Description

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.

Requirements

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.