Assistant Controller

About the role

As a member of our faculty or staff, you will become part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators and professionals. Together, we work towards a common goal of empowering our students to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. We take pride in our student body, which represents a multitude of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you are involved in teaching or providing essential services, your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.

In addition to our commitment to student success, we also value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support the needs of our faculty and staff. From competitive compensation to health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities to work-life balance initiatives, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.

Located in the thriving community of Gwinnett County, GGC offers a rich cultural and social landscape that enhances the overall college experience. Our backdrop is a beautiful, modern 260-acre campus located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Our students and employees benefit from the close proximity to various local amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This vibrant community serves as an extension of our campus, providing a stimulating environment for personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting and Accounting Operations
  • Assists in leading the College’s accounting and financial reporting functions.
  • Oversees general ledger activity, account reconciliations, journal entries, monthly and year-end close processes, and the review and verification of account balances to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
  • Ensures financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported in accordance with applicable accounting standards, University System of Georgia requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
  • Coordinates and oversees year-end accounting activities, including journal entries, Annual Financial Report (AFR) notes, component unit reporting, and related financial statement preparation to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
  • Prepares and ensures timely submission of the Budget Compliance Report (BCR), Annual Financial Report, Annual Risk Assessment, Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), Segregation of Duties (SOD) reporting, and other required University System of Georgia (USG), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), state, and federal financial reports.
  • Monitors daily general ledger activity, ensuring financial data integrity, troubleshooting accounting issues, and resolving reconciling items in a timely manner including monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations.
  • Coordinates preparation of financial reports, annual reporting requirements, and supporting schedules.
  • Monitors accounting activity, resolves complex accounting issues, and promotes financial data integrity and accuracy.
  • Serves as a resource to campus departments and provides guidance on accounting policies, procedures, and financial reporting requirements.
  • Functions as a data steward for the college’s financial data.
• Grant Accounting and Compliance
  • Oversees grant accounting activities and supports compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements.
  • Monitors grant-related financial transactions, reporting, reconciliations, and cost allowability.
  • Assists with preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and related compliance reporting.
  • Collaborates with principal investigators, grant administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure sound financial stewardship of sponsored funds.
• Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls
  • Coordinates audit preparation activities and serves as a primary liaison for audit requests and supporting documentation.
  • Assists in developing, implementing, and monitoring internal controls designed to safeguard institutional assets, promote financial integrity, and mitigate fraud and compliance risks.
  • Supports corrective action initiatives and continuous improvement efforts related to audit findings and operational risk.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable College, University System of Georgia, state, federal, and other financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Treasury and Cash Management Support
  • Assists with treasury operations, cash management activities, banking relationships, investment administration, and cash flow monitoring.
  • Supports compliance with policies governing cash management and investment activities.
  • Serves as a key backup for treasury functions, reporting activities, and related financial operations.
• ERP Systems and Process Improvement
  • Supports ERP implementation, optimization, testing, training, data validation, and business process improvement initiatives.
  • Participates in evaluating accounting workflows and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reporting, internal controls, and customer service.
  • Assists in maintaining financial system integrity and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
  • Leverages technology and data to improve decision-making and operational effectiveness.
• Leadership and Team Development
  • Provides supervision, coaching, and professional development for assigned staff.
  • Establishes performance expectations and promotes accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
  • Assists in developing and documenting financial procedures, workflows, and cross-training plans.
  • Serves as backup to the Controller and assumes delegated responsibilities as assigned.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 4-year / Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or related field from an accredited institution.
• Eight years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
• Five years of experience supervising professional staff or leading major projects and initiatives.
• Experience in one or more areas of financial operations, such as financial reporting, account reconciliations, year-end closing activities, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience supporting audits or maintaining internal controls.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience.
• CPA or related professional certification.
• Higher education, governmental, public sector, or other highly regulated industry experience.
• Experience preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP and/or GASB.
• Experience supporting annual financial audits and corrective action activities.
• Experience leading timely month-end and year-end close processes.
• Experience with ERP implementation, optimization, or financial system conversions.
• Experience evaluating and strengthening internal controls.
• Experience supervising professional accounting staff.
• Experience with grants, restricted funds, component units, auxiliaries, or foundation-related activities.

Pay

Proposed Salary: $82,500 – $105,100. Salary offer will be dependent on candidate’s experience and qualifications, internal equity considerations, budget availability, and salary administration guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Technical accounting leadership and problem-solving.
• Skilled in professional written and verbal communication and presentations.
• Skilled in organizational and time management with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities.
• Skilled in identifying accounting process deficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
• Skilled in analyzing financial data and identifying trends, discrepancies, and operational risks.
• Knowledge of financial management systems, reporting tools, and computer applications, including advanced Excel functions, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of general accounting and financial management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of grant accounting, sponsored program compliance, and federal grant regulations.
• Knowledge of fraud prevention concepts, segregation of duties, internal controls, and financial risk mitigation practices.
• Knowledge of ERP systems implementation, testing, and business process optimization.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with auditors, grant administrators, campus departments, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Ability to lead others by providing direction, guidance, coaching, and professional development.
• Ability to mentor, train, and develop accounting professionals while fostering accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.