Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant (Higher Education) - Remote

Overview

Talantage, LLC is seeking a highly qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with governmental accounting experience in higher education to serve as an Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant for a prestigious university client. This role is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in dynamic environments and can independently manage critical financial functions, reporting, compliance, and process improvement initiatives.

In Short

• Manage and execute month-end close activities, including preparation of checklists, journal entry reviews, and account reconciliations.
• Prepare and present monthly financial reporting packages, including balance sheets, income statements, variance memos, ratio analysis, and cash flow statements.
• Conduct lease accounting reviews and determine treatment of leases and IT agreements per GASB; prepare related entries.
• Provide oversight and recommendations for grant accounting, allocation methodologies, and compliance.
• Maintain and reconcile subledgers (student receivables, payroll, AP, refunds, private loans, prepaid expenses, and component units).
• Deliver high-level financial analysis, cash flow planning, forecasting updates, and ad hoc reporting.
• Participate in monthly financial presentations to management and contribute to accounting discussions and reviews.
• Review, revise, and recommend improvements to financial policies and procedures; identify internal control improvements.
• Support ongoing process improvements, proposing and implementing approved efficiencies.
• Monitor accounting standards to ensure compliance and timely implementation of new guidance.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – required
• Minimum 10 years of relevant accounting experience, including at least 5 years in higher education and governmental accounting
• Experience working with GASB reporting standards
• Strong knowledge of SAP, SAP Business Network (Sourcepoint), and Banner – preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in month-end close, financial reporting, lease/grant accounting, and policy review
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage complex financial processes in a remote environment

Benefits

• Fully remote role
• Equipment will be provided by the service provider
• Candidates must be available during regular business hours for reporting, meetings, and collaboration