Reporting Structure
The Comptroller & Human Resources Manager reports to the Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations. This position will also work closely with the CFO, President, Provost, academic and administrative leadership, external auditors, payroll and benefit providers, legal counsel, and partner institution representatives. The Comptroller & Human Resources Manager supervises the accounting team in the U.S. Office and administrative staff as assigned.
Work Arrangement
The Comptroller & Human Resources Manager position is based in the San Diego, CA U.S. Office. This is a full-time, exempt, on-site position. Occasional travel to support institutional operations, professional development, or stakeholder meetings.
Position Summary
The Comptroller & Human Resources Manager serves as a senior administrative leader for The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM) and its study abroad institute, the Institute for American Universities (IAU). Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations, the Comptroller & Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing ACM-IAU’s U.S.-based accounting operations, financial reporting, payroll administration, employee benefits programs, and human resources functions for employees of the U.S. Operations Office.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of ACM-IAU’s financial operations and human resource practices while supporting the institution’s continued growth and strategic priorities. The position’s human resources responsibilities are limited to ACM-IAU’s U.S.-based employees and operations. The position serves as a key liaison among accounting, Student Financial Services, partner institutions, and institutional leadership to ensure accurate financial administration and exceptional service delivery. The Comptroller & Human Resources Manager works collaboratively with institutional leadership, the Chief Financial Officer, external auditors, payroll and benefit providers, partner institutions, and administrators in both the United States and Europe.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Accounting and Financial Operations
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations for ACM-IAU’s U.S.-based entities
- Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and financial reporting systems
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports
- Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President in the preparation, monitoring, and analysis of annual operating budgets and financial forecasts
- Reconcile bank, investment, and balance sheet accounts
- Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes
- Monitor cash activity and assist with cash flow management
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards
- Develop, maintain, and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Support the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President with financial analyses and reporting as requested
- Serve as a functional leader for financial, student information, and enterprise administrative systems supporting accounting, billing, payroll, and related operational processes
- Collaborate with institutional leadership and technology personnel on the evaluation, implementation, enhancement, and optimization of financial and administrative software platforms
Audit, Tax, and Regulatory Compliance
- Coordinate the institution’s annual financial audit and serve as a primary liaison to external auditors
- Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation required for annual audits
- Assist with preparation and review of IRS Form 990 and other regulatory filings
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements
- Maintain appropriate financial records and documentation in accordance with institutional policies and legal requirements
- Monitor developments in accounting, payroll, and employment regulations and recommend policy updates as needed
Payroll and Benefits Administration
- Oversee payroll administration for all U.S.-based employees
- Ensure accurate processing of compensation, deductions, retirement contributions, and employer benefit payments
- Serve as the primary liaison with payroll providers, benefit brokers, and retirement plan administrators
- Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, health savings accounts, and other benefit offerings
- Coordinate annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit communications
- Ensure compliance with applicable payroll, benefits, and retirement plan regulations
Student Financial Services & IAU Partner Institution Relations
- Serve as a primary administrative liaison to the Student Financial Services team regarding student account administration, billing processes, financial reconciliation, and payment-related matters
- Collaborate with Student Financial Services personnel to ensure accurate and timely invoicing, payment processing, account reconciliation, and financial reporting
- Assist in the development and implementation of procedures that support efficient student financial operations and exceptional service to students and partner institutions
- Serve as a primary financial liaison to partner institutions’ business offices, student accounts personnel, and study abroad administrators
- Coordinate billing, invoicing, payment processing, account reconciliation, and related financial communications with partner institutions
- Respond to financial inquiries from partner institutions and assist in resolving account discrepancies in a timely manner
- Support the implementation and administration of institutional agreements that include financial obligations, discounts, scholarships, exchanges, or billing arrangements
Human Resources Leadership
- Lead and administer human resources programs, policies, and compliance activities for employees of ACM-IAU’s U.S. Operations Office
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and offboarding activities for U.S.-based employees
- Maintain personnel records for U.S.-based employees and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws
- Serve as a resource to supervisors and employees regarding HR policies, procedures, and employment practices
- Coordinate performance review processes and related documentation for employees of the U.S. Operations Office
- Administer leave programs, including FMLA, state-specific leave requirements, and institutional leave policies
- Assist with employee relations matters and workplace investigations as appropriate
- Support employee engagement, professional development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives
- Maintain and update employee handbooks, policies, and HR procedures
Institutional Operations and Strategic Support
- Collaborate with institutional leadership to support strategic planning and operational initiatives
- Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and service quality
- Prepare financial, payroll, benefits, and human resources reports for leadership review and decision-making
- Support special projects and institutional initiatives as assigned
- Participate in cross-functional committees, working groups, and planning activities
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of ACM-IAU’s mission and operations
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, human resources, business administration, or related areas
- Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, payroll administration, and employee benefits
- Experience administering human resources functions and employment compliance activities
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
- Proficiency with accounting software, payroll systems, Microsoft Excel, and business applications
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or comparable human resources certification
- Experience in higher education, study abroad administration, or nonprofit organizations
- Experience with financial management systems, ERP platforms, student information systems, payroll systems, and software implementation or conversion projects
- Experience with Paylocity or comparable HRIS and payroll platforms
- Experience administering 403(b) retirement plans
- Experience working with multi-state employment regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience supporting financial audits and nonprofit regulatory filings
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, current resume, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
For additional information or to submit application materials, please contact:
Kurt Schick
Executive Vice President
ACM-IAU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and globally engaged academic community.
