The Associate Controller provides strategic leadership for the Controller’s Office and serves as deputy to the Controller. This role oversees key financial reporting operations, including endowments, capital assets, Banner Finance, and shared services. The position ensures GAAP and regulatory compliance, drives continuous process improvements, manages complex audits, and provides financial systems support and guidance to the University community.
Position Number: S88290
This position is a Grade: 13 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $136,340 - $165,880 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation, review, and timely delivery of consolidated financial statements, quarterly/annual reports, and external surveys
- Monitor evolving accounting standards (GAAP) and regulatory guidance, updating institutional policies and advising University leadership accordingly
- Oversee financial reporting for affiliated entities, including Lehigh University Properties (LUP/SRI)
- Oversee monthly investment accounting, custodian reconciliations, and complex endowment unitization processes
- Manage the establishment of new endowment funds and coordinate financial reporting to donors and internal stakeholders.
- Provide oversight for capital assets, buildings, equipment, and real estate transactions
- Oversee the University's rolling inventory control processes and maintain the integrity of asset records within Banner Finance
- Maintain the integrity of the Banner Finance chart of accounts, data structures, and financial monitoring (including deficit management and exception reporting)
- Design, develop, and review specialized financial reports, data exports, and analytics to support campus partners
- Direct, mentor, and develop assigned financial staff, including the Shared Services Supervisor and Financial Analysts
- Oversee Shared Services operations, including Banner index creation, security access administration, and data governance
- Act as senior deputy to the Controller, assisting with departmental prioritization, strategic planning, and operational transitions
- Identify and implement process improvements, operational efficiencies, and enhanced internal controls.
- Serve as a senior leader within the Controller’s Office in support of strategic planning, operational effectiveness, and institutional initiatives
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's Degree preferred
- Eight or more years related work experience
- CPA or equivalent professional certification required
- Demonstrated expertise in GAAP financial reporting, endowment accounting, and capital asset management
- Hands-on experience with ERP financial systems, with Banner Finance experience highly regarded at Lehigh
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and mentor accounting teams through operational and transformational change
- Track record of engaging campus stakeholders on accounting policy, compliance, and financial stewardship
Why Lehigh
Lehigh University combines the academic ambition of a research institution with a close-knit campus culture in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As a member of the University's administrative leadership, you'll benefit from above-market superannuation contributions, generous leave provisions, and robust professional development support including tuition benefits that reflect Lehigh's genuine commitment to lifelong learning.
Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website.
Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
Special Considerations
- The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor
- This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
