Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Description Controller POSITION:
Controller SUPERVISOR:
Vice President for Strategic Financial Administration & Initiatives DEPARTMENT:
Business Office

LOCATION:

On-campus, located in Tiffin, OH JOB TYPE:
Full-time GRANT-FUNDED:
No SOC Code: 11-3031 General Job Description for the Controller

Tiffin University is seeking a Controller to serve as the institution’s senior accounting leader and steward of financial integrity. The Controller oversees all core accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury and cash management, budgeting support, and audit coordination.

This role is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is excited to apply strong GAAP-based accounting expertise within a mission-driven organization. While higher education or non-profit experience is welcomed, candidates with transferable experience from corporate, healthcare, or other complex organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Controller plays a critical role in strengthening internal controls, enhancing financial processes, and supporting data-driven decision‑making across the University. The position partners closely with senior leadership, Human Resources, and Information Technology to continuously improve systems, reporting, and financial operations.

• Serve as the University’s chief accounting officer, overseeing general ledger, month‑end, and year‑end close processes, and financial accuracy.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting standards and best practices across the institution.

• Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting for management, the Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage the annual external audit, including preparation of financial statements, footnotes, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain strong audit relationships and ensure successful audit outcomes, including unqualified opinions.
• Oversee compliance reporting, including grants, tax filings, NCAA reporting, and other regulatory requirements, as applicable.

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and banking relationships to support the University’s financial stability.
• Oversee debt management and treasury activities.
• Continue initiatives to modernize cash handling and support a secure, cashless campus environment.

• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments on annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Provide financial insights and modeling to support strategic planning and institutional decision‑making.
• Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable guidance for non‑financial leaders.

• Lead, mentor, and develop Business Office staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted financial partner to campus leadership, providing guidance on financial policies, controls, and best practices.
• Partner with HR and IT to enhance system integration and operational efficiency across finance‑related functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• CPA and/or Master’s degree strongly preferred but not required.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Experience in complex organizations with strong internal controls, audits, and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience in higher education or non‑profit environments is a plus, but not required.

• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Demonstrated success managing audits, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with enterprise accounting systems (experience with Sage Intacct, Solver, Power Campus, Colleague, or similar systems is beneficial).
• Effective people…