What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Inside Higher Ed?
The Opportunity
The University of Alabama in Huntsville invites nominations and applications for a strategic Controller to lead the university accounting function during its next phase of exciting opportunity. As a premier national research institution, the University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks a Controller who will provide forward‑thinking financial leadership across a complex enterprise committed to fiscal stewardship, transparency, innovation, and operational excellence. The Controller will join a leadership team focused on strengthening administrative infrastructure and aligning financial strategies with institutional priorities, particularly as UAH continues to enhance its capabilities in areas such as financial reporting, budgeting, accounting operations, compliance, internal controls, and enterprise financial systems.
About Uah
Founded in 1969 as an extension of the University of Alabama, UAH has grown into a comprehensive, research-driven institution with nationally recognized strengths in aerospace, defense, and advanced technologies, reflecting UAH’s mission to provide outstanding education, produce important discoveries, and serve workforce needs locally and beyond. Located in the heart of one of the country’s most advanced science and technology hubs, UAH offers over 100 areas of study across six colleges, including Engineering, Nursing, Business, Science, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Education. With a student body of nearly 6,500 undergraduates and over 1,600 graduate students, and 374 full-time faculty members, UAH is known for its rigorous academics, high return on investment, and commitment to immersive experiences that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
The University’s 500-acre campus is situated in Huntsville, Alabama, also known as “The Rocket City,” a city renowned for its deep ties to aerospace, defense, and biotechnology industries.
As the anchor tenant of Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the U.S., and adjacent to Redstone Arsenal, a Federal Center of Excellence, the University is a key partner to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Army, and numerous Department of War agencies. UAH’s research strengths span a wide range of disciplines, including aerospace systems, cybersecurity, data analytics, space propulsion, and severe weather.
Through its 17 interdisciplinary research centers and strong industry collaborations, UAH plays a vital role in driving innovation, economic development, and workforce readiness in Alabama and beyond.
Position
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is a key member of the Finance leadership team and will provide strategic oversight and management of UAH and UAH Foundation accounting, accounts payable, and financial reporting functions. The Controller will play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity of the university, fostering a culture of compliance, and driving continuous improvement in financial processes and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Provides overall leadership and oversight of the university’s accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and state and federal regulations.
Oversees core financial operations including general accounting, grants and contracts accounting, cash management, payroll coordination, and internal controls across a complex research university environment.
Ensures timely and transparent financial reporting to campus leadership, the University of Alabama System, auditors, and external stakeholders, supporting informed decision‑making.
Leads audit coordination and compliance efforts, serving as a key liaison with internal and external auditors while strengthening risk management and control frameworks.
Partners with senior leadership to modernize financial systems, improve processes, and align financial operations with UAH’s strategic priorities as a growing national research university.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification:
Confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
To ensure full consideration, please email a letter of interest and a resume, as 2 separate PDFs, by April 30, 2026 to Lori Hemmer at: lhemmer@zrgpartners.com.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville invites nominations and applications for a strategic Controller to lead the university accounting function during its next phase of exciting opportunity. As a premier national research institution, the University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks a Controller who will provide forward‑thinking financial leadership across a complex enterprise committed to fiscal stewardship, transparency, innovation, and operational excellence. The Controller will join a leadership team focused on strengthening administrative infrastructure and aligning financial strategies with institutional priorities, particularly as UAH continues to enhance its capabilities in areas such as financial reporting, budgeting, accounting operations, compliance, internal controls, and enterprise financial systems.
About Uah
Founded in 1969 as an extension of the University of Alabama, UAH has grown into a comprehensive, research-driven institution with nationally recognized strengths in aerospace, defense, and advanced technologies, reflecting UAH’s mission to provide outstanding education, produce important discoveries, and serve workforce needs locally and beyond. Located in the heart of one of the country’s most advanced science and technology hubs, UAH offers over 100 areas of study across six colleges, including Engineering, Nursing, Business, Science, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Education. With a student body of nearly 6,500 undergraduates and over 1,600 graduate students, and 374 full-time faculty members, UAH is known for its rigorous academics, high return on investment, and commitment to immersive experiences that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
The University’s 500-acre campus is situated in Huntsville, Alabama, also known as “The Rocket City,” a city renowned for its deep ties to aerospace, defense, and biotechnology industries.
As the anchor tenant of Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the U.S., and adjacent to Redstone Arsenal, a Federal Center of Excellence, the University is a key partner to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Army, and numerous Department of War agencies. UAH’s research strengths span a wide range of disciplines, including aerospace systems, cybersecurity, data analytics, space propulsion, and severe weather.
Through its 17 interdisciplinary research centers and strong industry collaborations, UAH plays a vital role in driving innovation, economic development, and workforce readiness in Alabama and beyond.
Position
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is a key member of the Finance leadership team and will provide strategic oversight and management of UAH and UAH Foundation accounting, accounts payable, and financial reporting functions. The Controller will play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity of the university, fostering a culture of compliance, and driving continuous improvement in financial processes and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Provides overall leadership and oversight of the university’s accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and state and federal regulations.
Oversees core financial operations including general accounting, grants and contracts accounting, cash management, payroll coordination, and internal controls across a complex research university environment.
Ensures timely and transparent financial reporting to campus leadership, the University of Alabama System, auditors, and external stakeholders, supporting informed decision‑making.
Leads audit coordination and compliance efforts, serving as a key liaison with internal and external auditors while strengthening risk management and control frameworks.
Partners with senior leadership to modernize financial systems, improve processes, and align financial operations with UAH’s strategic priorities as a growing national research university.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field;
- Active CPA License;
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership in relevant financial areas Ability to communicate complex concepts and ideas;
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including demonstrated proficiency with Excel Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of individuals and organizations;
- Demonstrated knowledge of and expertise in GAAP, GASB, and FASB requirements, and demonstrated knowledge. of OMB A-133;
- S. Citizenship is required.
- Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field;
- Experience in accounting and finance at a college or university strongly desired.
Confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
To ensure full consideration, please email a letter of interest and a resume, as 2 separate PDFs, by April 30, 2026 to Lori Hemmer at: lhemmer@zrgpartners.com.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.