Controller

Connecticut College

$120K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or economics.
  • Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory accounting position or equivalent experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting standards related to higher education or nonprofits.
  • Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills, including team building and strategic planning.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, capable of articulating complex financial concepts clearly.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage time efficiently.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee hiring, training, and evaluation of accounting staff to promote a student-oriented service culture.
  • Develop and enforce financial accounting policies that comply with GAAP and GASB standards.
  • Manage daily accounting operations including treasury, payroll, accounts payable, and fixed assets.
  • Ensure robust internal controls to protect the College's financial assets.
  • Generate and present comprehensive financial reports and forecasts to aid in decision-making.
  • Coordinate annual audit processes, serving as the main point of contact for external auditors.
  • Stay updated with changes in accounting standards relevant to higher education.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive full benefits package.
  • Continuous full-time appointment without specified end date.
  • Potential for professional development through involvement in special projects.
Full Job Description
Position Details

Position Information

Position Title
Controller

Department
Finance - General -Group

Pay Type
Exempt

Appointment Type (A)
Continuing Full-Time

Hours Per Week
37.5

Number of weeks
52 weeks per year

other - # of weeks
52

Benefits Eligible
Full Benefits

Geographical
Regional

Qualifies for Relocation Reimbursement
No

Work Schedule

Job Description

General Scope of Duties

The Controller is a strategic and detailed leader responsible for the integrity of Connecticut College's financial systems. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance, the Controller oversees all accounting operations to include financial reporting, audit management, federal and state financial compliance, and restricted fund accounting. Additionally, the Controller manages the outward facing units of payroll, purchasing and student accounts. This position works closely with senior leaders by ensuring accurate financial data for decision-making, efficient accounting processes, and strong internal controls.

General Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manages the hiring and evaluation of accounting department staff, establishes department goals and trains staff to be student and customer oriented while maintaining College and departmental policies.
  • Develops and oversees financial accounting policies to account for the receipt and expenditure of all funds, and to report operating results in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
  • Manages the day-to-day accounting operation to include the treasury function, accounts payable, student accounts, other receivables, restricted funds (endowment and grant), capital projects, payroll, fixed assets, and all reconciliations.
  • Ensures appropriate internal controls exist to safeguard the College' assets.
  • Maintains the chart of accounts and vendor records.
  • Develops and presents financial statements, including but not limited to monthly budget to actual reports, monthly cash flow reports with forecasts, bond compliance reports, grant accounting reports and quarterly and annual financial statements.
  • Manage the preparation of all documents needed for the annual independent audit and serve as the primary contact for the external auditors.
  • Coordinate, prepare, and/or oversee federal and state tax reporting to include Form 990, 990T and 1098T.
  • Prepare and submit survey data to multiple government agencies and information-sharing consortia to include IPEDS, the Common Data Set and the NACUBO Endowment Report.
  • Stays current with changes in accounting standards, higher education regulations, and best practices.
  • Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.


Education and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in a financial discipline such as accounting, finance, or economics.
  • Five (5) years of progressive accounting experience in a supervisory role or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Extensive knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and financial reporting standards in higher education or nonprofit settings.
  • Leadership, supervision, planning, and organization skills, including team building, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy while adhering to tight deadlines.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in business administration or accounting.
  • Certification as a Public Accountant (CPA).
  • Experience in higher education.
  • Knowledge of the Ellucian Banner accounting system.


Physical Demands
  • Prolong periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  • Able to travel as needed.


Driving Required
No

Salary Range
$120,000-$150,000

Note

Connecticut College is committed to fair and competitive compensation. The final offer will reflect the candidate's experience, education, and the institution's pay structure to ensure internal equity.

Applicant Credentialing
Thorough applicant credentialing will be conducted on the selected candidate which will include criminal records check, DMV check and depending on the position psychological exam and pre-placement physical.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date
04/30/2026

Applications accepted through

Open Until Filled
Yes

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