Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles and non-profit experience.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Experience managing month-end and year-end close processes with timely financial statement production.
Advanced Excel skills for analyzing complex financial data and providing solutions.
Ability to collaborate with executive leadership and maintain confidentiality.
Responsibilities
Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger and accounts payable/receivable.
Direct monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Prepare and review financial statements and management reports for leadership.
Maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts and ensure consistent accounting practices.
Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
Establish and improve internal controls to protect assets and ensure compliance.
Oversee accounting for restricted gifts, grants, and endowments, ensuring proper reporting.
Benefits
Professional development opportunities.
Collaborative work environment with university leadership.
Potential for flexible working conditions.
Engagement in meaningful financial stewardship within the educational sector.
Full Job Description
CONTROLLER
BUSINESS OFFICE
Position Summary
The Controller provides leadership and oversight for the University's accounting operations and financial reporting. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this position is responsible for the integrity of the general ledger, timely and accurate financial statements, effective internal controls, audit coordination, regulatory compliance, and development of a strong, service-oriented accounting team. The Controller serves as a key financial partner to University leadership and works across departments to strengthen processes, accountability, and stewardship of institutional resources.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash accounting, fixed assets, restricted funds, endowments, grants, and related reconciliations.
Direct monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end close processes and ensure deadlines are met with complete, accurate, and well-supported balances.
Prepare and review internal and external financial statements, management reports, account analyses, and other financial information for the CFO and University leadership.
Maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts and ensure consistent application of accounting policies, fund accounting principles, and institutional procedures.
Coordinate the annual financial statement audit, benefit plan audits, tax filings, and other required reviews; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors for accounting matters.
Establish, document, monitor, and improve internal controls to protect University assets and support accurate, compliant financial reporting.
Oversee accounting for restricted gifts, grants, endowments, capital projects, and other designated funds, including appropriate releases and reporting.
Partner with Financial Planning and Analysis on budget-to-actual reporting, forecasts, financial analysis, and resolution of significant variances.
Provide accounting guidance to campus departments and promote consistent, timely, and transparent financial practices.
Lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate accounting staff; establish clear expectations, cross-training, documentation, and appropriate segregation of duties.
Support treasury, taxation, insurance management, cash management, debt, banking, insurance, compliance, and related financial matters as assigned by the CFO.
Prepare or support materials for executive leadership, the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors, as requested.
Perform other duties and special projects consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
Minimum of twelve years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience leading accounting operations and staff and non-profit account experience
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, account reconciliations, audit requirements, and internal controls, as well as non-profit accounting standards.
Demonstrated experience managing month-end and year-end close processes and producing timely, accurate financial statements.
Advanced Excel skills and the ability to analyze complex financial information, identify issues, and communicate practical solutions.
Ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership, auditors, department leaders, and staff while maintaining accountability and confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
PeopleSoft Financials experience is highly preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
Experience in higher education, nonprofit accounting, or another complex fund-accounting environment preferred.
Experience with grants, restricted funds, endowments, debt, capital projects, and tax-exempt organizations preferred.
Experience improving financial systems, close processes, reporting, and internal controls.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong leadership, judgment, organization, and follow-through.
Clear, professional communication with the ability to explain financial matters to financial and nonfinancial audiences.
Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on review of reconciliations, schedules, transactions, and supporting documentation.
Commitment to accuracy, service, collaboration, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship.
Ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
Working Conditions
This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and requires regular use of standard office and financial systems. Occasional extended hours may be required during close periods, audits, budget cycles, and other critical deadlines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.
About University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic university located in St. Paul, Minnesota. The university was founded in 1885 and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine schools and colleges. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and an average class size of 21 students. The university is known for its strong commitment to social justice and sustainability, and has been recognized as a top producer of Fulbright scholars and Peace Corps volunteers. The university's athletic teams, known as the Tommies, compete in the NCAA Division III.
