-in and move-out procedures
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the College’s financial operations

Professional Demeanor and Skills
Expectations for workplace demeanor include but are not limited to: working collaboratively and harmoniously with co-workers, customers and others by sharing ideas and resources willingly, constructively and positively; listening to and objectively and respectfully considering the ideas and perspectives of others; readily admitting and correcting personal mistakes; meeting commitments; keeping your supervisor and others who may be affected informed about work progress; addressing problems willingly and constructively to discover practical and lasting solutions acceptable to all parties; working promptly toward reconciliation and forgiveness during conflict; respecting the diversity of our community in words and deeds.

Requirements

Education and Credentials
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred
Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Experience
Minimum of five years of progressive experience in accounting, financial reporting, or analytics; higher education experience preferred
Demonstrated effectiveness in supervising staff and managing projects or operations.
Experience reconciling complex accounts, preparing financial statements, completing tax filings, and working with auditors
Skills and Competencies
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, with creativity and flexibility in addressing challenges
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information in clear, accessible ways
Proven self-starter who can prioritize effectively in a high-volume workflow
Proficiency with financial management systems, spreadsheets, and relational databases
Capacity to work collaboratively across the College community and contribute to a culture of respect, accountability, and integrity