Controller

Lead the College’s accounting and financial reporting function. Own the close, audits, compliance, and controls. Partner with leaders across academics, student services, advancement, facilities, and athletics to support mission and strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Direct all accounting operations: GL, AP, AR/student accounts, payroll, cash, fixed assets, endowment, and grants.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and year-end close with timely, accurate financials and variance analysis.
• Lead annual audit and Single Audit; manage external auditors and deliver clean opinions.
• Produce GAAP financial statements and footnotes; prepare board and committee packages.
• Oversee endowment and restricted funds accounting, including UPMIFA compliance and unitization.
• Manage student receivables and tuition revenue recognition in alignment with financial aid packaging and Title IV coordination.
• Oversee grant and contract accounting, including budget setup, allowability, effort reporting, and compliance with Uniform Guidance.
• Manage capital projects, fixed asset capitalization, depreciation, and project closeouts.
• Monitor debt compliance, covenants, and continuing disclosure; support treasury and investment operations.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and SOPs; remediate gaps.
• Optimize ERP and reporting tools; drive automation and process improvement.
• Hire, develop, and mentor an inclusive, high-performing accounting team.
• Partner with budget, procurement, advancement, and IT on cross-functional initiatives.
• Support ad hoc analyses, scenario modeling, and strategic projects for leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred.
• 8 years of progressive accounting experience with 3 years leading a team.
• Higher education or nonprofit experience preferred; public accounting background a plus.
• Strong command of US GAAP for nonprofits (ASC 958) or GASB for public institutions.
• Experience with audits, Single Audits, endowments, grants, and capital projects.
• Advanced Excel and proficiency with higher-ed ERPs (Workday, Ellucian Banner/Colleague, Oracle/PeopleSoft, or Blackbaud FE NXT).
• Proven track record building controls, closing on time, and improving processes.
• Clear communicator who can translate technical accounting for non-finance stakeholders