Financial Controller

Senior Accountant - Financial Controller

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Accountant to join our team as a Financial Controller. This is a critical role that will play a key part in supporting the university's financial management through robust accounting practices, internal controls, and Financial Aid program oversight.

• This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards related to Financial Aid, maintaining accurate financial records, and assisting with reporting.
• The Senior Accountant will work closely with the CFO and Reporting Analyst, as well as the parent company's Finance Corporate Team, to ensure alignment with international financial standards and support sustainable growth.

Main Responsibilities:

• Implement and maintain internal financial controls, ensuring adherence to university policies and international financial standards (GAAP, IFRS).
• Support the CFO in updating financial policies and procedures.
• Conduct audits of financial records, including Financial Aid disbursements, to verify accuracy, integrity, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards across U.S. and European operations.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. federal regulations, including Title IV and related state requirements.
• Manage and monitor federal student aid awards, loans, disbursements, and reconciliations in alignment with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of student aid data for U.S. Department of Education reporting and compliance with Federal Student Aid (FSA) and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) requirements.
• Assist in preparing documentation and reports.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and accruals, with a focus on Financial Aid accounts.
• Reconcile inter-company accounts, including those associated with Financial Aid disbursements, and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger transactions, ensuring compliance with the university's financial policies.

Financial Reporting & Analysis Support:

• Assist the Reporting Analyst in preparing consolidated financial statements and monthly reporting on Financial Aid allocations and usage.
• Support the preparation of financial reports for internal stakeholders and the parent company.
• Conduct variance analysis on Financial Aid expenditures and university-wide financial statements.

Budgeting & Forecasting Assistance:

• Contribute to the budgeting and forecasting process by gathering data on Financial Aid needs and assisting with university-wide budget preparation.
• Work with management to monitor budget adherence, identify areas for cost control, and provide periodic updates on financial position.
• Support budget-to-actual analyses, highlighting key variances for CFO review.

Process Improvement & Documentation:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Support the CFO in establishing policies and procedures.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all Financial Aid and financial control procedures.

Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; pursuing certifications (e.g., CPA) is advantageous.
• 1-3 years of experience in accounting and financial control (ideally within a U.S.-based, Title IV-compliant institution).
• Proficiency with financial management software, ERP systems, and Student Financial Aid management tools.
• Advanced skills in Excel for data analysis (e.g., pivot tables, data validation) and financial reporting related to aid compliance.
• Knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory frameworks specific to Title IV and Student Financial Aid in higher education.
• General knowledge of the higher education industry preferred. Experience of managing banking and accounts.
• Understanding of U.S. federal and state Student Financial Aid regulations, including Title IV and Department of Education standards, is recommended.
• Exceptional analytical abilities with strong attention to detail, particularly in financial data related to Student Financial Aid.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, efficiency, and accountability. Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Languages either native English speaker or proficiency level of English competency. Local language (French, German, Spanish) will be desirable.

Conditions:

• Undefined contract.
• Full-time schedule: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and Friday from 09:00 am to 03:00 pm.
• Possibility of one day working in remote per month.
• 22 days of vacation per year + 1 week off at Christmas and 1 week off during Easter.
• Belong to an international & dynamic work environment.

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