Position Summary
This Associate Controller position is intended to focus on the appropriate accounting, reporting, and supervision of all expense-based transactions. This position will be responsible for Payroll, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Fixed Assets, Investments, and financial reporting.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, this position will perform general accounting functions through account analysis, monthly journal entries, reconciliations, preparation of various analytical, financial and Investment reports. This position includes supervision of the Payroll & Accounting Associate, Accountant and Accounting Associate, along with the tasks associated with those positions such as managing Payroll, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Fixed Assets, and Investments. The associate controller strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the student experience. The successful candidate will recognize and demonstrate understanding of exceptional customer service and teamwork.
Responsibilities
- Manages accounts payable process including invoices, employee expense reimbursements and p-card reconciliations.
- Administers the Emburse Enterprise expense management system.
- Verifies that all payments being processed are complete, accurate and approved and in accordance with the College’s Policies and Procedures. Carefully adheres to internal control requirements. Communicates with employees regarding report documentation standards and approvals.
- Identifies and resolves payment processing issues.
- Reviews vendor information to ensure all vendors are set up correctly and verifies that vendors are appropriately classified per IRS guidelines.
- Processes domestic and international wires by established deadlines using online banking platform.
- Processes and transmits annual IRS 1099 forms.
- Oversees College purchasing card program.
- Supervises the preparation, analysis, maintenance, and processing of the College’s payroll function
- Provide technical support, training, and general backup for the payroll operation.
- Review payroll transactions, reconcile/review related accounts and resolve payroll issues.
- Coordinate with HR to ensure accurate payroll processing.
- Coordinate the processing of annual W2 statements.
- Responsible for fixed asset accounting and reporting.
- Accounting for short-term and long-term investments, including reconciliations and roll forwards. Execute all approved investment transactions and record activity in Fundriver. Prepare reports for the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees.
- ERP system management including access and GL account management.
- Responsible for the preparation and review of monthly financial statements.
- Reconcile, prepare and/or review journal entries on a monthly basis.
- Preparation and review of various balance sheet reconciliations.
- Prepare audit schedules and bank and investment confirmations.
- Complete ad-hoc financial analysis and reports as needed.
- Assist leadership with special projects and reports.
- Act as the Financial Liaison/Consultant to all Faculty, Advancement, and College Administrative staff.
- Assist with process improvement, internal control, and risk mitigation efforts.
- Demonstrates knowledge of and supports Kalamazoo College mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
- Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with all information obtained.
- Complete all tasks accurately within specified deadlines.
- Must be able to work with a flexible work schedule when needed.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or a related field, and will also demonstrate many of the following skills, abilities, and characteristics:
- Five years of accounting experience is required.
- Five years of automated general ledger, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and word processing applications is required.
- Supervisory experience is required.
- Higher Education or non-profit experience is preferred.
- Understanding and knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, Higher Education or non-profit accounting, effective communication techniques both written and verbal, and skills for dealing with complex issues.
- Knowledgeable and strong in oral and written communication.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve problems in an effective and timely manner.
- Ability to articulate and demonstrate commitment to the philosophy, values, mission and vision of the College.
- Ability to interact with co-workers, faculty, staff, administration, students and the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
- Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
- Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
- Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
Essential Abilities
These requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
- Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment.
- Advanced proficiency with excel.
- Ability to access, create, send and retrieve data from all systems.
- Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
- Ability to effectively problem solve.
- Ability to comprehend financial documents for purposes of preparing and analyzing such information.
- Ability to read, survey information, and other documentation received in the course of performing duties.
- Ability to communicate with employees and to answer and process questions.
Application Instructions
Applicants are asked to upload a resume and cover letter. Completed applications received by August 7, 2026, will receive full consideration, with later applications reviewed as needed until the positions are filled. Compensation will be determined at the time of hire. Indeed-posted compensation is an estimate. The successful candidate will be start at a mutually agreeable time.
About Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College is a community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are committed to making an exceptional place to learn, live, and work. At Kalamazoo College, cultivating a profound sense of belonging and advancing meaningful inclusivity are foundational to who we are and what we do. Individuals who share similar commitments are invited to apply for employment.
Kalamazoo College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college known for rigorous academics and offering an integrated undergraduate experience that weaves a traditional liberal arts curriculum into educational experiences in both domestic and international settings with the majority of our graduates participating in study abroad. Kalamazoo College is committed to the liberal arts and sciences, experiential education, freedom of individual conscience and celebration of diversity and inclusion. It is one of the nation’s 100 oldest colleges and universities and a thought leader and innovator in higher education.
The campus of Kalamazoo College is located midway between Chicago and Detroit in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a metropolitan community of 261,000, which supports multiple college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations and sports teams. Thirty-five miles from Lake Michigan, the area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The city is home to the Kalamazoo Promise, which covers up to 100% tuition and fees at Michigan colleges, universities, and trade schools for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Kalamazoo College encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of the College to apply and to identify themselves if they wish. An equal opportunity employer, Kalamazoo College is committed to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal protection under the law. Please be invited to review our full EEO statement by visiting https://www.kzoo.edu/about/nondiscrimination-policy/. To provide a safe and secure educational environment, Kalamazoo College conducts criminal background reviews on all people who receive an offer of employment. Kalamazoo College is an E-Verify participating employer. Please select Notice and Rights for more information.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
