Executive Financial Controller

Executive Financial Controller

Department: Finance / Financial Aid/Bursar
Reports To: Campus Executive Director / CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Financial Controller is responsible for the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical functions of the institution. This position leads the financial forecasting process for Title IV Financial Aid, disbursements, institutional cash flow, and departmental budgets while providing leadership with accurate financial projections to support strategic decision-making.

The Financial Controller works closely with the Financial Aid, Admissions, Education, Student Services, and Business Office teams to ensure financial resources are effectively managed and aligned with institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Forecasting
Develop annual operating budgets and financial forecasts.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial projections.
Forecast institutional cash flow based on enrollment trends.
Develop scenario planning models for various enrollment outcomes.
Analyze financial performance against budget and forecast.
Financial Aid & Disbursement Forecasting
Develop weekly and monthly Title IV funding projections.
Forecast Pell Grant, Direct Loan, TAP, VA, and other funding sources.
Project upcoming disbursements and expected cash receipts.
Monitor disbursement schedules and identify funding risks.
Analyze packaging completion rates and their impact on cash flow.
Create dashboards showing projected versus actual financial aid disbursements.
Work closely with the Financial Aid department to ensure accurate forecasting.
Budget Management
Lead the annual budgeting process.
Monitor departmental spending against approved budgets.
Analyze budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
Prepare executive budget reports for leadership.
Forecast payroll and operational expenses.
Financial Analysis
Build financial models for enrollment growth and revenue projections.
Analyze tuition revenue trends.
Develop KPI dashboards for executive leadership.
Monitor profitability by program.
Prepare financial reports for strategic planning.
Leadership Reporting

Prepare executive reports including:

Budget vs. Actual
Cash Flow Forecast
Financial Aid Projection Report
Disbursement Forecast
Enrollment Revenue Forecast
Tuition Collection Forecast
Department Expense Report
Monthly Executive Financial Dashboard
Compliance
Ensure compliance with Title IV financial reporting requirements.
Maintain accurate financial records.
Assist with audits and regulatory reviews.
Support institutional financial planning initiatives.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
MBA or CPA preferred.
Experience
5+ years of financial management or controller experience.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
Higher education experience preferred.
Experience with Title IV Financial Aid, Pell Grants, and federal funding is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
Advanced Microsoft Excel (Power Query, Pivot Tables, Financial Modeling).
Financial reporting and dashboard development.
Budget planning and forecasting.
Data analysis and business intelligence tools.
Experience with ERP/SIS systems (Orbund or similar preferred).
Core Competencies
Strategic Financial Planning
Budget Development
Financial Forecasting
Cash Flow Management
Financial Aid Analysis
Executive Reporting
Analytical Thinking
Leadership
Process Improvement
Project Management
Attention to Detail
Excellent Communication Skills
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Forecast accuracy (Budget vs. Actual)
Financial Aid projection accuracy
Disbursement forecast accuracy
Monthly cash flow accuracy
Budget variance management
Departmental budget compliance
Executive report timeliness
Revenue forecasting accuracy
Financial dashboard completion
Audit readiness and compliance
Success Measures

Within the first 90 days, the Financial Controller will:

Develop a comprehensive institutional budget.
Implement rolling 12-month financial forecasts.
Create Financial Aid and disbursement projection models.
Build executive dashboards for leadership.
Establish monthly financial reporting packages.
Improve forecast accuracy and provide actionable financial insights that support institutional growth and operational excellence.

Compensation details: 75000-85000 Yearly Salary

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