Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Northern State University invites applications for the position of Assistant Controller. This position serves as a key contributor to Northern State University's financial leadership by supporting the integrity, transparency, and effective use of institutional resources. The Assistant Controller plays an essential role in enabling sound decisions, strengthening fiscal accountability, and advancing operational excellence through accurate financial data and disciplined budget management.

Key Job Duties

• Prepare, validate, and maintain budget data in the ERP system to support accurate financial reporting and fiscal integrity.
• Maintain the university budget throughout the fiscal year by processing adjustments, monitoring variances, and ensuring alignment with institutional, Board of Regents, and state requirements.
• Provide timely financial analysis to leadership, departments, and external stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Provide guidance on budget processes, financial systems, and fiscal policies to promote consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Perform key accounting functions, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close activities across university and state systems.
• Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial reports, including budget-to-actuals, projections, and management reports.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, state regulations, and Board of Regents policies and procedures.
• Collaborate across the university to resolve financial issues and strengthen transparency, accountability, and process effectiveness.
• Identify and implement process improvements in budgeting, reporting, and financial operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Present financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable insights.
• Review and approve journal vouchers and internal requisitions daily.
• Monitor position budgets and process payroll corrections as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles, financial analysis and reporting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency in enterprise financial systems and advanced Microsoft Excel for financial analysis, reporting, and data management.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience in higher education finance, public sector accounting, or a similarly complex regulatory environment.

Northern State University offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northern State University is committed to building a welcoming culture of belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and world view. Northern seeks faculty and staff who will engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to increase awareness, understanding, respect and opportunity for all. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.