Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Robert Half is partnering with a respected academic institution in Des Moines to identify an experienced Controller who will provide financial leadership and operational oversight in a dynamic environment. This key role is responsible for guiding core accounting functions, payroll, student accounts, and financial reporting, while helping ensure strong budgeting practices, fiscal stewardship, and effective internal controls across the institution.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style, along with the ability to navigate the complexity of an academic setting while maintaining high standards of accuracy, service, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of accounting, payroll, and student accounts to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient financial processes.
• Oversee the preparation of financial statements, internal reporting, and analysis to support institutional planning and leadership decision-making.
• Manage accounts payable, purchasing coordination, and transaction review to maintain strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Direct billing and collections activity related to tuition, fees, and other student account balances.
• Supervise payroll processing for faculty, staff, and student employees, ensuring accuracy and adherence to applicable policies and regulations.
• Partner with finance leadership and campus stakeholders on budgeting, cash management, and endowment-related financial administration.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and clear performance expectations for staff, fostering a communicative, supportive, and service-oriented team culture.
• Evaluate workflows, processes, and documentation to improve consistency, accuracy, and operational effectiveness across assigned functions.

Preferred Background

• Demonstrated experience in accounting leadership, ideally in higher education, nonprofit, or other complex institutional environments.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, payroll administration, internal controls, and budget support.
• Proven ability to build relationships across departments and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A hands-on, collaborative management approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in controllership, accounting leadership, or a closely related finance role.

• Demonstrated background in financial reporting, general accounting, and internal control oversight.

• Experience managing payroll, accounts payable, or student billing functions within a multi-department organization.

• Ability to review documentation carefully and maintain organized financial records and supporting materials.

• Strong analytical, communication, and team leadership skills.

• Proficiency in handling detailed financial documents, compiling information, and ensuring accuracy in record management.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

• CPA required

• Experience in education, nonprofit, or similarly regulated environments