Controller

North Dakota University System

$78K — $93K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required.
  • Three years of accounting experience required.
  • Three years of supervisory experience required.
  • Preference for candidates with higher education accounting experience
  • Experience with a master's degree or professional certifications (CPA, CMA, or CGFM) preferred.
  • Knowledge of GAAP and accounting systems required.
  • Strong computer skills in financial reporting and management systems required.

Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership in accounting and financial operations for Lake Region State College.
  • Ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance in financial reporting according to GAAP.
  • Oversee general ledger, reconciliations, budgeting, and grant financial management.
  • Develop and monitor the College's annual budget and financial reports.
  • Support College leadership by providing financial data and recommendations for decision-making.
  • Supervise Business Office operations, including accounts payable, receivable, and payroll.
  • Coordinate with internal and external auditors for compliance and documentation.

Benefits

  • Fully paid family health insurance.
  • Life insurance coverage.
  • Annual and sick leave.
  • Employee tuition waiver for personal education.
  • Tuition discounts for spouses and dependents.
  • TIAA retirement plan options.
Full Job Description
POSITION: Controller

LOCATION: Devils Lake, ND

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: This is a full-time, 12-month, benefited position.

BACKGROUND CHECK: LRSC does require a successful background check for the selected candidate prior to beginning employment.

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, the Controller provides leadership and oversight of Lake Region State College's accounting and financial operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, compliance, and timely reporting of the College's financial activity in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable federal, state, North Dakota University System (NDUS), and College policies and regulations.

The Controller oversees financial reporting, general ledger activities, reconciliations, budgeting, grant financial management, internal controls, and audit coordination. The position develops and monitors the College's annual budget, prepares and analyzes financial reports, provides financial information and recommendations to LRSC leadership, and works with internal and external auditors to ensure required documentation and compliance.

The Controller provides supervision for Business Office operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, and is responsible for ensuring appropriate financial processes, controls, and procedures are maintained. The position also supports the President, vice presidents, deans, directors, and grant administrators by providing financial data, budget analysis, and guidance to support sound financial decision-making and responsible stewardship of LRSC resources.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is required. Three years of accounting experience and three years of supervisory experience are required. Preference will be given to candidates with higher education accounting experience, a master's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field, and/or a professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or CGFM.

Candidates should have knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and experience with accounting systems, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. The successful candidate must be able to prepare and analyze financial statements and supporting schedules, interpret complex financial data, and provide meaningful financial information and recommendations to support institutional decision-making.

Strong computer skills, including experience with spreadsheets, word processing, presentation, database, and financial management systems, are required. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, communication, and customer service skills; maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment; manage multiple priorities and deadlines; and work effectively both independently and collaboratively. Experience working with diverse populations in a higher education environment is preferred.

SALARY: $78,130 - $93,760 based on experience.

BENEFITS: Fully paid family health insurance, life insurance, annual leave, sick leave, employee tuition waiver, spouse/dependent tuition discount, TIAA retirement, and much more.

CLOSING DATE: September 7, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the LRSC employment application , include a cover letter, resume, and information for three professional references .

CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION MATERIALS: Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists.

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