Associate Vice President, Controller (Office of the Controller)

Job Details

Johns Hopkins, founded in 1876, is America's first research university and home to nine world-class academic divisions working together as one university.

Johns Hopkins University has retained Korn Ferry to manage the search for its next Associate Vice President, Controller.

Procedure for Candidacy

Confidential review of applications and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest that highlights the applicant’s relevant leadership experience. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence to: JHU-Controller@KornFerry.com.

Position Summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking an Associate Vice President, Controller that is a seasoned financial leader with a strong foundation in accounting and controllership, paired with the judgment and adaptability required to operate effectively in a dynamic academic environment. The successful candidate will bring both depth of technical expertise and the ability to engage across a wide range of stakeholders, with a mindset oriented toward continuous improvement and thoughtful evolution of the function.

The Associate Vice President, Controller is a strategic financial leader responsible for advancing Johns Hopkins University's financial operations through the integration of new technologies, predictive analytics, and modern change management practices. Serving as the institution's chief accounting officer, the AVP, Controller provides strategic leadership and hands-on management of all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions.

Overseeing approximately 125 team members, this position has responsibility for a broad portfolio of financial functions including general accounting, financial reporting, and grant accounting. This comprehensive scope strengthens institutional stewardship, enhances financial resilience, and supports informed decision-making across the university.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership & Compliance: Lead core financial operations, general accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. Ensure fiscal integrity, internal controls, and timely regulatory reporting. Oversee external financial audits and act as liaison with auditors and University leadership. Oversee grant functions.
• Reporting Analysis: Oversee preparation and distribution of financial statements and budgetary reports. Lead year-end close processes and monthly reconciliations.
• Strategic Technology and Change Management: Leverage new technologies to champion enterprise-wide automation and process optimization.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Supervision: Supervise and develop the General Accounting and Financial Reporting teams. Provide mentorship, goal-setting, and annual professional development for finance staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience; 5+ years managing large/complex teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Tax or related discipline.
• Experience driving modernization of accounting and reporting functions through data, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Experience within higher education institutions or an academic medical center.

The expected base salary range for this position is $400,000-$450,000. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus.