"Controller-WSU Foundation (Accounting Officer Senior)"

Job Description

1. Serve as the lead worker for all financial activities for the Winona State University Foundation to accomplish its goals and missions. Develop, define and implement Foundation accounting and operational policies and procedures to ensure efficient and accurate fiscal operations. Oversee accurate gift entries and student work and perform all accounting activities to maintain proper control and uniformity of said procedures. Compute and analyze position of cash flow, generate all general ledger transactions and reconciliations. Construct and manage annual WSU Foundation budget. Ensure integrity of all accounting systems and interactions to the general ledger to accommodate for the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements. Serve as primary point of contact for analysis and discussion of the financial position of the WSU Foundation to internal, external, state and federal agencies, including the independent auditor of the Foundation. Provide services needed to initiate program and business recommendations which exist to support the mission of the Foundation while complying with federal laws, state statutes and internal fiscal controls while utilizing generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
2. Provide staff support to the WSU Foundation Finance, Audit Committees, and Special Project Committee. Serve as liaison and primary support staff to each committee to accomplish the desired goals of each committee. Work closely with the Vice President for University Advancement who is also the Executive Director of the WSU Foundation to establish policies, procedures, best practices and prepare analysis and produce requested support of each committee. Provide support and direction to the Foundation Assistant to accomplish and prioritize tasks related to meetings and projects of each committee.
3. Database Administrator for the General Ledger system (Financial Edge). Perform as database administrator, liaison, and/or first point of contact for any issues surrounding the use and results of the general ledger accounting system/software. Ensure interaction between the donor database (Raiser’s Edge) is fluid and accurate in a timely fashion. Develop, implement and train co-workers on how to use the system. Assume all responsibility for the setup, design, and implementation of the general ledger accounting system and ensures that this software is properly updated and supported. Maintains all data integrity aspects of input and output related to the accounting system.
4. Provide support and leadership to meet and respond to needs of the University. Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for University Advancement to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner. Activities performed would be providing support to hosting events on behalf of the University Advancement department, providing guidance on donor relations, stewarding and cultivating donor relations to increase fundraising efforts and opportunities. Providing guidance on departmental needs related to staffing, hiring and job priorities.

Salary Range

$29.25-$42.94/hour; dependent upon qualifications and experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional accounting work experience.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to sufficiently manage the WSU Foundation’s accounting functions and activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and human relations skills required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Foundation Board of Directors, benefactors, students, faculty and staff and other constituents.
• Knowledge of and experience with database administration and computer programs including but not limited to Word, Excel, Outlook
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing and prepare, analyze and interpret complex fiscal records and financial reports.
• Must possess demonstrated strong organizational and managerial skills to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Knowledgeable of IRS, state and federal laws regarding fundraising and financial reporting

Preferred Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Five (5) five years of professional accounting work experience.
• Knowledge of the WSU Foundation’s accounting structure and principles sufficient to evaluate and present financial data to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Foundation Board as well as the auditor
• Working knowledge of financial, statistical, database and spreadsheet software (Blackbaud Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge, Crystal Reports, Microsoft Access)
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Knowledgeable of IRS, state and federal laws regarding fundraising and financial reporting, including non-profit accounting.
• Knowledge of budgeting policies and procedures.

Other Requirements

1. The successful candidate must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States by the day employment begins. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H1-B sponsorship at this time.
2. A complete online application will include the following: A cover letter that addresses the qualifications listed previously Resume Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) - if applicable A list of professional references with contact information

Posting Information

• Application Deadline: November 24, 2025
• Appointment Date: As Soon As Possible
• Primary Location: Winona, Minnesota
• Type of Appointment: Probationary
• Work Shift (Hours / Days of work) Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm
• Telework (Yes/No) No