Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Overview

The Controller provides leadership and oversight of the Authority's accounting operations, internal controls, and financial reporting functions. The position ensures the integrity, accuracy, consistency, and transparency of the Authority's financial records and systems while supporting effective stewardship of public and investor funds. Reporting to the CFO/COO and operating between the Deputy Director and senior accounting staff, the Controller exercises judgment in fiscal administration, accounting policy interpretation, regulatory compliance, and operational oversight.

The role serves as a key technical and managerial resource, ensuring accounting activities are aligned with GAAP, GASB standards, applicable state and federal requirements, bond covenants, and internal financial policies.

The Controller leads the execution of monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting and reporting processes; supports the preparation of audited financial statements; evaluates and implements new accounting standards; and maintains a strong internal control environment. The position also plays a critical role in complex bond accounting and investor reporting, provides financial analysis to support management decision-making, and promotes continuous improvement, scalability, and consistency across accounting operations.

This position is expected to work on-site at least three days per week and may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), an agency of the State of North Carolina, is authorized by the General Assembly to plan, finance and administer student financial assistance programs of a statewide or inter-institutional nature. It serves students attending public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities in North Carolina, as well as families of students attending nonpublic K-12 schools.

The Financial Services Division manages the Authority's financial functions, program review oversight, and mail and scanning processes.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline. At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience providing work directions, supervision, or managerial oversight of professional accounting staff is required.

• Expert knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and applicable state and federal accounting rules and regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High ethical standards and commitment to fiscal integrity and public accountability.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal leadership, external partners, auditors, trustees, and investors.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience applying data analytics concepts and tools to analyze financial data, identify trends, support reporting accuracy, and inform decision-making.

• Master's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or related field and/or active CPA license.
• Experience in higher education, state government, or public-sector financial management.
• Familiarity with North Carolina statewide financial systems (People Soft, Info Porte, NCFS).
• Experience with bond accounting, trust accounting, or investor reporting.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring, developing, and managing staff with varied experience levels.
• Ability to exercise discretion, initiative, and sound judgment in interpreting and applying complex policies and standards.
• Collaborative, forward-thinking leadership style with a focus on staff development…