Controller

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS

CONTROLLER

BUSINESS OFFICE

Position Summary

The Controller provides leadership and oversight for the University's accounting operations and financial reporting. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this position is responsible for the integrity of the general ledger, timely and accurate financial statements, effective internal controls, audit coordination, regulatory compliance, and development of a strong, service-oriented accounting team. The Controller serves as a key financial partner to University leadership and works across departments to strengthen processes, accountability, and stewardship of institutional resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash accounting, fixed assets, restricted funds, endowments, grants, and related reconciliations.
• Direct monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end close processes and ensure deadlines are met with complete, accurate, and well-supported balances.
• Prepare and review internal and external financial statements, management reports, account analyses, and other financial information for the CFO and University leadership.
• Maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts and ensure consistent application of accounting policies, fund accounting principles, and institutional procedures.
• Coordinate the annual financial statement audit, benefit plan audits, tax filings, and other required reviews; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors for accounting matters.
• Establish, document, monitor, and improve internal controls to protect University assets and support accurate, compliant financial reporting.
• Oversee accounting for restricted gifts, grants, endowments, capital projects, and other designated funds, including appropriate releases and reporting.
• Partner with Financial Planning and Analysis on budget-to-actual reporting, forecasts, financial analysis, and resolution of significant variances.
• Provide accounting guidance to campus departments and promote consistent, timely, and transparent financial practices.
• Lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate accounting staff; establish clear expectations, cross-training, documentation, and appropriate segregation of duties.
• Support treasury, taxation, insurance management, cash management, debt, banking, insurance, compliance, and related financial matters as assigned by the CFO.
• Prepare or support materials for executive leadership, the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors, as requested.
• Perform other duties and special projects consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of twelve years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience leading accounting operations and staff and non-profit account experience
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, account reconciliations, audit requirements, and internal controls, as well as non-profit accounting standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing month-end and year-end close processes and producing timely, accurate financial statements.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to analyze complex financial information, identify issues, and communicate practical solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership, auditors, department leaders, and staff while maintaining accountability and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• PeopleSoft Financials experience is highly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit accounting, or another complex fund-accounting environment preferred.
• Experience with grants, restricted funds, endowments, debt, capital projects, and tax-exempt organizations preferred.
• Experience improving financial systems, close processes, reporting, and internal controls.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, judgment, organization, and follow-through.
• Clear, professional communication with the ability to explain financial matters to financial and nonfinancial audiences.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on review of reconciliations, schedules, transactions, and supporting documentation.
• Commitment to accuracy, service, collaboration, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and requires regular use of standard office and financial systems. Occasional extended hours may be required during close periods, audits, budget cycles, and other critical deadlines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

The University of Saint Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the school are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.