Northwestern University

Controller (Hybrid)

Northwestern University$100K — $130K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field, required
  • CPA or CMA certification, preferred
  • 7+ years accounting experience
  • 3+ years management experience
  • Experience with tax return preparation in a non-profit environment, preferred
  • Higher education or non-profit experience, preferred

Responsibilities

  • Direct and oversee the operations of the Accounting Office
  • Work closely with Accounting staff to ensure accurate data recording
  • Review and prepare periodic reconciliations
  • Oversee preparation of financial statements for CFO review
  • Conduct annual audits with independent auditors
  • Prepare workpapers for annual 990 submittal
  • Collaborate with CFO on accounting department staffing

Benefits

  • Paid Time Off (earn 22 days per year)
  • 16 Holidays (in 2025)
  • 403(b) Plan with university contributions
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Discounted and free on-site clinic services
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement for external programs
  • Tuition Reduction for internal programs
  • Employee discount at campus store
  • On-site fitness center
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Full Job Description
Why NWHSU?

When you join NWHSU you're not simply doing a job, you're making a difference. You'll see passion for our mission, our work, and our future growth opportunities all around you. Culture is extremely important to us. We're a small enough organization that you'll get to know everyone, have a voice, make an impact, and feel the enthusiasm of everyone you work with. Yet we're large enough to offer exceptional benefits including a university contribution to our 403(b), generous PTO and a flexible environment. It's all part of our person-centered philosophy- and it's an ideal blend and a superb organization to expand your career.

What can you expect?

The person-centered approach we take to healthcare education and practice extends to our NWHSU team. That means:
  • Every role and individual contributes to our success. No matter what department you work in, you'll see passion for our work and respect for one another.
  • Belonging is important to us - we all bring different backgrounds, perspectives, and value to the organization. And that makes us stronger.
  • We're committed and engaged. You'll see that in every meeting, every discussion and everything we do. It shows and we're proud of it.
  • We don't simply say we have a team environment - we live it. Your ideas and suggestions matter. We listen to one another and when something makes sense, we do it.
  • We've still got that entrepreneurial spirit, even though we've been around for 80+ years. And we like that.
  • We build in flexibility in roles whenever we can. We work in a hybrid environment. Each manager works with their team members to ensure there is a healthy work-life balance.
  • Your personal and professional work opportunities are important to us - we provide these benefits so you can continue to excel in your career.

Our goal? Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to deliver and advance healthcare.

Position Information: Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Controller to join our Finance team. This pivotal leadership role will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and be responsible for directing and overseeing the University's accounting team of 5 staff members. The Controller plays a critical role in overseeing all aspects of our financial operations, including ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, and streamlining and optimizing existing processes. This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven financial leader to partner with departments and stakeholders across campus and make a meaningful impact in support of NWHSU's institutional goals.

Work Location: Bloomington, MN with flexibility to work 1-2 days per week remotely; must live local and be able to come to campus as needed.

Duties:
  • Direct and oversee the operations of the Accounting Office including accounting systems management, accounts payable and receivable functions, fixed asset accounting, Perkins loan program, and administration of student accounts
  • Works closely with Accounting staff to ensure accurate recording of data in the financial system
  • Reviews & prepares periodic reconciliation of significant accounts to ensure accuracy
  • Reviews monthly trial balances to ensure accuracy
  • Oversees preparation of 1099 and 1098Ts
  • Support Accounting team by answering questions, resolving problems, providing training and support, and overseeing work and projects
  • Runs monthly and annual financial statements for review by the CFO
  • Works with independent auditors to schedule and conduct the annual financial and compliance audits
  • Coordinates the audit process with the CFO and oversees the preparation of internally prepared workpapers and schedules as requested by the auditors
  • Prepares workpapers and oversees the annual 990 submittal
  • Serves on cross-functional teams to address planning and policy development
  • Oversees accounting department staffing including hiring, performance reviews, and organizational structure in collaboration with CFO

What you need to have?
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field, required
  • CPA or CMA certification, preferred
  • 7+ years accounting experience
  • 3+ years management experience
  • Experience with tax return preparation in a non-profit environment, preferred
  • Higher education or non-profit experience, preferred

Other Specialized Knowledge/Skills:
  • Highly organized with attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks with strong time management skills
  • Ability to delegate and deliver consistent and reliable results
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as advanced Excel skills including pivot tables
  • Excellent knowledge of accounting principles, GAAP, financial best practices, computer software for accounting, financial statements and their preparation, payroll reporting and systems
  • Familiarity with government legislation and policies as it affects the higher education finance role; willingness to stay up to date with changes in legislation and implementing any new legal/reporting/GAAP requirements

Does this sound like the type of role you could excel in? Where your background and experience may contribute to the growth of our organization? A role where you can add your passion and enthusiasm, and make a difference? If you believe you have the education and experience to meet the qualifications for this role, we'd value talking to you. Non-traditional backgrounds are welcome.

Compensation:

$100,000 - $130,000 annually.

The hiring rate is determined by a combination of education, related professional experience, and internal equity considerations and may exceed the posted range. NWHSU is committed to fair and equitable pay practices and does not base compensation decisions on gender or any other protected status.

Our Benefits:

NWHSU is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet your current needs and anticipate your future needs. Our generous time away helps you enjoy a healthy work life rhythm.
  • Paid Time Off (earn 22 days per year)
  • Holiday (16 in 2025)
  • 403(b) Plan
  • Medical, dental, vision
  • Discounted and free on-site clinic services for you and your family
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • EAP and other wellness benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement for external programs
  • Tuition Reduction for internal programs (includes family members)
  • Employee discount at our campus store
  • On-site fitness center

NWHSU is a nonprofit organization and full-time employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through the U.S. Department of Education. For further information please click on this .

NWHSU Overview:

Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) based in Bloomington, MN, has been a national leader in person-centered healthcare education for over 80 years. The University has more than 10,000 graduates throughout the U.S. and in 21 countries. For more information, please visit nwhealth.edu.

We offer a diverse range of evidence-informed programs and experiences including: Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Functional and Integrative Nutrition, and Integrative Care, and undergraduate offerings in massage therapy, health sciences, and allied health professions - medical laboratory science, medical laboratory technology, radiation therapy, and radiologic technology. We are a mission- and vision- driven university leading the way in person-centered care.

How to Apply:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment. Skywater Search Partners is assisting NWHSU in our search. For questions, or additional information, please contact Matt Hugdahl at or complete our online application and attach your cover letter and resume.

If you have any questions submitting your application, please contact .

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northwestern Health Sciences University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Further, NWHSU prohibits all forms of discrimination is any education program or activity that it operates. The Notice of Non-Discrimination is located on our website. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Please refer to our for further information.

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. It was founded in 1851 by nine men whose goal was to establish a university that would serve the Northwest Territory. Northwestern is a member of the Big Ten Conference and the Association of American Universities. Northwestern has 12 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees. Northwestern has a diverse student body with over 21,000 students from all 50 states and 100 countries. The university has a strong focus on research and has produced 19 Nobel laureates, as well as numerous Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellowship winners.
Learn more about Northwestern University
Size
1,483 employees
Market Cap
$3.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$155.2 million
5 Year Trend
+1.8%
Revenue
$1.1 billion
NASDAQ

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