American Association of University Professors

Department of Finance and Administration

Controller/Department Director — Washington, DC

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a Washington, DC-based not-for-profit association and labor union representing 40,000 academic faculty and staff in the United States, seeks an experienced Controller. The position is to be filled as soon as possible in our Washington, DC national office. The organization has assets of approximately $17 million, annual revenues of over $8 million, and a total staff of more than twenty.

The Controller is responsible for the finance and accounting operations of the organization, including the production of periodic financial reports, the maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and the application of a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the organization's financial statements, and ensure that financial reporting complies with generally accepted accounting principles. The Controller is supervised by the Executive Director and works with the Secretary-Treasurer and other elected leadership of the organization. The Controller will serve as the Director of Finance and assist in the hiring and the supervision of approximately two accounting staff and the oversight of third-party vendors and contractors. This position requires a commitment to racial equity, especially as it pertains to organizing, and involves working with diverse individuals both inside and outside of the AAUP office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include oversight of the general ledger, revenues, and disbursements; accounting; and reconciliation of cash, investments, and fixed assets. Proficiency in the preparation of financial statements and various government tax filings is also critical to this position. The Controller will provide financial advice and counsel to the leadership of the organization, will assist with financial forecasting and planning, and, in conjunction with the Secretary-Treasurer, will prepare finance and budget presentations for the organization’s elected leadership.

Management and Supervision:

• Maintain and manage a documented system of accounting policies and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure accurate and timely financial reports.
• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations for the recording and reconciliation of per-capita and other revenues, accounts payable and receivables, cash disbursements, payroll, fixed assets, cash and investments, inventory, liabilities, and other transactions.
• Supervise, train, coach, and mentor accounting staff.
• Serve as primary contact for all financial and accounting matters with the Executive Director, executive officers of the AAUP, and AAUP investment and audit committees.

Reporting and Compliance:

• Coordinate the preparation of the AAUP’s monthly financial statements and reports in a timely manner.
• Review and present quarterly financial reports to the officers and the AAUP’s executive body (the Council).
• Prepare, review, and present annual organization budget and forecasts.
• Calculate variances from the budget and review significant issues with the Executive Director and officers.
• Provide financial analysis as needed.
• Interface with an outside audit firm, banks, lessors, insurance agents, and other vendors.
• Prepare and assist the external auditors in the preparation of various local, state, and federal government tax filings, including the DOL Form LM-2 and IRS Form 990.
• Maintain records and coordinate payments relating to the staff 401(k) retirement plan.
• Maintain accounting records for other related funds.
• Oversee general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll; research and resolve AP-related discrepancies and issues; and process monthly close.
• Review bank reconciliations for all cash accounts.
• Review and approve journal entries.
• Ensure all vendor invoices have appropriate documentation and approval.
• Approve employee and officer expense reimbursements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• Minimum of ten years of related experience, preferably with a labor organization, or other not-for-profit experience.
• Commitment to racial equity required. Demonstrated experience with racial equity or DEI initiatives preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, supervisory, and financial skills.
• Strong familiarity with finance and accounting software.
• Self-starter with excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with union or membership organization budgets and finances.
• Familiarity with Department of Labor, Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with union or membership organization budgets and finances.
• Familiarity with Department of Labor, Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.

Compensation  

The expected salary range is $150,000–$175,000, commensurate with qualifications and work experience. The AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacation days; and 401(k). 

Position Classification

This regular full-time Senior Program Officer position is categorized as a management/supervisory position and is excluded from the staff bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay. 

Work Location 

This position is based in the DC office with an option for part-time telework. 

To Apply

Candidates must submit a cover letter and a résumé with three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by November 6, 2024. Questions, inquiries, and nominations should be directed to jobs@aaup.org. No phone calls, please. 

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act | Employee Polygraph Protection Act).

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.