"Director of Accounting Services/Controller"

Job Details

Description

The Director of Accounting Services/Controller is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and operational leadership in all areas of financial management. This role ensures the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the institution’s financial operations, supporting the mission and academic objectives through sound fiscal stewardship and innovative practices. Application review will begin after November 15, 2025, with applications accepted until the position is filled.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Examples of Duties

Financial Reporting & Compliance: Oversee preparation, integrity, and timely submission of the SIU System Consolidated financial statements and reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, and other relevant standards.

• Responsible for drafting the Management Discussion and Analysis and all content in the financial statements.
• Work with all campuses to ensure the integrity of the financial statements.
• Ensure timely filing of the reports due to the State of IL, which includes quarterly cash reports, quarterly accounts receivable reports, quarterly fixed asset reports, appropriation management for the SIU System, the annual GAAP Package, and anything else required.

Annual Financial and Compliance Audit: This position serves as the primary contact for the external auditors for the SIU System Consolidated Financial Statements and for the Carbondale Campus. This position answers questions and produces information to satisfy the requirements of the external audit. This person serves as the primary contract for the Carbondale campus for the annual state compliance audit and makes sure audit findings are addressed. The position is also involved in various internal audits depending on the audit.

Financial Leadership: Lead the finance department responsible for the university’s general accounting, fixed asset accounting and accounts payable. This is currently a staff of eleven employees plus student workers.

Internal Controls & Risk Management: Design, implement, and monitor internal control systems to safeguard assets, ensure accuracy of records, and promote operational efficiency; assess and mitigate financial risks.

Grants & Sponsored Programs: Assist with data for the federal single audit. Support OSPA in preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).

Financial Aid: Accounting team draws down all federal financial aid through the G5 financial portal.

Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff, cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Systems & Technology: Maintain functions in the university financial system such as setting up new units, budget purposes, objects, fiscal officer, and delegate authority, and maintaining the system rules that govern the chart of accounts for accurate financial reporting.

Policy Development & Implementation: Maintain and update financial and administrative policies; ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within higher education or a comparable nonprofit setting.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep knowledge of fund accounting, GAAP, GASB, and federal compliance requirements (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance); proficiency with financial management systems and data analytics.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams; strong organizational and change management skills.
• Analytical Thinking: Advanced analytical skills, including the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and propose effective strategies.
• Ethical Standards: High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to ethical conduct.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification.
• Knowledge of bond financing and endowment management.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as Oracle EBS, Banner, Workday, or PeopleSoft.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within financial operations.
• Commitment to service-oriented leadership and campus collaboration.

Required Documents: Submit a letter of application, CV, transcripts, and three references.

Contact: Patricia Perschbacher, pperschb@siu.edu

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.

The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits, employee tuition waivers, and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.

SIU Carbondale is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status.