Controller

Position: Controller
Job Summary:
The Controller will provide leadership and oversight in general accounting, financial reporting, and compliance, along with stewardship of restricted funds, payroll, procurement, and accounts payable. This position plays a critical role in maintaining a strong financial internal control environment and fostering collaborative relationships with leadership and various units across the organization.

Reports To: Senior Associate Vice President for Finance

Work Environment: This is primarily an in-person position with some flexibility for hybrid work, as approved by your supervisor.

Salary: $160,000 - $180,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development of financial policies and procedures governing accounting and fiscal transactions to ensure compliance with organizational policies, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and industry best practices.
• Provide leadership in creating and maintaining a robust internal control framework to mitigate risks, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and protect organizational assets.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline financial processes and procedures, enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens while delivering excellent client service.
• Act as a senior advisor to the Senior Associate Vice President for Finance on accounting, financial reporting, and tax compliance matters. Serve as the main liaison for external audits, including annual financial statements and regulatory reviews.
• Coordinate the fiscal year-end close and supervise the preparation of audited financial statements, OMB audits, IRS Form 990, and other regulatory reports.
• Supervise and ensure quality control in accounts payable/procurement, general ledger, financial reporting and compliance, and payroll functions.
• Support the organization’s Audit and Compliance Committee and assist the Board of Trustees as needed.
• Collaborate with outsourced investment offices on day-to-day administrative matters.
• Foster a culture of high performance by developing staff through supportive, collaborative, and data-driven approaches. Participate in hiring, training, and evaluating staff in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Facilitate goal setting for direct reports, conduct regular meetings to monitor workflow, and provide feedback and guidance for professional development.
• Represent the Senior Associate Vice President for Finance in various financial matters, including leading special projects, implementing strategic initiatives, and serving on organizational committees.
• Communicate strategically on financial and risk matters with staff, administration, and board members as applicable.

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

• Minimum of ten years of management experience in Accounting or Finance.
• Bachelor’s degree and active CPA license required.
• Non-profit accounting experience is required.
• Preferred experience in higher education accounting.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and collaborative management style.
• Extensive experience with U.S. GAAP, OMB compliance, financial statement audits, procurement, and payroll operations.
• Proficient in developing complex spreadsheets and relational databases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with all levels of staff.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
• Commitment to a customer service-oriented, data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Knowledge of compliance best practices and criteria.
• Exceptional work ethic, integrity, and ability to work autonomously while managing expectations.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.