Associate Vice President and Controller

Associate Vice President and Controller

The Johns Hopkins University ("Johns Hopkins") invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Associate Vice President and Controller ("AVP, Controller").

Founded as America's first research university, Johns Hopkins University is dedicated to advancing knowledge for the good of humanity. Today, it comprises more than 5,200 faculty and over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 400+ programs spanning the arts and sciences, health professions, engineering, education, business, and international studies. Johns Hopkins has led the nation in research and development spending for 44 consecutive years, directing more than $4.1 billion to research in fiscal year 2024, and maintaining an endowment exceeding $13 billion.

The Associate Vice President, Controller is a strategic financial leader responsible for advancing Johns Hopkins University's financial operations through the integration of new technologies, predictive analytics, and modern change management practices. Serving as the institution's chief accounting officer, the AVP, Controller provides strategic leadership and hands-on management of all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions.

Overseeing approximately 125 team members, this position has responsibility for a broad portfolio of financial functions including general accounting, financial reporting, and grant accounting. This comprehensive scope strengthens institutional stewardship, enhances financial resilience, and supports informed decision-making across the university.

The AVP, Controller serves as a highly skilled analytical expert, high-level thought partner, and trusted strategic advisor to the VP, Chief Financial Officer. The role provides leadership across core controllership functions, including general accounting, financial reporting, tax, payroll, and accounts payable.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence. They will demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to enhance processes, strengthen controls, and drive efficiency across the financial enterprise. The role requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (master's degree preferred), along with an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Additionally, as the financial landscape continues to evolve, this role will support the alignment of traditional financial reporting with emerging Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure practices. The AVP, Controller will also help leverage data, automation, and emerging technologies - including AI-driven tools - to streamline operations and drive innovation.

Johns Hopkins has retained Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm, to assist with the search. The search is being led by Victoria Antolini, Beau Lambert, and Lila Wojnarowicz. All inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest should be submitted in confidence to Korn Ferry. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

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The expected base salary range for this position is $400,000-$450,000. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus. Therefore, the actual compensation paid to the selected candidate may vary slightly from the salary range stated herein. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here:

Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The University promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans. Johns Hopkins University is a drug-free, smoke-free workplace.

Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.