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At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 8,000 students from over 100 countries , offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris . Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
The Assistant Controller manages a team of staff responsible for the maintenance of the University’s financial records. The Assistant Controller supervises the Accounting Director, Senior Accountant, Senior Accounting Clerk, and Junior Accountant. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President and Controller to ensure the accurate and timely closing of the general ledger and the successful completion of the annual financial statement, retirement plan, and financial aid audits. This position also works very closely with the Financial Reporting Director to ensure that the information in the university’s internal and external financial reports are complete, accurate and issued on a timely basis.
The Assistant Controller plays a pivotal role in supporting the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the University’s finance department. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Controller, this position ensures compliance with institutional policies, regulatory standards, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), while fostering a culture of transparency and fiscal responsibility.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Strategic Oversight
Oversee and monitor the goals and priorities of the department and promote staff development.
Work with the AVP Controller on the development, codification, documentation, implementation, and training of staff on accounting policies and procedures.
Special projects as identified.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Facilitate the timely and complete monthly close of accounting records and the preparation of monthly and quarterly reports.
Analyze and review monthly, quarterly, and year-end account reconciliations, and ensure the timely and accurate preparation of mid-year and year-end financial statements, including footnote disclosures.
Distinguish, investigate, and explain financial statement variances against the prior year and the budget in consultation with other responsible departments and the budget office as needed.
Collaborate with the Financial Reporting Director and the Assistant Vice President, FP&A and Strategic Initiatives to prepare a quarterly financial report that includes actual year-to-date amounts, projections for the full year with a comparison to the budget and the prior year, and explanations of significant variances.
Identify financial statement trends and assist in identifying and implementing appropriate internal controls and best practices for accounting processes and systems in a higher education/not-for-profit environment.
Accounting Operations & Compliance
Maintain the Workday Finance General Ledger, including the maintenance of the chart of accounts, journal entry review, and all general ledger feeds from other University systems.
Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and coordinate with other university departments regarding timely fiscal close processes.
Aid in the design and maintenance of financial systems to support the related policies and procedures, particularly as they relate to segregation of duties.
Certify that all contract revenue is appropriately recognized in accordance with revenue recognition principles.
Audit & Regulatory Reporting
Work with the Financial Reporting Director to complete the Single Audit, 403(b) audit, and financial statement audit, as well as the accurate and timely…