Controller

Position Title Controller Position Overview The Controller is the College’s driving force for fiscal excellence—an innovative leader who keeps a complex, 47‑building campus running with precision and power. This role commands all major financial operations— Accounting, Research Accounting, Purchasing, Bursar, Payroll, and Student Loans —while championing cutting‑edge controls , seamless reporting , and forward‑thinking financial strategy . You’ll shape the College’s financial story through GASB‑compliant statements , sharp monthly analytics , and bold forecasts that guide senior leadership. With authority over cash management , investment oversight , risk management , and grant/indirect cost development , this position ensures the College’s financial engine runs flawlessly. As a strategic partner and trusted advisor across campus and statewide networks, the Controller elevates operations, safeguards assets, and drives best‑practice performance—fueling the long‑term strength and success of the Administration & Finance division. Primary Purpose The Controller, serving as a senior financial officer for the College, provides strategic leadership and oversight for all financial operations, ensuring the integrity, accuracy and transparency of internal and external financial reporting. The role directs and coordinates the College’s business offices, maintains integrated administrative and financial systems, strengthens internal controls, and drives the development and implementation of best‑practice business processes. Through expert financial stewardship, the Controller supports institutional decision‑making, safeguards College assets, and advances the operational excellence of the Administration & Finance division. Responsibilities Oversee the daily operations of the Accounting (including Research Accounting), Purchasing, Bursar, Payroll, and Student Loan offices. Develop, maintain, and monitor strong financial internal control systems for all College processes, policies, and procedures to protect institutional assets. Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements and related analyses for management and governing board review. Prepare the College’s annual financial statements in accordance with GASB standards, encompassing all funds under the College’s purview. Provide leadership to ensure best‑practice performance across all financial functions of the College. Research, design, maintain, and conduct compliance reviews of internal fiscal control systems to support the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial data. Prepare monthly financial operations reports for senior administrators, including narrative analysis, discussion, and forecasting. Serve, in collaboration with Institutional Research, as the lead for all external financial reporting. Develop and maintain effective cash‑management practices and consult with financial institution representatives as needed. Monitor all College investments with a particular focus on compliance with the College’s investment policy. Serve as the principal reviewer of grant and program proposals and lead the development of the College’s indirect cost proposal. Partner closely with the College Budget Officer on internal and external reporting, strategic initiatives, and the oversight of budgetary control for financial operations. Act as a key resource in the development and execution of College financing strategies and certain contractual or agreement matters. Collaborate regularly with State, University, and Community College controllers. Serve as the College’s principal risk manager. Represent the Vice President for Administration and Finance as needed. Occasional Duties Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Administration and Finance. Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities A working knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB). Proficient in higher‑education financial ERP systems (PeopleSoft, Workday) for managing budgeting, general ledger, grants, and financial reporting. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of acceptable business/accounting practices and indirect cost principles. Ability to read and interpret financial statements and financial contractual documents and agreements. Ability to prepare financial statements and analyze and forecast financial data. Ability to effectively direct multiple functions, departments, and personnel. Excellent communication, writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively motivate and inspire subordinates. Ability to travel within the state and region in order to participate in meetings and conferences as needed. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field. Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. Experience 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience. At least 3 years in public accounting and/or budgeting and finance. At least 3 years of senior‑level management experience overseeing the financial operations of a large or complex organization. Experience with sponsored research accounting or demonstrated experience managing federal sponsored awards. Preferred Qualifications Significant experience in higher education and/or state government administration, with a strong understanding of applicable federal and state administrative procedures. Advanced proficiency with business information systems and emerging financial technologies. Demonstrated organizational leadership, including the ability to guide teams through change and improvement initiatives. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written. Experience contributing to and advancing initiatives within a shared governance environment, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. Proven success managing staff in both unionized and non‑union settings, with an ability to navigate complex personnel structures effectively. Direct Reports Yes Environmental Conditions The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions. FLSA Exempt Salary Grade 18NC Work Schedule Monday through Friday, Full-Time, 35 Hours Benefits Health and Wellness – Medical, Dental & Vision Wellness Incentives and Rewards Paid time Off – Vacation, Sick & Holiday Disability and Insurance Benefits Education Benefits – Tuition waivers for RIC, CCRI & URI Reports To Vice President of Administration & Finance AA / ADA Statement As an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution that values and is committed to inclusion and to expanding the diversity of its faculty and staff, the College invites members of protected classes, including minorities and persons with disabilities, to identify themselves at the time of application. #J-18808-Ljbffr