Assistant Controller

Position Overview

Cleary University is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to join our Finance Team. The Assistant Controller will support the Controller in overseeing the institution’s accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. This role will play a key part in Cleary University’s transition to the new Jenzabar One ERP system, helping to modernize and integrate financial processes across the University.

The ideal candidate will bring both strong accounting expertise and a systems-oriented mindset to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.

Cleary University is a private, non-profit business university dedicated to providing practical, career-focused education through innovative programs and community engagement. Our mission is to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly changing world through academic excellence, experiential learning, and ethical practice.

• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure all financial reports are accurate, timely, and compliant with GAAP and institutional policies.
• Conduct financial analysis and present findings to senior management.
• Assist with financial reporting for grants, restricted funds, and compliance filings.

• Oversee daily accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger maintenance.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Review data export between MIP accounting software and Budget Pak budget development software for accuracy.
• Review account reconciliations, journal entries, and support documentation for accuracy.
• Support cash management activities, including bank reconciliations and monitoring of liquidity.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as institutional policies.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard University assets.
• Assist in the preparation for external audits and coordinate audit activities.
• Support compliance with federal and state grant requirements, including reporting and recordkeeping.

• Assist in the development of the annual budget and multi-year financial forecasts.
• Support departments in budget preparation and management.
• Monitor actual results against budget and provide variance analysis.
• Supervise accounting staff, providing guidance, support, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, efficient, and positive work environment within the Finance team.
• Cross-train staff and promote continuous improvement in financial operations.

• Lead and support the implementation, integration, and ongoing optimization of the University’s ERP (Jenzabar One) and related financial systems.
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency through improved systems and processes.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure accurate data flow and reporting alignment between accounting, budgeting, HR, and student systems.
• Train staff on financial systems, policies, and procedures.
• Work closely with departments such as Financial Aid, Human Resources, Athletics, and Student Services to ensure the accuracy of financial transactions and reporting.
• Provide guidance on financial policies and system workflows to support operational consistency.

• Serve as a key finance liaison for the implementation of Cleary University’s Jenzabar One ERP system.
• Collaborate with the Controller, IT, and Jenzabar consultants to define system requirements, test financial workflows, and validate data migration from legacy systems (MIP and Budget Pak).
• Assist in developing and documenting chart of accounts mapping, internal workflows, and financial reporting structures within Jenzabar One.
• Participate in system testing, user acceptance, and go-live readiness to ensure financial accuracy and compliance with GAAP and institutional policies.
• Monitor post-implementation system performance and coordinate process improvements to…