Controller

Morris Brown College; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA, seeks a Controller to lead the Finance and Administration team, ensuring accurate financial reporting and strong internal controls. You will partner with campus leadership to support budgeting, treasury management, and strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate has a CPA or advanced degree, 7+ years of accounting/financial management experience, and deep knowledge of ERP systems and financial reporting in a higher education setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; CPA/MS preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/financial management experience for higher education is expected.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, A/P, A/R, payroll and financial reporting.
• Lead budgeting process and monitor operating budgets with department leaders.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements and institutional policies.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/BBA

Master's degree or CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Financial Edge NXT

Job description

CONTROLLER

Morris Brown College · Atlanta, Georgia

OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller serves as a key member of the Finance and Administration team and plays a critical role in supporting the institution's financial health, operational effectiveness, and strategic objectives. The Controller partners with campus leadership to ensure sound financial management practices while providing exceptional service to students, faculty, and staff.

The Controller is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the institution's financial operations through effective accounting, reporting, compliance, budgeting, and treasury management. This position also provides leadership and oversight for finance staff, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and reliable financial information to support institutional decision-making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Controller will be responsible for a wide array of tasks centered on financial management and oversight. These duties are crucial in upholding the financial stability and integrity of the institution.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Direct and oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial statements and reports
• Maintain compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and institutional policies

Budget Planning and Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the institution's annual operating budgets
• Collaborate with departmental leaders to support budget planning and resource allocation
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to support institutional goals and financial sustainability

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Establish, monitor, and strengthen internal control processes to safeguard institutional assets
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and reporting requirements
• Identify financial risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions

Audit and Regulatory Oversight

• Coordinate annual external audits and any internal audit activities
• Prepare documentation, schedules, and reports required for audits and regulatory reviews
• Implement audit recommendations and continuous process improvements

Financial Policies and Procedures

• Develop, maintain, and enforce financial policies, procedures, and best practices
• Ensure consistent application of financial controls and operational standards across the institution
• Provide guidance and training to departments on financial processes and compliance requirements

Leadership and Staff Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate finance department personnel
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and professional development
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance management activities

Strategic Financial Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on financial matters
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and recommendations to support strategic planning initiatives
• Contribute to long-term financial sustainability and institutional growth

Treasury and Cash Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting, investments, and debt management
• Monitor liquidity and optimize the institution's financial resources
• Ensure effective management of operating funds and financial obligations

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience
• Master's degree and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required
• Experience in higher education accounting and financial administration is preferred
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel required
• Experience with financial management and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems required; Financial Edge NXT preferred

Financial Expertise

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance
• Experience preparing financial analyses, forecasts, and management reports

Communication and Relationship Management

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders

Leadership and Organizational Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Strategic Thinking and Adaptability

• Ability to think strategically while maintaining attention to detail
• Demonstrated capacity to drive process improvements and organizational change
• Strong commitment to customer service, collaboration, and continuous improvement

JOB TYPE

Full-time, 40 hours per week minimum. Working hours will occasionally include evenings and weekends during peak periods, including monthly closeouts, registration, and audit season.