Assistant Controller

Join The New School 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 8,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
 

The Assistant Controller manages a team of staff responsible for the maintenance of the University’s financial records. The Assistant Controller supervises the Accounting Director, Senior Accountant, Senior Accounting Clerk, and Junior Accountant. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President and Controller to ensure the accurate and timely closing of the general ledger and the successful completion of the annual financial statement, retirement plan, and financial aid audits. This position also works very closely with the Financial Reporting Director to ensure that the information in the university’s internal and external financial reports are complete, accurate and issued on a timely basis.

The Assistant Controller plays a pivotal role in supporting the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the University’s finance department. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Controller, this position ensures compliance with institutional policies, regulatory standards, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), while fostering a culture of transparency and fiscal responsibility.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Oversee and monitor the goals and priorities of the department and promote staff development.
• Work with the AVP Controller on the development, codification, documentation, implementation, and training of staff on accounting policies and procedures.
• Special projects as identified.
   

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Facilitate the timely and complete monthly close of accounting records and the preparation of monthly and quarterly reports.
• Analyze and review monthly, quarterly, and year-end account reconciliations, and ensure the timely and accurate preparation of mid-year and year-end financial statements, including footnote disclosures.
• Distinguish, investigate, and explain financial statement variances against the prior year and the budget in consultation with other responsible departments and the budget office as needed.
• Collaborate with the Financial Reporting Director and the Assistant Vice President, FP&A and Strategic Initiatives to prepare a quarterly financial report that includes actual year-to-date amounts, projections for the full year with a comparison to the budget and the prior year, and explanations of significant variances.
• Identify financial statement trends and assist in identifying and implementing appropriate internal controls and best practices for accounting processes and systems in a higher education/not-for-profit environment.
   

Accounting Operations & Compliance

• Maintain the Workday Finance General Ledger, including the maintenance of the chart of accounts, journal entry review, and all general ledger feeds from other University systems.
• Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and coordinate with other university departments regarding timely fiscal close processes.
• Aid in the design and maintenance of financial systems to support the related policies and procedures, particularly as they relate to segregation of duties.
• Certify that all contract revenue is appropriately recognized in accordance with revenue recognition principles.
   

Audit & Regulatory Reporting

• Work with the Financial Reporting Director to complete the Single Audit, 403(b) audit, and financial statement audit, as well as the accurate and timely preparation of IRS Forms 990 and 990-T, IPEDS and Middle States reports, FISAP, and PCI compliance reports.

Receivables & Revenue Management

• Lead and develop the regular monitoring of all receivables; oversee the preparation of the student accounts receivable aging and a schedule of all other receivables (contracts, leases, etc.) on a monthly basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience including five years of experience in successfully managing staff.
• Higher Education or not-for-profit accounting experience, including state and federal laws and regulations.
• Experience successfully overseeing financial statement and other audits.
• Proficient in computer applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA Required)
• Experience with Workday.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.
 

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$135,000 - $145,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:
 

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
   

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
   

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Work mode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
   

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
   

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.