Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

Controller

Help lead the financial future of McPherson College.

McPherson College is seeking an experienced, collaborative Controller to lead the daily financial operations of the College. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys accounting, leadership, and working with colleagues across campus to support the College's mission and long-term success. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance, the Controller serves as a key member of the Business Office leadership team and works closely with the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, auditors, financial institutions, and departments across campus.

Why McPherson College?

McPherson College is one of the Midwest's most distinctive private colleges. We have been recognized multiple times as a Great College to Work For, and we pride ourselves on maintaining a collaborative, supportive culture where employees know one another and enjoy working together. This is an exciting time to join the College. We're investing nearly $70 million in new construction and campus improvements, making this one of the most active periods of growth in our history.

The Controller plays an important role in helping ensure those investments are managed with sound financial stewardship and long-term planning. McPherson College is also home to the nation's premier Automotive Restoration program. It is the only bachelor's degree program of its kind in the United States and continues to earn national recognition for innovation, student success, and hands-on learning. We're financially stable, mission-driven, and committed to investing in both our campus and our employees.

What You'll Do

• Leading the day-to-day operations of the Business Office.
• Overseeing the general ledger, monthly financial reporting, and annual financial statements.
• Supervising accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, and fixed assets.
• Preparing financial reports and analyses for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Coordinating the annual audit and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assisting with budget development, cash management, financial forecasting, and internal controls.
• Supervising, mentoring, and developing Business Office staff.
• Working collaboratively with departments across campus to provide excellent financial support and customer service.
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes and strengthen internal controls.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in accounting, finance, or financial management with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting. Experience with nonprofit or higher education accounting is helpful but not required.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Experience with ERP or higher education financial systems is a plus.
• The ability to build positive working relationships across the College while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.

A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, professional certification, and progressively responsible work experience will be considered. CPA or other relevant professional certification is desirable but not required.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 12-month position with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support Board meetings, audits, budget development, and other institutional needs.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• 17 paid holidays each year.
• Generous paid time off and separate sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution after one year.
• Undergraduate tuition assistance for eligible immediate family members.

If you're ready to help shape the financial future of McPherson College, we'd welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Apply today.