Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

Department: Finance Status:
Full-time, Exempt

Type: Hybrid (four days on campus; one day remote)

The California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) is a nonprofit graduate university that produces socially responsible and globally oriented business leaders who will make positive changes in their communities. CIAM values and promotes a culture respecting ethics, integrity, and the fulfillment of duty to our constituents, employees, and society. These are values that flow directly from the wisdom and philosophy of Peter

F. Drucker.

The Controller oversees all financial and accounting activities for CIAM and reports directly to the President. This role is responsible for the integrity, transparency, and sustainability of the University’s financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting support, and internal controls.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Controller acts as a trusted advisor to the President and provides clear, timely, and decision‑ready financial information to the President and the Board of Trustees. This role requires a balance of high‑level management and "hands‑on" day‑to‑day accounting functions. The Controller plays a critical role in ensuring sound stewardship of institutional resources in support of the University’s academic mission.

• Serve as the primary internal financial expert supporting the President in communications with the Board of Trustees and Board committees (e.g., Finance or Audit Committee)
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, dashboards, variance analyses, and audit‑related materials for Board and committee meetings
• Support the President in responding to Board inquiries related to financial performance, controls, risks, and long‑term sustainability
• Ensure financial information presented to the Board is accurate, clear, and aligned with strategic priorities
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems to ensure compliance with GAAP standards and nonprofit regulations
• Prepare month‑end and year‑end closing reports.

• Oversee all accounting activities, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, tuition revenue, cash management, and fixed assets
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and internal financial policies
• Maintain fund accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, and donations
• Perform monthly bank reconciliation for all accounts.

• Oversee all payroll services, ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance and timely processing
• Manage the end‑to‑end payroll cycle, including calculating earnings, deductions, and net pay, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement.
• Manage payroll software systems and implement efficiencies to improve the effectiveness of the accounting operations
• Ensure the company 401(k) plan complies with ERISA, IRS and Department of Labor (DOL) regulations
• Serve as the primary contact or staff liaison for the 401(k) Plan.
• Ensure timely onboarding of employees to the plan and compliance with participant disclosures.

• Support the development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with the President and senior leadership
• Monitor budget‑to‑actual performance and provide variance analysis and explanations for leadership (on a monthly basis) and Board review (at least twice per budget year)
  Assist with multi‑year financial projections, scenario planning, and financial sustainability analysis
• Develop cash flow forecasts to ensure institutional liquidity
• Support and partner with all budget managers to effectively manage their budgets and monitor the university’s overall financial performance.

• Manage the annual independent audit, including preparation of schedules and coordination with external auditors
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local financial reporting and tax requirements, including Form 990
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard institutional…