Controller

Mason City Chamber of Commerce; Mason City, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Retirement options: IPERS or TIAA

Job summary

NIACC in Mason City, IA seeks a capable Controller to direct college-wide accounting, grant accounting, and financial analysis. You will lead Business Office staff, supervise payroll and receivables, and ensure compliance with GASB/FASB and state regulations.

The role requires collaboration with the CFO and external auditors. The position offers comprehensive benefits, a starting salary between $69,900 and $87,400, and a range of retirement options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance plus a minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including management or supervisory experience.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong data collection, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger activity for all funds; review and/or approve expenditures; prepare journal entries and complete month-end close of accounting records.
• Oversee, analyze and prepare financial reports for NIACC Board of Directors and the State Department of Education; provide financial information for college administration and staff.
• Monitor bank balances and cash flow; solicit investment quotes; reconcile all bank accounts monthly, including investments.
• Request and monitor federal and state grant and financial aid funds; maintain compliance with Title IV funds and grants.
• Coordinate annual external audit; assist auditors; prepare work papers and maintain documentation; distribute final audit report.

Skills

Accounting & finance

Excel

Data analysis

Communication

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Business/Finance

Tools

Ellucian Colleague ERP

Job description

CATEGORY/LEVEL: PSS/12

START DATE: ASAP

BASIC FUNCTION: Direct and manage all general accounting, grant accounting, and financial analysis functions college-wide to include financial and student accounting, auxiliary services, and plant fund operations. Provide leadership and direction to various levels of Business Office staff.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Starting salary of $69,900 to $87,400 based on experience. Benefits package includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield major medical health insurance; eye care, dental, life and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans, and a variety of additional optional benefits.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance plus a minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including management or supervisory experience. High proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Strong data collection, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Higher education, nonprofit, or public accounting experience. Experience with enterprise information systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger activity for all funds; review and/or approve expenditures; prepare journal entries and complete month-end close of accounting records.
• Oversee, analyze and prepare financial reports for the NIACC Board of Directors and the State Department of Education; provide financial information for college administration and staff.
• Monitor bank account balances and project cash flow requirements; solicit investment (CD) rate quotes as needed. Complete the reconciliation of all bank accounts monthly, including investments.
• Request and monitor federal and state grant and financial aid funds; maintain compliance with state and federal regulations governing Title IV funds and grants.
• Facilitate year-end close with the Vice President of Finance & Administration - CFO. Finalize accruals, bad debt, loan adjustments, and financial aid reconciliations. Prepare and enter year-end closing journal entries.
• Coordinate annual external audit. Assist external auditors; prepare audit work papers and maintain documentation; review, reconcile, and understand draft audit report. Distribute and submit final audit report to necessary agencies and organizations as required.
• Maintain compliance with state reporting requirements for gambling, sales tax, unclaimed property, outstanding obligations, and annual publication of salaries and expenditures.
• Supervise payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and grant accounting functions of the Business Office, providing training and assistance when necessary.
• Oversee the monitoring of student accounts, including payment of accounts, management of third-party payment plans, and monitoring delinquent accounts.
• Provide management and oversight of grant-related financial activities. Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures for grant management and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee financial activities of the 260E Industrial New Jobs Training Program agreements and sale of NJT certificates (bonds), the 260F Iowa Jobs Training Program following IWD approval of grant applications, and the 260G Accelerated Career Education Program.
• Assist in the coordination and maintenance of the college’s ERP system (Ellucian Colleague): finance, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and financial aid modules.
• Assist the CFO with institutional budget preparation, compilation and analysis.
• Monitor and track the expenditures for the plant fund in consultation with the CFO and Director of Facilities.
• Maintain knowledge base of relative professional regulatory pronouncements – i.e. GASB, FASB, Internal Revenue Code, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB Circulars, and Iowa Code.
• Provide leadership toward building a positive team working environment within the Business Office and across the institution.
• Embrace and support constructive change; work efficiently and effectively to improve Business Office services, processes and related college operations.
• Provide excellent customer service and establish a welcoming and trusting environment for all visitors and employees of the Business Office.
• Maintain strong organizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Fulfill other responsibilities as needed or assigned.
• Perform in a manner which strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College, including opportunities for student recruitment.

NIACC Core Principles: All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policies and procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and an environment of mutual respect; therefore, all employees are to maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. NIACC is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

08/2026