Controller

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 Administration (VPFA), the Controller in a senior-level management position within the College�s business and financial operations department, i.e., the Business Office. The Controller is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the College�s financial records; overseeing core transactional and accounting functions; and maintaining a strong internal control environment.

The Controller acts as a strategic partner to the VPFA and Deputy CFO in matters related to financial reporting, audit, risk management, and budget development, while retaining primary responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the College�s accounting, banking, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and endowment administration functions.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee the College�s general ledger, chart of accounts, and all accounting records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and related analyses for senior leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB/FASB standards, fund accounting principles, and applicable federal and state reporting requirements.
• Serve as a technical accounting resource to campus leaders, departments, and programs.

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Banking

• Provide direct oversight and leadership of accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely processing, strong internal controls, and high-quality customer service.
• Oversee banking operations, cash management, reconciliations, and daily liquidity monitoring.
• Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and internal controls related to cash handling, disbursements, and receipts.
• Manage relationships with financial institutions at an operational level and support the VPFA in broader banking strategy discussions.

Endowment, Investments & Debt Accounting

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting related to endowments, investments, and debt in accordance with donor restrictions, Board policy, and UPMIFA.
• Ensure accurate tracking of endowment activity, spending policy calculations, and financial reporting.
• Provide analytical support and reporting to inform investment and endowment decisions led by the VPFA and governing boards.
• Monitor compliance with debt covenants and reporting requirements and coordinate related accounting activities.

Audit, Compliance & Risk Management (Strategic Partner Role)

• Coordinate and manage the operational execution of the annual external financial statement audit, serving as the primary staff liaison to auditors.
• Prepare audit schedules, documentation, and draft responses, and support the VPFA in audit communications and presentations.
• Maintain and continuously improve the College�s internal control framework and financial risk mitigation practices.
• Serve as a partner to the VPFA on institutional risk management, compliance strategies, and audit planning; does not serve as the institution�s internal auditor of record.
• Support business continuity and operational risk planning for finance and business office functions.

Budget Development & Financial Planning

• Support the VPFA in the development of the annual operating and capital budgets by providing historical analysis, forecasts, and financial modeling.
• Monitor budget performance and provide timely variance analysis and trend reporting.
• Partner with departments and academic leaders to improve financial understanding and support data-informed decision-making.
• Assist with long-range financial planning initiatives as assigned.

Systems, Data & Process Improvement

• Serve as functional lead for the College�s financial systems and ensure data integrity, system controls, and appropriate user access.
• Partner with technology services to implement system enhancements, process improvements, and reporting tools.
• Lead efforts to improve efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and service quality within financial operations.

Leadership & Supervision

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Business Office and accounting staff.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and professional development goals.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture grounded in accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor�s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration from an accredited institution.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial operations.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting audit coordination, internal controls, risk management, and budget development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit financial management.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
• Master�s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, fund accounting, and internal controls.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate insights clearly.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a shared-governance environment.

Salary: $110,000