Comptroller – University Development Foundation

Full-Time Leadership Opportunity | Comprehensive Benefits Relocation Assistance Available Lead Financial Excellence. Protect a Lasting Legacy.

Jackson, Mississippi | Onsite

$70,000–$80,000 annually

Relocation assistance is available for the selected candidate.

ElevationHR is partnering with a historic, nationally recognized public HBCU and urban research university to identify an accomplished Comptroller for its affiliated Development Foundation.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced nonprofit or higher-education finance professional to oversee the financial operations supporting scholarships, academic programs, institutional priorities, and long-term university growth.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Foundation Finance & Compliance, the Comptroller will lead accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, audits, tax compliance, gift and fund accounting, and endowment administration.

The ideal candidate is a CPA who combines strong technical accounting expertise with integrity, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of philanthropic resources.

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, journal entries, bank reconciliations, and month‑end and year‑end close.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with nonprofit GAAP.
• Deliver financial reports, budget‑to‑actual analyses, cash‑flow forecasts, and actionable insights to executive leadership, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors.
• Lead the annual budget process and support multi‑year forecasting, scenario planning, financial modeling, and strategic decision‑making.
• Manage the accounting and reconciliation of charitable gifts, restricted funds, grants, planned gifts, and endowment assets.
• Ensure donor‑restricted resources are administered in accordance with gift agreements, donor intent, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate the annual external audit and oversee IRS Form 990, state filings, and other nonprofit compliance obligations.
• Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, risk‑management practices, reporting tools, and operational processes.
• Partner with university finance and advancement leaders, external auditors, legal counsel, investment advisors, and Foundation Board committees.
• Supervise, coach, and develop the Staff Accountant, Accounting Assistant, and Gift Processing Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Active Certified Public Accountant license.
• Eligibility to obtain CPA reciprocity in Mississippi within 12 months of hire.
• At least five years of progressive accounting and financial‑management experience.
• At least two years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, foundation finance, or higher‑education finance.
• Direct experience preparing financial statements, coordinating external audits, and managing tax compliance.
• Experience preparing or overseeing IRS Form 990.
• Experience supporting a Board of Directors, Finance Committee, or executive leadership team.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with accounting systems, Microsoft Excel, financial reporting, and data analysis.
• High standards of integrity, confidentiality, accuracy, and professional judgment.

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience as a Comptroller, Controller, CFO, or senior finance leader within a nonprofit, university foundation, or higher‑education institution.
• Experience managing endowments, restricted gifts, investment activity, grants, and charitable funds.
• Familiarity with Banner Finance, CRM Advance, or comparable enterprise systems.
• Knowledge of COSO internal‑control frameworks, NACUBO standards, or planned‑giving accounting.
• Experience implementing or upgrading accounting systems, financial processes, or ERP platforms.