Position Details

Position Details

Comments to Applicants

Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. for other than practical training. The university will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The reivew of applications will begin on July 2, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Job Title
University Controller and Assistant Treasurer

Department
University Controller

Work Schedule

Regular office hours are M-F 8:00-4:30.

Notice of Vacancy Number
26-00166

Desired Start Date

Open Date
06/25/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Job Category
Staff-Exempt Executive

Job Type
Staff - Full-Time

Pay Grade
0

Hourly Rate or Salary Range
$120,000 - $160,000/year

Benefits Associated with this Position

• Life Insurance: The coverage amount is based on two and one-half times appointment salary rounded up to the next whole thousand with a maximum coverage of $100,000 and includes the same amount of Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits. The University currently pays the entire cost of coverage.
• Medical, Dental and Prescription Drug Coverage: The cost of coverage is shared between employees and the University. Rates are determined by participation in Wellness Program and use of tobacco products. Coverage is available on the first of the month following appointment date.
• TIAA Retirement Contributions: Contributions begin based upon the first day of employment at a contribution rate of ten (10) percent of base appointment salary paid in full by ISU. The contributions are vested immediately. There are 40 investment options from which to choose.
• TIAA Auto Enroll: New employees are automatically enrolled in a tax deferred retirement program at hire: three (3) percent is deducted before taxes for the program to facilitate retirement planning. Employees may opt out of the program within 90 days.
• Long Term Disability Coverage: Employees are eligible after three (3) years of continuous, regular employment with the University. This policy guarantees approved disabled employees a 66 2/3 percent income protection (from all sources) after 180 days of continuous total disability. Immediate participation is available for current members of a comparable group disability insurance program within 90 days prior to ISU employment and that would have provided income protection upon disability for at least five years.
• Fee Waiver Program: For the employee, spouse and dependent children: Staff may enroll in up to 18 hours of course work each academic year at a reduced rate. Spouses may enroll in 15 semester hours each academic year with 80% of qualified tuition waived. Dependent children of regular full-time staff who are full-time degree seeking undergraduate students at ISU may receive a fee waiver of 80% of qualified tuition for up to a total of ten (10) semesters.
• Sick Leave: Accrued at a rate of 12 days per fiscal year with unlimited accumulation.
• Vacation: Pay level 11 and below accrues up to 15 vacation days earned per year 1 through 4; 20 vacation days per year thereafter. Pay level 12 and above accrues 20 vacation days per year

Optional Benefits

• Voluntary Life Insurance: Additional amounts of life insurance may be purchased on employee, spouse and dependent children.
• Voluntary Vision Plan: May enroll within the first 31 days of employment date.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The University Controller and Assistant Treasurer is a senior finance leader responsible for ensuring the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the University's financial operations. This role provides leadership and oversight of accounting, financial reporting, compliance, treasury support, and key transactional functions, while maintaining a strong system of internal controls.

Aligned with the University's Take Root and Rise strategic plan, the Controller advances institutional priorities through disciplined financial stewardship, data-informed decision-making, and the strategic use of technology to improve efficiency, security, and service delivery.

The Controller supervises the University Bursar, serving as a strategic partner, advisor, and driver of continuous improvement.

In the capacity of Assistant Treasurer, the Controller supports cash management, debt administration, and financial risk management to safeguard institutional assets and promote long-term financial sustainability.

Specific Responsibilities

Required Relevant Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Experience with GASB reporting standards.
• Progressive experience in accounting or financial management, preferably in higher education or public-sector finance.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial reporting, audit coordination, and internal controls.

Required Field(s) of Study

Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Preferred Relevant Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Experience in grants accounting, tax compliance, and treasury operations.
• Experience leading financial system implementations or process improvement initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Has authority/responsibility of a division/department/program & supervises management staff & indirectly supervises staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with policies & applicable laws.

Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
Other

Other Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation

Preferred Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Preferred Other Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Able to adapt to change, Able to assemble, analyze and present data, Able to learn and retain information, Able to multitask, Able to plan, organize, and implement projects in a timely manner, Able to read English, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions, Able to work both independently and collaboratively, Able to work carefully and politely around others, Able to work well with others, Attention to detail, Demonstration of high ethical standards, integrity, professionalism, politeness, and courteousness, Excellent customer service skills, Excellent interpersonal, organizational, planning, teambuilding and problem solving skills, Excellent leadership skills, Experience and knowledge in job related program, Professional demeanor, high energy, dynamic personality and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Proven supervisory skills, Proven verbal and written communication skills, Willing to interact with students, Willing to work extended hours during events and peak seasons, when required, Work effectively with a diverse community

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, GASB standards, and internal control frameworks.
• Understanding of compliance requirements for grants, tax, and public-sector finance.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technology to enhance financial operations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.

Qualifications & Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information on this description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within the classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

NCAA Guidelines

All employees and staff of ISU are bound by all NCAA, Missouri Valley Conference and institutional rules and regulations pertaining to intercollegiate athletics and must conduct themselves in accordance therewith. For more complete information on the duties and obligations of ISU employees and staff in this regard, employees and staff should contact the Compliance Office in the ISU Athletic Department.

No ISU employee (whether paid or a volunteer) shall knowingly influence others to furnish the NCAA or an ISU investigator/compliance officer false or misleading information concerning an individual's involvement in or knowledge of matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA regulation. Failure to abide by this term of employment shall constitute unethical conduct as defined by the NCAA and may result in immediate suspension and/or termination of the employment relationship with ISU.

Position Reappointment Required
No

Job Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Design, implement, and continuously strengthen a comprehensive system of internal controls across all financial operations.
• Lead all general accounting operations, including general ledger, financial close, reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements in accordance with GASB standards.
• Coordinate the annual external audit and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional reporting requirements.
• Oversee accounting for fixed assets, including capitalization, inventory, depreciation, and reporting.
• Ensure financial compliance in grants and contracts accounting, including adherence to Uniform Guidance and sponsor requirements.
• Monitor and support institutional budget compliance in coordination with budget and departmental leadership.
• Maintain effective working relationships with University Foundation finance staff.
• Lead efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Leverage technology, automation, and data analytics to improve efficiency, strengthen security, and enhance accuracy and transparency of financial operations.
• Support treasury functions, including cash management, bank reconciliations, liquidity monitoring, and debt compliance.
• Oversee institutional compliance with tax regulations, including Forms 990-T, 1042, 941, 1099, 1098-T, sales and use taxes, and unrelated business income tax (UBIT).
• Collaborate with external advisors to ensure timely and accurate tax filings and provide guidance on tax implications.
• Supervise the University Bursar, providing strategic direction, performance oversight, and continuous improvement guidance for student financial services.
• Oversee travel and expense processes to ensure compliance, efficiency, and alignment with institutional policies.
• Ensure strong coordination between bursar operations and broader financial systems and controls.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Responsibilities
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to accounting and financial operations staff.
• Partner with campus leadership to support data-driven decision-making and strategic initiatives.
• Lead process improvement efforts aligned with Take Root and Rise priorities, including unified processes, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.
• Support modernization of financial systems, including the University's ERP, Banner, and p