Controller, Finance & Banking, Accounting & Finance

Controller

The Controller works under the direction of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and is responsible for monitoring departmental budgets, payroll, purchasing and overseeing the entire fiscal operation of the campus. This is a 12-month, 40-hour week on-campus administrative position. If not residing with a reasonable commuting distance, relocation is expected. All SAU Tech employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in interpersonal behaviors and be committed to effective collaboration with colleagues.

Joining the SAU Tech family requires a commitment to creating and cultivating caring environments through the intentional inclusion of all staff in student success efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Controller is charged with the following:

• The scope of supervision encompasses all aspects of the college's fiscal operation, including, but not limited to, grant accounting, accounts payable, travel, reconciliations, accounts receivable, student accounts and cashiering, budgeting, and maintenance of general and subsidiary ledgers.
• Recommends policies and procedures related to the Business Office to the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration (VCFA) and implements them when approved.
• Prepares complex financial reports and analyses for internal use and presentation to the Executive Cabinet of SAU Tech and the SAU System Board of Trustees.
• Prepares complex annual financial reports and analyses for external entities (i.e. State Legislature and Department of Finance & Administration).
• Leads the monthly, quarterly, and annually close cycle which includes oversight of journal entry preparation, balance sheet reconciliation, and financial reports analysis.
• Communicates appropriate and accurate financial results and analysis to Vice Chancellor (VCFA).
• Conducts year-end closing plus the opening of new financial periods and records.
• Audits accounts to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Acts as a business partner with administrative team on their financial results and planning needs.
• Serves as a liaison with auditors, SAU Tech Administrative staff, other SAU Tech staff, and students.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or closely related administrative field.
• Past or present experience with finance or accounting software (i.e. GP, Sage, Jenzabar, Workday, Ellucian, etc.).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in related field (M.B.A. or M.Acc).
• Experience with GASB and fund accounting.
• Previous Higher Education administrative experience.
• Legislative Audit experience.
• C.P.A or C.M.A. license (active or eligible).

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of fund accounting, generally accepted accounting principles, and sound cash management principles.
• Knowledge of higher education financial management systems and related applications, including the ability to plan, design, and implement new systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of an educational finance system, including the ability to interpret college policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize and conduct training sessions on various aspects of the finance system to support the delivery of services to faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to prepare financial statements that require minimal audit adjustments.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain an effective internal control system.
• Sound and well-developed administrative and management skills.
• Ability to recruit, train and motivate personnel.

Supplemental Information:

• Application cannot be submitted on a mobile device.
• Background check required.
• On-Campus 40-hour week position. If not residing with a reasonable commuting distance, relocation is expected.
• SAU Tech offices are well-lit with artificial lighting.
• Deadline for first consideration is July 1, 2026

At Southern Arkansas University Tech, we value the personal health and financial well-being of our employees. Our affordable and flexible benefits packages truly encompass our values by giving our employees peace of mind to allow them to focus on their professional development and other important aspects in their lives. Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts(TASC)
• Wellness Program
• Robust and comprehensive Retirement Plan (Basic and Supplemental)
• Tuition Waiver (SAU Tech, SAU Magnolia, South Ark)
• Life and Long Term Disability
• Service/Recognition awards
• Annual and Sick leave