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, Eugene, and Woodburn. 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 Assistant Controller plays an active role ensuring the University meets its financial accounting objectives and complies with governmental regulations. This includes overseeing key aspects of the University’s accounting operations and working directly with University personnel on financial and compliance matters. The Assistant Controller partners with AVP Finance and Controller in the decision making, planning, and organization reporting requirements. Responsibilities include financial administration of federal, state and private grants, including maintaining restricted accounts. Demonstrating effective employee and customer relationship abilities is an essential key to success in this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicates transparently and resolves conflicts to foster a successful team that encourages and appreciates diverse perspectives and cohesiveness.
• Responsible for timely and accurate recording of financial transactions. Maintains compliance with financial accounting and reporting standards in accordance with professional accounting standards. Ensures financial objectives and reporting deadlines are met.
• Prepares financial and grant reports in compliance with applicable accounting and grant principles and standards. Requests federal and nonfederal drawdown of funds as needed.
• Prepares and oversees financial reporting for the Single Audit and assigned tax filings. Works directly with the external auditors.
• Coordinates the reconciliation of general ledger balances with external department records for federal, state, and private financial awards. Maintains appropriate restricted accounts. Makes required general ledger entries for administrative allowances, matching requirements, federal award transfers, and year-end reclassification. Completes required reporting and funding requests for federal, state and private grants.
• Prepares various interim year-end audit schedules, working closely with AVP Finance and Controller during audit.
• Reconciles and delegates various accounting reconciliations including bank statements, student accounts, investments, gift reconciliations, and other accounts.
• Actively participates in advancing automation and technology to increase efficiency and enhance business processes, internal controls, and user experience. Assists in the implementation of new financial systems and processes including design, testing, and training. Communicates with other departments regarding Business Office policies and procedures, providing ongoing training and guidance to faculty and staff.
• Assists with maintaining the chart of accounts, integrity of information and generating reports in the accounting system.
• Oversees plant asset and capital project accounting, working with project management as needed.
• Actively participates in staff meetings and other University related meetings.
• Evaluates and improves the quality and efficiency of accounting processes and procedures.
• Provides financial analysis as requested in coordination with the AVP Finance/Controller.

JOB SCOPE

Performs duties with minimal direction, operating from established guidelines, generally accepted accounting principles and regulations. Makes decisions within general university policy constraints, in coordination with the AVP Finance and Controller.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other directly related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a non-profit or educational institution environment and grant experience preferred.
• Five years to seven years’ accounting experience, including financial reporting.
• Experience and success supervising professional and non-professional staff.
• Knowledge of integrated administrative software systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office, and reporting software, with intermediate/advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience in public accounting a plus.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS:

• Strong analytical skills and accounting experience.
• Demonstrates knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, accounting standards including grants.
• Effective and appropriate communication skills with students, faculty, staff and the public.
• Takes into consideration body language, listening and questions with people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
• Demonstrates written and oral communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate financial issues to various stakeholders.
• Takes initiative and responsibility to eliminate sources of problems.
• Demonstrates confidentiality regarding information pertaining to all students, faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead and motivate teams on complex projects.
• Maintains proper appearance and personal conduct
• Embraces core values of equity, access, collaboration, partnership, agility, wisdom and kindness.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal working conditions in the office.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

Climbing __Balancing __Stooping __Kneeling __Crouching __Crawling __Reaching __Standing

_X_Walking _Pushing __Pulling __Lifting __Fingering __Grasping __Feeling _X_Talking _X_Hearing

__Repetitive motion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

_X_Sedentary work __Light work __Medium work __Heavy work __Very Heavy work __Visual acuity

At Pacific University we are dedicated to providing experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity minded, and responsive. We continue to develop our equity practices with a particular focus on racial equity.

For qualifying employees, our benefits include generous paid time off for vacation, holidays (including winter break) and sick leave. We offer medical coverage with alternative care (in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction), comprehensive dental, vision plans, 9% contribution to retirement after one year of service with no match required, free mental health appointments, and tuition remission for employees and their dependents. We cover employer paid life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance. On campus benefits include free access to our sports facility and library, with discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and gear rentals through our outdoor program (kayaks, snow shoes, bikes and more).

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of Pacific University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military, veteran or Vietnam Era status, or any other protected classification recognized by applicable law, in admission, access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities as required by 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, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or any other applicable state or federal law, or city ordinance. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, provost@pacificu.edu.

Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by telephone. The hiring process normally consists of several interviews and can last several weeks depending on the position. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.