Kalamazoo College is seeking an experienced and collaborative Associate Controller to provide leadership over expense-based accounting operations and strengthen financial stewardship across the College. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this role oversees key functions including Payroll, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Fixed Assets, and Investments, while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service.
The Associate Controller plays a critical role in supporting institutional decision-making through reliable reporting, strong internal controls, and timely financial analysis. This position also provides direct supervision of accounting staff and serves as a financial liaison across campus. Apply via Indeed
In this role, you will:
- Lead and supervise the Payroll & Accounting Associate, Accountant, and Accounting Associate
- Oversee Payroll, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Fixed Assets, and Investment functions
- Manage the accounts payable process, including invoices, reimbursements, and p-card reconciliations
- Administer the Emburse Enterprise expense management system and ensure accurate processing of transactions
- Review and approve payments, ensuring compliance with College policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Identify and resolve payment processing issues and communicate documentation requirements to employees
- Review vendor records and ensure proper classification and compliance with IRS guidelines
- Process domestic and international wire transfers and oversee timely execution of payments
- Manage IRS 1099 reporting and oversee the College purchasing card program
- Supervise payroll operations, including processing, reconciliation, issue resolution, and coordination with HR
- Support preparation and distribution of W-2 statements and related reporting
- Oversee fixed asset accounting and reporting
- Manage investment accounting, reconciliations, roll forwards, and transaction recording in Fundriver
- Prepare reports and analysis for the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees
- Maintain and manage ERP system access and general ledger account structures
- Prepare and review monthly financial statements, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations
- Develop audit schedules, bank reconciliations, and investment confirmations
- Provide financial analysis, reporting, and consultation to campus stakeholders
- Support process improvements, internal controls, and risk mitigation efforts
- Serve as a trusted financial partner to faculty, advancement, and administrative units
- Contribute to special projects and initiatives supporting institutional priorities
You’re a great fit if you have:
We’re seeking someone with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Ideal candidates bring:
- Bring at least five years of progressive accounting experience
- Have five years of experience with automated general ledgers and advanced Excel usage
- Have supervisory experience and enjoy mentoring and developing staff
- Understand GAAP and accounting practices in higher education or nonprofit environments (preferred)
- Are highly proficient in financial systems, reporting tools, and data analysis
- Have strong knowledge of payroll, AP, purchasing, fixed assets, and investment accounting
- Communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Are detail-oriented, organized, and committed to accuracy and deadlines
- Can analyze complex financial issues and develop practical solutions
- Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
- Thrive in a collaborative environment and demonstrate a team-first mindset
- Are committed to excellence in service and advancing the College’s mission and values
Applicants are asked to upload a resume and cover letter. Applications received by August 7, 2026, will receive full consideration, with later applications reviewed as needed until the position is filled. Compensation will be determined at the time of hire.
Kalamazoo College is proud of offer a robust and reliable slate of benefits. A continued goal is to maximize our benefits while minimizing costs to employees, families, and the College.
ASR Health Benefits
Choice of two PPO plans with options for single, double, and family coverage. Includes prescription drug benefits. Robust support for behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and chronic condition management.
Employee Health Costs
ASR Health Benefits
Includes options for single, double, and family coverage. No network means that any dental provider is permissible.
Employee Dental Costs
ASR Health Benefits
Includes options for single, double, and family coverage. No network means that any vision provider is permissible.
Employee Vision Costs
Unum
Voluntary accident insurance – Employee paid
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance – Employee paid
Burnham & Flower
Health Care FSA
Dependent Care FSA
Unum
Basic life insurance – Employer paid
Voluntary supplemental life insurance – Employee paid
Unum
Long- and Short-term disability salary continuation – employer paid
TIAA
With an employer contribution and an employer match
Behavioral Health Services
Available to all employees and their household members at no cost
Acrisure Benefits Group
Assistance in navigating complex employee benefit situations at no cost
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Intentional community-building efforts
Getting settled information
Visit our complete Benefits Guide for more information
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.
