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College Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rhode Island College

Controller

Providence, RI · On-site

You'll shape the College's financial story through GASB-compliant statements , sharp monthly ... Primary Purpose The Controller, serving as a senior financial officer for the College, provides ...

Bennett College

Controller

Greensboro, NC · On-site

ABOUT BENNETT COLLEGE: Bennett College, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a private ... The Controller serves as the College's chief accounting executive and is responsible for ...

LAKE ERIE COLLEGE

Controller

Painesville, OH

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE STATUS: FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, SALARIED Lake Erie College, a small, co ... The Controller is responsible for managing the business and accounting services of the college ...

Prairie State College

Controller

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

The Controller, in partnership with the Business Analysist will partner with departments across the College to ensure proper financial justification is presented with any new academic program, large ...

Prairie State College

Controller

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$96K - $158K/yr

The Controller, in partnership with the Business Analyst will partner with departments across the College to ensure proper financial justification is presented with any new academic program, large ...

Lake Erie College

Controller

Painesville, OH · On-site

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE STATUS: FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, SALARIED Lake Erie College, a small, co ... The Controller is responsible for managing the business and accounting services of the college ...

Muhlenberg College

Controller

Campus, IL · On-site

This position also serves as the College's primary hands-on accountant, performing technical and advanced accounting duties including gift and grant accounting, bank and investment reconciliations ...

Prairie State College

Controller

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

The Controller, in partnership with the Business Analysist will partner with departments across the College to ensure proper financial justification is presented with any new academic program, large ...

Muhlenberg College

Controller

Allentown, PA · On-site

This position also serves as the College's primary hands-on accountant, performing technical and advanced accounting duties including gift and grant accounting, bank and investment reconciliations ...

Washington College

Controller

Chestertown, MD

Washington College is recruiting for a full-time Controller to support and lead financial operations within our Business Office. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Vice President of Finance and ...

Highland Community College

Controller

Highland, KS · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Controller serves as the College's chief accounting officer and provides strategic leadership for the institution's accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, audit ...

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Controller

Highland, KS

The Controller serves as the College's chief accounting officer and provides strategic leadership for the institution's accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, audit ...

Bryn Mawr College

$74K - $101K/yr

Controller's Office Location: Bryn Mawr College Campus The Office of Finance at Bryn Mawr College is currently seeking a full-time Finance Systems Analyst. Reporting to the Controller, the Finance ...

State Technical College of Missouri

Controller

Linn, MO

$125K - $150K/hr

Become a part of the #1 two-year college in the country and shape the workforce of tomorrow. At ... Controller to join the experienced Business Office team. It is a fast-paced environment with a ...

Guilford College

Controller

Greensboro, NC · On-site

People are drawn to Guilford College for a number of reasons, including the College's Core Values ... Position Summary Summary The Controller is responsible for the operating financial affairs of the ...

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College Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do college controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for college controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a College Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Controller, you need expertise in accounting, financial management, and compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in accounting or finance and CPA certification. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, fund accounting software, and financial reporting tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills help in managing teams and collaborating with campus stakeholders. These competencies ensure accurate financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and sound fiscal stewardship within the academic institution.

What is the difference between College Controller vs College Financial Analyst?

AspectCollege ControllerCollege Financial Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA often preferredBachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics; certifications like CFA are a plus
Work EnvironmentFinancial offices within colleges, overseeing accounting and budgetingFinancial departments, analyzing data, preparing reports, supporting budgeting
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities, focusing on financial management and complianceEducational institutions, focusing on financial analysis and planning

The College Controller primarily manages accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting within a college, requiring strong accounting credentials. In contrast, the College Financial Analyst focuses on analyzing financial data to support decision-making. Both roles are essential in the college's financial health but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What does a College Controller do?

A College Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a college or university. Their duties typically include managing accounting functions, preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulations, and assisting in the development of budgets. The Controller works closely with other administrative departments to maintain accurate financial records and support institutional decision-making. They also play a key role in audits and may supervise accounting staff.

What are the main challenges a College Controller typically faces during the annual budgeting process?

A College Controller often encounters challenges such as balancing limited resources with departmental needs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and accurately forecasting revenues and expenditures. Coordinating input from multiple departments while maintaining transparency and consistency can be complex, especially at larger institutions. Additionally, adapting to changes in funding models and addressing unexpected financial pressures require strong analytical and communication skills.
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College Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Controller

Controller

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

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.
EEO Statement
Rhode Island College is an equal opportunity employer. The institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability religion, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Rhode Island College is committed to maintain a workplace and educational environment that supports equal opportunity, professionalism and respectful engagement for all community members.

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