Controller

Cleary-University; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleary University is seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead accounting operations for the Finance Department and Business Office. Reporting to the CFO, you'll own the integrity of financial records, reporting, budgeting, internal controls, reconciliations, audits, and cash management, supervising the Business Office.

This role blends strong technical accounting with people management; you'll drive process improvements and engage in critical work when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting/financial-management experience
• Strong GAAP knowledge and experience supervising accounting staff
• Advanced Excel and financial-systems proficiency

Responsibilities

• Direct the accounting function and lead monthly/annual close in accordance with GAAP
• Lead and supervise the Business Office (AP, AR, student accounts, collections, cash receipts)
• Maintain a rolling cash-flow forecast and oversee bank reconciliations
• Serve as primary coordinator for the annual financial statement audit and Single Audit
• Oversee federal Title IV financial-aid accounting and reconciliation
• Manage the operational side of the annual budgeting process
• Lead Finance's use of Jenzabar One and drive process improvement
• Partner across CFO, President, Financial Aid, HR, Enrollment, and Advancement

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Advanced Excel

Supervising accounting staff

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

CPA (preferred)

Tools

Jenzabar One

Job description

Cleary University is seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead our accounting operations and provide day-to-day financial leadership for the Finance Department and Business Office. Reporting to the CFO, you'll own the integrity of our accounting records, financial reporting, budget maintenance, internal controls, reconciliations, audit preparation, and cash management, while directly supervising the Business Office.

This role combines strong technical accounting skills with people management: you'll improve processes, build accountability, and personally engage in critical accounting work when needed.

What you’ll do:

• Direct the accounting function and lead monthly/annual close in accordance with GAAP
• Lead and supervise the Business Office (AP, AR, student accounts, collections, cash receipts)
• Maintain a rolling cash-flow forecast and oversee bank reconciliations
• Serve as primary coordinator for the annual financial statement audit and Single Audit
• Oversee federal Title IV financial-aid accounting and reconciliation
• Manage the operational side of the annual budgeting process
• Lead Finance's use of Jenzabar One and drive process improvement
• Partner across CFO, President, Financial Aid, HR, Enrollment, and Advancement
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting/financial-management experience
• Strong GAAP knowledge and experience supervising accounting staff
• Advanced Excel and financial-systems proficiency

Preferred qualifications:

• CPA strongly preferred
• Higher education or nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred
• Experience with federal grants, Title IV aid, or Single Audit
• Experience with Jenzabar or another higher-ed ERP

Working conditions:

On-site at Cleary's Howell campus, with some hybrid flexibility possible after onboarding. Periodic evening/weekend work during audit, close, and budget cycles.

About Cleary University:

A private, nonprofit university founded in 1883, focused on practical, career-focused education and entrepreneurship, serving students from its Howell campus and Detroit presence.

Cleary University is an equal opportunity employer.