Assistant Vice President for Finance, Administration & Controller

Valparaiso University; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Valparaiso University is seeking a strategic, collaborative finance executive to join its senior leadership team as Assistant Vice President for Finance, Administration and Controller. This role oversees accounting, financial reporting, audits, tax compliance, treasury support, planning, and internal controls while partnering with the CFO and University leadership.

The successful candidate will translate complex financial data into strategic insights to advance the University’s mission and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA strongly preferred; advanced degree desirable.
• 7-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in accounting, finance, audit, or controllership roles.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting and financial reporting functions, including monthly and annual close processes.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Direct external audits, Form 990 preparation, internal controls, and risk management.
• Partner with the CFO on cash management, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives.
• Oversee accounting for endowments, restricted funds, grants, gifts, and capital assets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Serve as trusted advisor to senior leadership, academic administrators, and Board stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Financial reporting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification

Advanced degree desirable

Job description

Strategic Finance Professional Sought to Partner with CFO and University Leadership

Valparaiso University is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking finance executive to join its senior leadership team as Assistant Vice President for Finance, Administration and Controller. This critical leadership position oversees the University's accounting, financial reporting, audit and tax compliance, treasury support, financial planning, process improvement, and internal control functions while serving as a trusted advisor to the CFO, President's Cabinet, academic leaders, and Board stakeholders. The successful candidate will combine deep financial expertise with the ability to translate complex financial data into strategic insights that advance the University’s mission, institutional priorities, and strengthen long‑term financial sustainability. Serving as the University’s senior accounting and financial reporting leader, the Assistant Vice President for Finance/Controller will foster a culture of continuous improvement and a service‑oriented approach.

Valparaiso University is a comprehensive, independent Lutheran university with five colleges, prominently located in Northwest Indiana, and driven by a welcoming community that continually strives to answer our collective call to serve the world. Valpo enrolls nearly 2,300 students and has a vibrant 350-acre campus. Valparaiso University holds a Top 50 Best Value ranking from U.S. News & World Report and a Best Colleges honor from The Wall Street Journal.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all accounting and financial reporting functions, including monthly and annual close processes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and higher education accounting standards.
• Direct external audits, Form 990 preparation, internal controls, and financial risk management.
• Partner with the CFO on cash management, liquidity planning, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial initiatives.
• Oversee accounting for endowments, restricted funds, grants, gifts, and capital assets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing finance team.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, academic administrators, and Board stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred; advanced degree desirable.
• 7‑10+ years of progressive leadership experience in accounting, finance, audit, or controllership roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and complex accounting operations.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, or other mission‑driven organizations preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and relationship‑building skills.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished financial professional to help strengthen the financial foundation of a nationally recognized, mission‑driven University while serving as a key thought partner to the CFO and institutional leadership in service to students, faculty, staff, and the broader Valpo community.

Valparaiso University maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. Valparaiso University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or (as qualified herein) religion or any protected classification under federal, state or local law.