Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

• Location 1 W FIRESTORM WAY,Glendale, AZ, ,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree

General Job Brief:

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and working in close collaboration with the CFO, t he Controller provides leadership, direction, and oversight of Arizona Christian University's accounting and financial reporting functions. The Controller is responsible for maintaining the integrity of financial records, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), federal and state regulations, and higher education reporting requirements.

The Controller oversees the University's accounting operations, monthly and annual close processes, financial reporting, annual audits, restricted funds accounting, tax and regulatory filings, internal controls, and the leadership and development of Business Office staff. The Controller also oversees the preparation of cash flow forecasts, financial analyses, and management reports that support institutional planning and decision-making.

Working closely with the CFO, the Controller supports the University's annual budgeting and forecasting processes and provides financial information and analysis to assist with long-range financial planning and strategic decision-making. The CFO retains primary responsibility for institutional financial strategy, final budget recommendations, long-range financial planning, capital and debt strategy, investment strategy, banking relationships, and financial reporting and recommendations to the President and the Board of Trustee s.

The Controller supervises the Business Office team consisting of F inancial and A ccounting management, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll processing .

This role also requires a comprehensive understanding of and commitment to the unique Christian mission and vision of Arizona Christian University ( ACU ) to Transform Culture with Truth, and the ability to advance that mission and vision through the performance of its duties, including person-to-person mentorship and discipleship .

Key Responsibilities :

Financial Management and Reporting

Direct and manage all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, investment accounting, and cash management.

Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts, including appropriate account structure, financial coding, and consistency of accounting classifications across the University.

Review and approve journal entries and account reconciliations, ensuring that reconciling items and accounting discrepancies are identified , researched, and resolved on a timely basis.

Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including establishment and oversight of the close calendar, deadlines, procedures, and staff responsibilities.

Monitor institutional liquidity and p repare a weekly and twelve-month rolling cash flow analysis.

Ensure compliance with GAAP, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) , and applicable higher education accounting standards.

Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.

Audit and Compliance

Coordinate and manage the annual financial statement and compliance audit.

Coordinate the preparation of year-end audit schedules, work papers, account analyses, confirmations, and other supporting documentation required for the annual financial statement and compliance audits.

Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.

Lead preparation for Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) requirements, where applicable.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, donor, and accreditation related to financial reporting requirements.

Oversee preparation and filing of federal and state tax forms, including Forms 990, 990-T, and other required regulatory filings.

Restricted Funds Management

Oversee accounting and reporting for federal, state, and private grants and contracts and donor funds.

Ensure compliance with grant terms, Uniform Guidance requirements, and donor restrictions.

Monitor restricted, endowed, and designated funds and provide reporting to the CFO and…