Associate Vice President, Controller; Office Controller

Position: Associate Vice President, Controller (Office of the Controller)
Johns Hopkins University has retained Korn Ferry to manage the search for its next Associate Vice President, Controller.

Procedure for Candidacy

Confidential review of applications and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest that highlights the applicant's relevant leadership experience. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence to:

Position Specification

Johns Hopkins University is seeking an Associate Vice President, Controller that is a seasoned financial leader with a strong foundation in accounting and controllership, paired with the judgment and adaptability required to operate effectively in a dynamic academic environment. The successful candidate will bring both depth of technical expertise and the ability to engage across a wide range of stakeholders, with a mindset oriented toward continuous improvement and thoughtful evolution of the function.

The Associate Vice President, Controller is a strategic financial leader responsible for advancing Johns Hopkins University's financial operations through the integration of new technologies, predictive analytics, and modern change management practices. Serving as the institution's chief accounting officer, the AVP, Controller provides strategic leadership and hands-on management of all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions.

Overseeing approximately 125 team members, this position has responsibility for a broad portfolio of financial functions including general accounting, financial reporting, and grant accounting. This comprehensive scope strengthens institutional stewardship, enhances financial resilience, and supports informed decision-making across the university.

The AVP, Controller serves as a highly skilled analytical expert, high-level thought partner, and trusted strategic advisor to the VP, Chief Financial Officer. The role provides leadership across core controllership functions, including general accounting, financial reporting, tax, payroll, and accounts payable.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence. They will demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to enhance processes, strengthen controls, and drive efficiency across the financial enterprise.

Additionally, as the financial landscape continues to evolve, this role will support the alignment of traditional financial reporting with emerging Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure practices. The AVP, Controller will also help leverage data, automation, and emerging technologies - including AI-driven tools - to streamline operations and drive innovation.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

* The Associate Vice President, Controller will operate at the center of Johns Hopkins University's financial enterprise, balancing technical accounting rigor with broader leadership across a complex and decentralized organization. The role requires both hands-on oversight and the ability to lead through others, ensuring the integrity of core financial processes while advancing the function to meet evolving institutional needs. The responsibilities outlined below reflect both the foundational expectations of the role and the opportunity to shape and modernize the controllership function over time.

Financial Leadership & Compliance

* Lead core financial operations, general accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls.

* Ensure fiscal integrity, internal controls, and timely regulatory reporting.

* Oversee external financial audits and act as liaison with auditors and University leadership.

* Oversee grant functions.

* Establish and carry out the university's financial policies and transactional standards, ensuring consistency with the mission and strategic plans and compliance with the Board of Trustees policies, State and Federal fiscal management laws and regulations and generally…