Controller

Summary

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Business & Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Controller serves as the College's lead for all accounting matters and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the institution's financial records and reporting. The Controller provides strategic leadership over accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, audit, and compliance functions, ensuring the College's financial operations align with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and institutional policies.

As a senior member of the Finance leadership team, the Controller partners closely with the CFO and campus stakeholders to support institutional decision-making, strengthen financial stewardship, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Direct and oversee the preparation of daily, monthly, annual, and ad hoc financial statements and management reports, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and journal entry review.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all internal and external financial reports and filings, including Form 990 and Form 990-T.
• Facilitate and manage the fiscal year-end close process, ensuring adherence to established timelines and accounting standards.

Governance, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Establish, maintain, and continuously evaluate effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and best practice standards.
• Monitor evolving accounting standards, regulatory guidance, and industry trends; recommend and implement necessary policy or procedural updates.
• Lead and coordinate the College's annual external financial audit, serving as primary liaison with auditors and ensuring successful, timely completion.

Endowment, Grants & Restricted Funds

• Maintain comprehensive records related to the College's endowment, including quarterly market value calculations, annuity valuations, income distributions, and oversight of the Fundriver endowment management system.
• Direct accounting and reporting for federal and state grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and timely, accurate submissions.
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Engagement and the Office of Financial Aid to ensure endowed scholarships and restricted gifts are properly recorded, awarded, monitored, and reported.

Systems, Data Integrity & Infrastructure

• Oversee the maintenance, integrity, and enhancement of ERP and financial reporting systems, including accounting platforms, Synoptix, and Informer.
• Manage and administer the College's chart of accounts to support accurate reporting, transparency, and analytical flexibility.
• Ensure financial data supports cash flow analysis, forecasting, and long-term financial planning in partnership with the CFO.

People & Operational Management

• Provide leadership and supervision to accounting, student accounts, and accounts payable staff, including goal setting, performance management, delegation, and professional development.
• Evaluate business processes and accounting workflows to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and reduce institutional risk.
• Contribute to the development of departmental and institutional short- and long-term financial objectives.

Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice President for Business & Finance / CFO and senior leadership on accounting, compliance, audit, and financial risk matters.
• Support institution-wide initiatives requiring financial analysis, policy interpretation, or reporting guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Business & Finance / CFO.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (6) years of progressive accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience preparing GAAP financial statements and managing external audits.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Preferred:

• Experience in not-for-profit or higher education accounting environments.
• Master's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.