Controller

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller serves as a key member of the Finance and Administration team and plays a critical role in supporting the institution's financial health, operational effectiveness, and strategic objectives. The Controller partners with campus leadership to ensure sound financial management practices while providing exceptional service to students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial statements and reports
• Maintain compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and institutional policies
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the institution's annual operating budgets
• Collaborate with departmental leaders to support budget planning and resource allocation
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to support institutional goals and financial sustainability
• Establish, monitor, and strengthen internal control processes to safeguard institutional assets
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and reporting requirements
• Identify financial risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions
• Coordinate annual external audits and any internal audit activities
• Prepare documentation, schedules, and reports required for audits and regulatory reviews
• Implement audit recommendations and continuous process improvements
• Develop, maintain, and enforce financial policies, procedures, and best practices
• Ensure consistent application of financial controls and operational standards across the institution
• Provide guidance and training to departments on financial processes and compliance requirements
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate finance department personnel
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and professional development
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance management activities
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on financial matters
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and recommendations to support strategic planning initiatives
• Contribute to long-term financial sustainability and institutional growth
• Oversee cash flow forecasting, investments, and debt management
• Monitor liquidity and optimize the institution's financial resources
• Ensure effective management of operating funds and financial obligations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience
• Master's degree and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required
• Experience in higher education accounting and financial administration is preferred
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel required
• Experience with financial management and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems required; Financial Edge NXT preferred
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance
• Experience preparing financial analyses, forecasts, and management reports
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining attention to detail
• Demonstrated capacity to drive process improvements and organizational change
• Strong commitment to customer service, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week minimum. Working hours will occasionally include evenings and weekends during peak periods, including monthly closeouts, registration, and audit season.