Pepperdine University

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

Reporting to the chief financial officer (CFO), the Controller is responsible for day-to-day finance operations and supervises a team of 40 staff members, including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashier, collections, credit cards, finance systems, payroll, purchasing, construction finance, and tax. The Controller ensures Pepperdine University has the internal controls, systems, and procedures in place to safeguard assets, produce accurate and timely financial reporting, and support exceptional customer service. S/he will be the resident GAAP expert, with deep and current experience in financial reporting and fund accounting. In addition, the Controller will partner with the CFO to mentor and promote the professional development of all members of the Finance team.

Duties

• Manage all aspects of the annual financial statement audit process, as well as the annual ERISA audits, including acting as the main liaison to the external auditors.
• Manage and monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare internal and external financial statements, reviewing financial data to ensure compliance with GAAP.
• Present financial information to the Audit and Governance Committee on a quarterly basis, including, but not limited to financial statements, audit reports, the tax return, and executive expenses.
• Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue, payment of expenses, and recording of assets and liabilities. This includes drafting and overseeing compliance with the University's financial policies and reviewing and approving significant requisitions and payments.
• Research new accounting pronouncements and memorialize the impact to the University in written memoranda.
• Monitor all debt and financial covenants to guarantee conformity.
• Actively lead the Finance team and University stakeholders with proactive communication, begetting trust and collegiality.
• Assess the current accounting and financial operations, offering recommendations for improvement and implementing new processes.
• Assist in managing vendor relations, including commercial banking, lessors, credit card companies, payroll services and collection agencies to facilitate the contracting of services under highly competitive terms.
• Oversee the annual tax return preparation process to ensure compliance and timely filing of returns and reports (including FBARs, Forms 990, 990-T, 5500, and international and state filings).
• Oversee the University's international bank accounts, and research and manage the financial reporting requirements for the University's current and prospective international campuses.
• Hire, train, mentor, and retain skilled finance staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field; CPA, MAcc, and/or MBA.
• Minimum of three years of experience made up of a combination of public accounting and industry experience with increasing functional and leadership responsibility.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with an ability to present complex information in an easily understood manner.
• Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines, including exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong leadership with high standards of excellence.
• Preference to collaborate and develop trusting and collegial relationships with staff and University stakeholders.
• Must display a genuine and heartfelt interest in the mission of the University and be committed to student success.

Preferred:

• An MBA or advanced degree.
• Five years of industry experience.
• Experience using PeopleSoft.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $205,000 - $250,000 per year

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.