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University Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bsu

Temporary Accountant and Financial Analyst

Muncie, IN · On-site

$38.25/hr

Office of University Controller - Temp Start Date: 09/13/2026 About this opportunity: Work as a temporary part-time senior level accountant in the Controller's Office What you'll do and what you'll ...

Ball State PBS

$38.25/hr

Office of University Controller - Temp Start Date: 09/13/2026 About this opportunity: Work as a temporary part-time senior level accountant in the Controller's Office What you'll do and what you'll ...

Kentucky State University

Controller

Frankfort, KY · On-site

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the University's annual financial statements in accordance with applicable GASB reporting standards; coordinating financial ...

Arizona Christian University

Controller

Glendale, AZ · On-site

The Controller oversees the University's accounting operations, monthly and annual close processes, financial reporting, annual audits, restricted funds accounting, tax and regulatory filings ...

Georgetown University

Controller

Washington, DC · On-site

$167K - $400K/yr

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. With the Hilltop ... Requirements Job Overview The Controller is a vital executive leader within the Office of the Chief ...

Georgetown University

$167K - $400K/yr

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. With the Hilltop ... Job Overview The Controller is a vital executive leader within the Office of the Chief Financial ...

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University Controller information

What is a university controller?

A University Controller is a senior financial officer responsible for overseeing the accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions at a university or college. They ensure compliance with financial regulations, manage budgets, prepare financial statements, and support audits. The Controller works closely with other university leaders to provide financial insights and ensure the institution's fiscal health. Their role is vital in maintaining transparency and accountability in the university's financial operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a university controller?

To thrive as a University Controller, you need a solid background in accounting, financial management, and compliance, typically supported by a CPA or similar certification and several years of relevant experience. Expertise in ERP systems (such as Banner or PeopleSoft), financial reporting software, and familiarity with higher education financial regulations are essential. Exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong leadership and communication abilities help manage teams and collaborate with various university departments. These competencies ensure accurate financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and effective stewardship of university resources.

What are some common challenges faced by a university controller in managing financial compliance across multiple departments?

A University Controller often faces the challenge of ensuring consistent financial compliance across various academic and administrative departments, each with unique funding sources, reporting requirements, and spending practices. Coordinating and standardizing financial policies, while accommodating departmental needs and adhering to federal, state, and grant regulations, requires effective communication and strong internal controls. Additionally, Controllers must regularly provide training and support to department staff to uphold best practices and reduce the risk of errors or non-compliance.

What is the difference between University Controller vs Financial Analyst?

AspectUniversity ControllerFinancial Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a CPA or equivalent accounting certificationOften requires a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field; CPA is a plus
Work EnvironmentWorks within university finance departments, managing budgets and financial reportingWorks in corporate or financial firms analyzing data to guide investment or business decisions
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, government, non-profitsCorporations, investment firms, consulting agencies

The University Controller and Financial Analyst roles both require strong financial knowledge, but the Controller focuses on managing university finances, compliance, and reporting, while the Financial Analyst analyzes data to support investment and business strategies. The Controller typically holds accounting certifications and works within educational institutions, whereas the Analyst often has a finance background and works in corporate settings.

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University Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Controller job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 40% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Controller, Financial Operations-Hybrid Schedule

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Columbia University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Columbia Universityexternal

$230K - $260K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description


  • Job Type: Officer of Administration

  • Bargaining Unit:

  • Regular/Temporary: Regular

  • End Date if Temporary:

  • Hours Per Week: full-time-35 hours/wk

  • Standard Work Schedule:

  • Building:

  • Salary Range: $230,000-$260,000


The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.


Position Summary

Reporting to the University Controller and Associate Vice President, the Assistant Controller, Financial Operations oversees a portfolio of financial operations for the University. The broader Controller’s Office includes Financial Reporting & Operations, Fringe Benefits & Pension Accounting, Post-award administration of sponsored projects, Tax, Payroll, and International Operations. The Assistant Controller's portfolio will initially include some or all of the following departments: Payroll, Fringe Benefits accounting & reporting, and process enhancements including implementing process improvement initiatives and system implementations across the Controller's organization. This portfolio is subject to change. The Assistant Controller is a senior advisor and key member of the Finance leadership team and is responsible for strategically leading a team of 10+ to support the University's operational and compliance needs.


Responsibilities

  • Fringe Benefits Accounting and Forecasting Oversees the Executive Director of Fringe Benefits and their team responsible for monthly accounting, reporting and forecasting of all fringe expenditures and recoveries totaling over $1.8B in activity. The role includes close monitoring of the fringe pool and collaboration with various stakeholders, including HR Benefits, University Work Life, Benefit providers, Union administration officials, etc.

  • Payroll Oversees the Payroll team who are responsible for managing the accurate and timely payment of compensation exceeding $4.43B to over 34,000 University employees utilizing the PeopleSoft system, as well as ensuring the timely payments and returns for all federal, state and local taxes and management of all related audits, and the accurate posting of all expenses to the University's financial accounting system.

  • Process Enhancement and System Implementations The Assistant Controller partners with leaders across the Controller's organization to implement technology solutions that streamline business processes, strengthen financial operations, and drive operational efficiencies while also providing project management support to ensure initiatives are delivered effectively and on time.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in accounting, business administration or finance.

  • Ten years related experience, including management experience.


Preferred Qualifications

  • An MBA, CPA and/or CIA designation is strongly preferred.

  • Experience in higher education and/or payroll operations strongly preferred.

  • PeopleSoft or other ERP experience a plus.

  • Large-scale project implementation experience is a plus.


Other Requirements

  • Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills required.

  • Ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of senior University administrators essential.

  • Must be able to negotiate issues, resolve problems and have strong influencing skills.

  • In addition, the successful candidate must have a good understanding of the effect change will have on the organization, be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature.

  • Must be experienced at senior level presentations.

  • In addition, the successful candidate must be a strategic thinker, with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation, and a strong role model, manager and coach, with the ability to provide a positive working and learning environment for staff, as well as to develop a first-class service organization that responds effectively to inquiries and engenders trust from the University community.

  • Must have a demonstrated passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality, as well as very high energy levels.


Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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