Assistant Controller of the Foundations

Position Details

Position Information

Working Title Assistant Controller of the Foundations

Position Number GA237

FLSA Exempt

Appointment Type Full Time

Sensitive Position No

Sensitive Position Statement

Campus Security Authority Yes

Campus Security Authority Statement This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel No

Designated Personnel Statement

Statement of Economic Interest No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement

Restricted Position Yes

Restricted Position Statement A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding

Chief Objective of Position To assist the Foundation Chief Financial Officer in the financial and operational management of the CNU Education and Real Estate Foundations and to provide support for the Office of University Advancement in financial matters.

Work Tasks Duty 1: Audit Fieldwork, Financial Statement Conversion, & Board Reporting

• Percentage of Time: 25%

• Essential or Marginal: Essential

•

Duty Statement:

• Serves as the key designated lead for the planning, coordination, and fieldwork execution of the annual external financial audit, preparing lead schedules and audit workpapers.
• Converts the Foundation’s annual audited financial statements into the University’s required Financial Statement Template to facilitate component-unit reporting and integration into CNU’s annual comprehensive financial report.
• Assists in compiling and preparing interim and quarterly financial statements and variance analyses for quarterly Foundation Board meetings.
• Prepares customized financial reports for University volunteer boards and affiliated affinity organizations (e.g., Theatre Guild, Lifelong Learning Society, Friends of Music).
• Serves as the designated operational backup across all areas of responsibility for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Foundations during absences.

Duty 2: General Ledger, Fixed Assets, Debt & Reconciliations

• Percentage of Time: 25%

• Essential or Marginal: Essential

•

Duty Statement:

• Performs comprehensive monthly reconciliations of all Foundation operating and bank accounts, resolving reconciling items in a timely manner.
• Prepares, reviews, and posts all debt-related journal entries, ensuring accurate accounting for principal, interest expense, and amortizations.
• Supervises the fixed asset lifecycle by ensuring all capital acquisitions, dispositions, and depreciation schedules are accurately recorded in the fixed asset module and reconciled to the general ledger.
• Coordinates monthly and quarterly reconciliations between general ledger accounting records and University Advancement/Development gift logs.
• Directs special accounting projects, including historical transaction research, process optimizations, and financial software conversions.

Duty 3: Disbursements, Receipts, & Internal Financial Controls

• Percentage of Time: 20%

• Essential or Marginal: Essential

•

Duty Statement:

• Supervises the posting of all cash receipts, deposits, and disbursements within the Foundation’s core accounting software.
• Reviews all accounts payable and disbursement requests for appropriate supporting documentation, budget authority, and adherence to internal financial controls.
• Supervises the preparation and batching of vendor checks and electronic disbursements for review and execution by authorized signatories.
• Consults and collaborates directly with University account holders to research and resolve vendor billing discrepancies and payment inquiries.
• Serves as the primary customer-service liaison for University personnel regarding Foundation financial guidelines and account procedures.

Duty 4: Tax Compliance & Scholarship Administration

• Percentage of Time: 20%

• Essential or Marginal: Essential

•

Duty Statement:

• Prepares, validates, and files annual IRS Form 1099 information returns in compliance with federal guidelines and statutory deadlines.
• Calculates and executes all required federal (IRS) and state tax payments, filings, and withholdings on an accurate and timely basis.
• Coordinates the preparation, verification, and disbursement of all Foundation-funded scholarships in direct partnership with the Director of Financial Aid and academic units.
• Assists in the daily administrative and business operations of the CNU Foundation.

Duty 5: Supervisory Responsibilities & Workplace Safety

• Percentage of Time: 5%

• Essential or Marginal: Essential

•

Duty Statement:

• Supervises, trains, and reviews the work of assigned accounting support personnel, ensuring strict compliance with internal accounting policies and procedures.
• Follows workplace safety regulations and adheres to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for position.
• Reports unsafe work conditions to supervisor.
• Immediately reports work-related incidents to supervisor and participates in accident investigation requests.
• Promotes a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
• Ensures employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
• Reports work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state, and federal guidelines.

Duty 6: Other Duties as Assigned

• Percentage of Time: 5%

• Essential or Marginal: Marginal

•

Duty Statement:

• Performs other professional accounting, analytical, and administrative duties as assigned to support Foundation operations and university fiscal objectives.
• Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
• Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
• Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position

• In depth knowledge of current accounting standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to develop and maintain exemplary relations with all constituencies.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Required Education

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree

Additional Consideration - Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and relevant work experience or a Masters degree in Business with appropriate accounting coursework

• CPA preferred

• MBA preferred

Experience Required

• Comprehensive work experience in Accounting
• Experience working with spreadsheet and word processing software
• Working knowledge of Client/Server Accounting Application

Additional Consideration - Experience

• Client/Server Accounting Application experience
• Experience in public accounting or in a college or university setting
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite

Salary Information Salary $92,200 to $126,700, Commensurate with Education and Experience

CNU Information Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.

Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.

Is this position telework eligible? Yes

Telework Eligibility Disclaimer This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number AP484P

Number of Vacancies 1

Posting Date 11/11/2026

Review Begin Date 11/29/2026

Application Instructions Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

This position will be posted until filled; however, review of applications will begin on 11/29/2026.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/21394

EEO/Diversity Statement(s) Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement