Comptroller

Comptroller Position

The Division of Institutional Advancement is accepting applications for its Comptroller position. This position is responsible for providing day-to-day oversight and management of all financial operations, accounting functions, fiscal controls, and compliance activities. This position supports the financial operations of the JSU Development Foundation and its Board of Directors under management of the Executive Director of the Foundation, ensuring that financial management practices align with the fiduciary responsibilities, strategic goals, and legal obligations of the Foundation.

The Comptroller is responsible for the integrity of all financial records, the preparation and presentation of financial statements, the development and enforcement of internal controls, and the management of audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance. This role serves to provide accurate, timely, and actionable financial intelligence to guide institutional decision-making and steward the Foundation's assets with the highest degree of transparency and accountability. The Comptroller partners closely with the university's Finance and Development offices, external auditors, legal counsel.

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
• A Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration (MBA), or Public Administration is strongly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure is required. Active CPA license in the State of Mississippi, or eligibility to obtain reciprocity, is expected within twelve (12) months of hire
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management role.
• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, or higher education finance, with direct responsibility for financial statement preparation, audit coordination, and tax compliance.
• Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors or Finance Committee, including preparation and presentation of Board-level financial reports.
• Experience managing endowment funds, restricted gifts, and investment portfolios in a nonprofit or foundation setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience with IRS Form 990 preparation and nonprofit regulatory compliance is required.
• Experience with CRM Advance, Banner Finance, or comparable enterprise financial management software is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to transparency, integrity, and sound stewardship of philanthropic and institutional resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with active licensure in Mississippi at time of hire.
• Experience as a Controller, Comptroller, or Chief Financial Officer in a university foundation, nonprofit foundation, or higher education institution.
• Familiarity with NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) standards and best practices.
• Experience with investment manager selection, performance evaluation, and Investment Policy Statement administration.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, including charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, bequests, and life insurance gifts, and their proper accounting treatment.
• Experience implementing or upgrading accounting systems or ERP platforms in a nonprofit or higher education context.