Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number
NC00828

Position Title
Controller

Division
Administration and Finance Division

Department Name
Administration and Finance

Position Type
Staff - Non Classified

Position Overview

The Controller is the College's driving force for fiscal excellence-an innovative leader who keeps a complex, 47-building campus running with precision and power. This role commands all major financial operations-Accounting, Research Accounting, Purchasing, Bursar, Payroll, and Student Loans-while championing cutting-edge controls, seamless reporting, and forward-thinking financial strategy.

You'll shape the College's financial story through GASB-compliant statements, sharp monthly analytics, and bold forecasts that guide senior leadership. With authority over cash management, investment oversight, risk management, and grant/indirect cost development, this position ensures the College's financial engine runs flawlessly.

As a strategic partner and trusted advisor across campus and statewide networks, the Controller elevates operations, safeguards assets, and drives best-practice performance-fueling the long-term strength and success of the Administration & Finance division.

Primary Purpose

The Controller, serving as a senior financial officer for the College, provides strategic leadership and oversight for all financial operations, ensuring the integrity, accuracy and transparency of internal and external financial reporting. The role directs and coordinates the College's business offices, maintains integrated administrative and financial systems, strengthens internal controls, and drives the development and implementation of best-practice business processes. Through expert financial stewardship, the Controller supports institutional decision-making, safeguards College assets, and advances the operational excellence of the Administration & Finance division.

Essential Duties

• Oversee the daily operations of the Accounting (including Research Accounting), Purchasing, Bursar, Payroll, and Student Loan offices.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor strong financial internal control systems for all College processes, policies, and procedures to protect institutional assets.
• Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements and related analyses for management and governing board review.
• Prepare the College's annual financial statements in accordance with GASB standards, encompassing all funds under the College's purview.
• Provide leadership to ensure best-practice performance across all financial functions of the College.
• Research, design, maintain, and conduct compliance reviews of internal fiscal control systems to support the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial data.
• Prepare monthly financial operations reports for senior administrators, including narrative analysis, discussion, and forecasting.
• Serve, in collaboration with Institutional Research, as the lead for all external financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain effective cash-management practices and consult with financial institution representatives as needed.
• Monitor all College investments with a particular focus on compliance with the College's investment policy.
• Serve as the principal reviewer of grant and program proposals and lead the development of the College's indirect cost proposal.
• Partner closely with the College Budget Officer on internal and external reporting, strategic initiatives, and the oversight of budgetary control for financial operations.
• Act as a key resource in the development and execution of College financing strategies and certain contractual or agreement matters.
• Collaborate regularly with State, University, and Community College controllers.
• Serve as the College's principal risk manager.
• Represent the Vice President for Administration and Finance as needed.

Occasional Duties

Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Administration and Finance.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• A working knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB).
• Proficient in higher-education financial ERP systems (PeopleSoft, Workday) for managing budgeting, general ledger, grants, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of acceptable business/accounting practices and indirect cost principles.
• Ability to read and interpret financial statements and financial contractual documents and agreements.
• Ability to prepare financial statements and analyze and forecast financial data.
• Ability to effectively direct multiple functions, departments, and personnel.
• Excellent communication, writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively motivate and inspire subordinates.
• Ability to travel within the state and region in order to participate in meetings and conferences as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• At least 3 years in public accounting and/or budgeting and finance.
• At least 3 years of senior-level management experience overseeing the financial operations of a large or complex organization.
• Experience with sponsored research accounting or demonstrated experience managing federal sponsored awards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience in higher education and/or state government administration, with a strong understanding of applicable federal and state administrative procedures.
• Advanced proficiency with business information systems and emerging financial technologies.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership, including the ability to guide teams through change and improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience contributing to and advancing initiatives within a shared governance environment, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Proven success managing staff in both unionized and non-union settings, with an ability to navigate complex personnel structures effectively.

Does this position have Direct Reports?
Yes

Environmental Conditions

The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions.

Position Details

FLSA
Exempt

Salary Grade
18NC

Full Time / Part Time
Full-time

Proposed Starting Salary Range
$155,000-$175,000

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday
Full-Time
35 Hours

Benefits

Full-time employees enjoy an array of benefits including:

• Health and Wellness - Medical, Dental & Vision
• Wellness Incentives and Rewards
• Paid time Off - Vacation, Sick & Holiday
• Retirement Benefits
• Disability and Insurance Benefits
• Education Benefits - Tuition waivers for RIC, CCRI & URI

For a complete listing, visit Employee Benefits.

Reports To (Title)
Vice President of Administration & Finance

Academic or Calendar Year
Calendar

Position Status
Continuing

End of Temporary or Limited Position

Collective Bargaining Unit
Non-union

Posting Information

Number of Positions Available
1

Application Open Date
03/06/2026

Application Close Date

Special Instructions

Please be advised that Rhode Island College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have authorization to work in the US without the need for employer sponsorship.