Controller & CEO, Research Corporation

Controller & Chief Executive Officer, Research Corporation

Summary: The Controller & Chief Executive Officer, Research Corporation serves as a senior financial leader and the primary operational and strategic partner to the Vice President for Finance & Facilities/Chief Financial Officer.

This position functions with broad authority over the institution’s financial operations, including full responsibility for accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. In addition, the role serves in a dual capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the WVSOM Research Corporation, with oversight of financial operations, governance coordination, and compliance for affiliated entities.

This position also provides oversight of auxiliary business operations, including the campus bookstore and food service (O’Café), ensuring effective financial management, operational alignment, and service quality.

This position plays a key role in institutional financial strategy, decision-making, and execution, while maintaining direct accountability for core financial operations. The role serves as the primary operational leader for Finance & Facilities in the absence of the Vice President/CFO, with delegated authority to ensure continuity of leadership and institutional operations. The position integrates oversight across institutional accounting, sponsored programs, affiliated entities, and auxiliary operations, supporting consistency, compliance, and long-term financial sustainability.

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial reporting
• Ensure preparation of accurate, timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP/GASB
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting procedures
• Oversee fixed assets, investments, and institutional funds
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial requirements
• Implement new accounting standards and regulatory changes
• Develop, implement, and maintain institutional financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness

• Serve as primary liaison for external auditors (including Legislative audits)
• Coordinate all audit preparation, responses, and reporting
• Ensure readiness for audits and compliance reviews
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, risk mitigation practices, and institutional accountability standards
• Oversee required institutional reporting (i.e. IPEDS, grants, state/federal reports

• Provide financial leadership to Accounting, Bursar Operations, and WVSOM Institutional Advancement
• Oversee ERP finance operations and related systems (e.g. Banner, WVOASIS)
• Ensure integrity of financial data, reporting, and system interfaces
• Partner with Information Technology on system enhancements, upgrades, and issue resolution
• Lead process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy

• Serve as Chief Executive Officer of the WVSOM Research Corporation and provide overall leadership for its operations, strategic initiatives, governance activities, and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure appropriate accounting, reporting, and compliance for affiliated entities
• Support budgeting, financial reporting, and audits for research-related activities
• Ensure appropriate alignment and separation between institutional and affiliated finances
• Support governance coordination, including board reporting, policies, and fiduciary oversight of the Research Corporation
• Partner with the VP/CFO on budget development and monitoring for the Research Corporation
• Develop financial analyses, forecasts, and decision-support materials
• Assist in long-term financial planning and sustainability initiatives
• Prepare and/or present financial materials for executive leadership, the WVSOM Board of Governors, the WVSOM Research Corporation Board of Directors, and the Finance Committee, as appropriate.
• Provide financial oversight of sponsored programs and grant accounting
• Ensure compliance with federal/state grant…