Job Description

General Description of the Position
The Controller (serving as Associate Vice President for Finance) acts as the principal representative for the VP of Finance/CFO across all financial operations and is authorized to negotiate on behalf of the Finance Office. This executive leadership role develops and implements financial strategies, oversees general accounting, restricted funds, cash management, and financial reporting, and ensures compliance with GASB, GAAP, and federal/state regulations.

The Controller directs daily financial operations, coordinates all internal and external audit activities, manages university-wide financial systems (such as Banner), and guides the implementation of new accounting standards and internal controls. Additionally, this position provides strategic leadership, coaches financial managers, and collaborates closely with executive leadership, campus administrators, and external agencies to safeguard institutional assets and advance financial excellence.

Essential Functions & Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Executive Leadership & Strategy: Recommend financial strategies to the CFO and President; serve as the primary operational representative for the Finance Office in the CFO's absence.
Financial Operations & General Ledger: Oversee the management of financial accounting, reporting, general ledger security, operations, and grant classifications, billing, and tracking.
Treasury & Cash Management: Direct university cash management, banking relationships, and investment activities; oversee cash flow modeling and ensure institutional liquidity.
Audit Coordination & Compliance: Coordinate all financial audit activities as the primary liaison with external auditors; investigate and resolve audit findings and compliance issues.
Financial Reporting: Provide oversight for the preparation of periodic financial reports, tax returns, and the Annual Financial Report (AFR).
Policy & GASB Implementation: Develop university-wide financial policies and direct the operational implementation plans for GASB pronouncements and legislative updates.
Systems & Training: Oversee financial systems optimization (e.g., Banner) and lead university-wide financial training initiatives.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to Finance Office staff, overseeing performance evaluations, workflows, professional development, and hiring. Provide direct and/or dotted-line oversight of primary financial managers appointed by the heads of major DSU divisions and units, including financial training, assignment of financial management responsibilities, and approval of changes to financial structures and procedures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated success in leading groups of diverse individuals to reach and implement common solutions.
Ability to introduce and manage change in a positive manner and motivate users to willingly follow.
Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
Excellent analytical, organizational and relationship-building skills.
Knowledge and practice in applying higher education accounting principles.
Ability to work with varied data management systems.
Ability to work independently.
Possess an attitude that fosters a respectful, non-threatening workplace environment.
Higher Education experience preferred.
Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting. Principles (GAAP) as they apply to higher education organizations and financial reporting.
Knowledge of higher education accounting and auditing procedures, laws, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of higher education accounting, financial management, payroll and budget systems.
Banner experience desired.
Must demonstrate excellent organizational, communication and operational management skills.
Must be able to independently set priorities to meet the needs of the organization and achieve the needed results.
Must be an effective leader who can build and sustain leadership and management in a higher education organization and who has a track record of sustaining cooperative working relationships across a complex and diverse organization.

Qualification Standards
Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related fields.
Ten years of progressive management experience. Higher education experience desirable.
CPA preferred.
Knowledge of the treasury functions of a university or bank is preferred.
Must demonstrate success in appropriately applying the principles and practices of ethical financial management.