Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

A leading private higher education institution is seeking an accomplished finance executive to oversee enterprise-wide financial operations and support its next phase of growth and modernization.

Reporting to the CFO, this leader will strengthen financial infrastructure, develop high-performing teams, improve systems and processes, and provide senior leadership with strategic financial insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead accounting, financial reporting, AP, payroll, purchasing, treasury, grants, and restricted-fund accounting.
• Oversee finance teams supporting multiple campuses and institutional operations.
• Strengthen financial controls, reporting, processes, and service delivery.
• Drive automation, AI, analytics, and technology-enabled improvements.
• Manage external audits, regulatory and tax reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Oversee banking, investments, liquidity, cash management, debt, and financial relationships.
• Lead financial administration of real estate, leases, capital projects, and related transactions.
• Partner with budgeting and planning teams on forecasting, modeling, scenario analysis, and capital planning.
• Provide financial oversight of retirement plans, endowment and investment activities, and related governance.
• Partner with IT, HR, Legal, and senior administration on ERP systems, cybersecurity, benefits, risk, and enterprise initiatives.
• Develop financial policies and procedures and strengthen institutional risk management.
• Prepare analyses and materials for executive leadership, the Board, and Finance, Audit, and Investment committees.
• Lead special projects and serve as a trusted financial advisor across the institution.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA, CIA, or CMA certification.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible finance experience, including 5+ years managing teams of 10 or more.
• Significant nonprofit accounting and finance leadership experience.
• Experience partnering with executives, boards, auditors, and other senior stakeholders.
• Strong expertise in financial controls, reporting, treasury, cash management, and institutional finance.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and retain high-performing teams.
• Strong judgment and discretion with confidential information.

Preferred

• MBA, M.S., or related advanced degree.
• Higher education or complex nonprofit experience.
• Treasury expertise or certification.
• Knowledge of NACUBO guidance and Department of Education reporting.
• Experience with Workday Finance, People Soft, Canvas, or similar enterprise systems.
• Experience using AI, automation, and analytics to improve finance operations.

Compensation: $,000

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.