"Controller"

Controller

Company: Red Rocks Community College

Job Location: Lakewood, 80228

Category: Business and Financial Services

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $121,705.00 - $133,875.00 Annually

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job Number: 01069

Division: Administrative Services

Department: Business Services

Closing Date: 1/18/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Summary of Position

We are seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking Controller who will provide strong financial leadership and champion Red Rocks Community College's fiscal integrity. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Administrative Services, this position leads the College's daily financial operations and ensures accountability, transparency, and compliance across all fiscal functions. The Controller oversees internal and external financial reporting, financial and grant/contract compliance, and the accuracy and integrity of general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, purchasing, cashiering, and sponsored program accounting. This role directs the financial services function, develops and implements effective fiscal policies and internal controls, supervises and develops staff, ensures timely reconciliations, and provides exceptional service to campus partners through continuous improvement.

The Controller produces financial reports that support institutional decision-making, manages the structure of the College's chart of accounts, supports Faculty Load and Compensation processes, and prepares all required external reports including audited financial statements, state and federal submissions, and other compliance documentation. This position oversees grants and contract accounting from proposal through closeout, ensures full compliance with federal and state requirements, supports sponsors and principal investigators, and represents the College during grant monitoring and financial audits. The Controller manages the monthly close process, prepares quarterly and year-end financials as well as manages the interim and year-end audits. The Controller participates on college-wide committees, engages collaboratively with system-level accounting teams, identifies emerging financial risks, and advises executive leadership to ensure sound fiscal management and long-term financial stability for the College.

A successful candidate is a trusted financial leader and is at ease with:

• Financial Leadership & Compliance Stewardship: Ensuring strong fiscal controls, overseeing financial reporting, and maintaining compliance with governmental accounting standards, state fiscal rules, CCCS internal processes and federal grant regulations.
• Operational Excellence & Data-Informed Decision Making: Leading complex accounting operations, managing financial systems, producing meaningful financial analytics, and supporting institutional decision-making through accurate and timely reporting.
• Collaboration, Communication & Campus Partnership: Building productive relationships across departments, partnering with leadership and the Colorado Community College System office, supporting budget owners, and contributing positively to a collaborative campus environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting standards and federal grant and contract regulations including 2 CFR 200.
• Awareness of higher education accounting principles for public institutions or in a closely related setting.
• Effective communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing and interpreting complex budget and financial data.
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective teams by fostering trust, accountability, collaboration, and a strong commitment to service excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other closely related discipline.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience within an accounting department, including management and supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and using Cognos or other data warehousing tools to write queries and perform data analytics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or higher degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other closely related discipline, provided that all credits earned include at least 21 semester credits of accounting, including both graduate and undergraduate credit hours.
• Certified Public Accountant, active Colorado license.
• Experience in a public higher education accounting department.
• Experience in a community college setting.
• Two (2) years of demonstrated experience with federal grants and/or contracts either in an accounting or auditing capacity.
• Two (2) years of public accounting experience.
• Awareness of Colorado Department of Higher Education policies, Colorado fiscal rules, and procurement rules.

Starting Salary

Starting salary range for this position is $121,705 - $133,875 annually, commensurate with education and experience. This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position.

To Apply

All applicants must submit:

1. Resume
2. Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement.

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications as related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.