Controller

Job Summary:

The Controller is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of the organization's accounting and financial operations, reporting to the Shared Services Chief Financial Officer. This position serves as the primary financial management leader, ensuring accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective internal controls.

The Controller oversees all accounting functions, including general ledger, cash management, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, financial reporting, and audit coordination.

In addition to core financial responsibilities, the Controller provides oversight of human resources operations, including compliance with employment laws, benefits administration, and HRIS management. While HR is an important component of this role, the primary focus and competency is financial leadership and accounting operations.

The Controller serves as a key member of the staff leadership team (SLT), providing critical financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making and organizational sustainability.

ABIDE Commitment:

This position actively advances Luther Seminary's ABIDE commitments (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) through day-to-day work, relationships, and decision-making. The incumbent is expected to integrate ABIDE principles into their responsibilities, contributing to a learning and working environment where all can fully belong and thrive.

Essential Functions

Accounting and Financial Reporting:

• • Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, cash management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and monthly reconciliations (cash, gifts, investments, and other transactions)
  • Prepare and present monthly financial reports and annual financial statements to the CFO, executive leadership, and Board committees
  • Manage the annual operating and capital budget process in collaboration with the CFO and budget directors
  • Develop, implement, and review standard and custom financial reports for departments, program managers, administration, and key constituencies
  • Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for grants and grant-related activities

Compliance and Audit Management:

• • Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local financial regulations, tax requirements, and accreditation reporting standards
  • Coordinate and manage annual external audits; prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries
  • Plan, oversee, and document internal audit processes and findings
  • Ensure timely preparation and submission of all tax filings (Form 990, 1099s, etc.), financial aid reports, and regulatory documentation
  • Provide accurate financial reports and statistics to accreditation agencies, government bodies, banks, and third parties

Insurance and Risk Management:

• • Manage insurance and risk programs in collaboration with the CFO, including primary responsibility for the organization's relationship with EIIA and other insurance carriers, brokers, and consultants
  • Coordinate annual insurance applications, renewals, and coverage changes; compile exposure data (property, liability, auto, cyber, workers' compensation, student-related exposures) and ensure accuracy and timely submission
  • Review policies, endorsements, and certificates of insurance for appropriate coverage, limits, and exclusions; recommend adjustments to the CFO to align with institutional risk tolerance and contractual obligations
  • Serve as the primary internal contact for insurance questions, incident reporting, and claims coordination, working with campus partners to gather documentation and with EIIA/carriers to monitor claim status and resolution
  • Maintain schedules of insured assets and exposures, reconcile them with the general ledger and fixed asset records, and ensure premiums and related costs are recorded accurately in accordance with GAAP
  • Support business continuity and risk management efforts by providing financial and insurance data for contingency planning, contract review, and risk mitigation initiatives led by the CFO or other senior leaders

Financial Systems and Internal Controls:

• • Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, controls, and systems to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency
  • Oversee and continuously improve internal controls and financial best practices
  • Collaborate with IT leadership to ensure financial systems meet organizational needs while maintaining data integrity and security
  • Manage daily cash reports and cash flow projection analysis

Strategic Financial Support:

• • Provide financial analysis and management advice to support strategic decision-making
  • Advise the CFO and executive leadership on the ,financial implications of business activities and strategic priorities
  • Build effective working relationships with budget directors and develop communication strategies to enable effective departmental financial management
  • Participate in Finance Committee meetings to report on organizational financial health. Human Resources Oversight

Human Resources Oversight:

• • Provide oversight of HR operations, ensuring compliance with FLSA, EEOC, Title VII, Title IX, and other federal and state employment laws
  • Oversee benefits administration, ensuring competitive and compliant employee benefit programs
  • Monitor HRIS administration and ensure timely, accurate payroll processing in coordination with payroll staff or vendors
  • Support employee relations matters in consultation with the CFO and legal counsel, as needed
  • Provide oversight of recruitment, onboarding, and retention processes
  • Support performance management processes and employee engagement initiatives
  • Ensure HR policies and procedures align with organizational goals and legal requirements
  • Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning and organizational development initiatives

Leadership and Team Development:

• • Directly supervise business office and human resources staff (3 positions), including a staff accountant, business accounts specialist, and human resources manager.
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for direct reports
  • Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment focused on service excellence
  • Organize workflows to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of business office operations
  • Serve as a member of the staff leadership team (SLT) and participate in cross-functional initiatives
  • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across all departments
  • Maintain productive relationships with external partners, including auditors, banks, investment advisors, and vendors
  • Support the organizational culture of transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement

ABIDE and Institutional Engagement:

• • Demonstrate ongoing commitment to Luther Seminary's ABIDE framework (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) by integrating equity-focused practices into core duties, participating in ABIDE-related learning, and contributing to an inclusive and welcoming community.

Required Qualifications:

• • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required
  • Professional accounting designation (CPA - active or inactive) required
  • Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a controller, associate controller, or similar senior financial management position
  • Demonstrated ability to manage accounting functions in compliance with federal and state regulations and GAAP
  • Experience supervising and leading staff, including coaching, mentoring, and fostering a cooperative work environment
  • Higher education or nonprofit experience, including grants management, financial aid, and endowment accounting, is strongly preferred
  • Deep knowledge of GAAP, government accounting standards, and financial control frameworks, particularly as applied to nonprofit entities and higher education institutions
  • Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across all levels and departments of an organization
  • Proven problem-solving and analytical skills, including advanced expertise with Microsoft Excel and financial modeling tools
  • Knowledge of ERP systems required; experience with NetSuite, Jenzabar, or similar systems preferred
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
  • High level of personal integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards
  • Effective time management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities and constituencies
  • Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR compliance requirements
  • Familiarity with HRIS systems and payroll processing
  • Understanding of benefits administration and total compensation principles

Preferred:

• • Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, HR, or related field) and/or CPA or SPHR/SHRM-SCP certification.
  • Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations.
  • Public accounting experience preferred
  • Experience with AI-enabled financial tools, automation, and predictive analytics
  • Grant management and restricted fund accounting experience
  • Experience in complex nonprofit or higher education environments

Physical Demands:

• • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (up to 6-8 hours per day).
  • Occasional standing, walking, and movement within office and campus environments.
  • Light lifting and carrying of materials (up to 20 pounds) may be required infrequently.
  • Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, and campus events, which may involve walking between buildings.

Work Environment:

• • This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring three days on-site and allowing up to two days of remote work per week. The on-site environment utilizes standard office equipment
  • Occasional attendance at meetings or events in other campus buildings or off-site locations is expected.
  • The work environment is generally quiet to moderate; noise levels may be higher during events or peak periods.
  • Minimal exposure to hazards; adherence to standard safety and ergonomic practices is expected, both in the office and when working remotely.
  • Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote options, are available and subject to organizational policy and operational requirements.