Controller

Bell & Associates, Inc.; McPherson (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and holidays

Tuition Assistance for family

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer 1

Job summary

Bell & Associates, Inc. seeks a Controller to combine technical accounting expertise with leadership across the organization, including faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and external partners.

The role focuses on ensuring GAAP compliance for not-for-profit higher education, managing financial systems, and driving continuous improvement while safeguarding confidential information and strategic financial planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required; CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible accounting and management experience, preferably in higher education or a similar not-for-profit environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, not-for-profit and higher education accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Proven leadership ability with experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and translate complex financial data into actionable insight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise financial systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Banner, PeopleSoft, SAP), preferably in an academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations and reporting for the institution.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and external partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with sensitive information.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems and practices.

Skills

Leadership experience

Not-for-profit accounting

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Staff mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Jenzabar

Banner

PeopleSoft

SAP

Job description

This position combines technical accounting expertise with strong leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement in financial systems and practices. The Controller will regularly interact with faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and external partners, and is expected to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred
• Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible accounting and management experience, preferably in higher education or a similar not-for-profit environment
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, not-for-profit and higher education accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Proven leadership ability with experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and translate complex financial data into actionable insight
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise financial systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Banner, PeopleSoft, SAP), preferably in an academic setting.

About our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate is a collaborative and trusted financial leader who brings both precision and perspective to the role. They thrive in a mission-driven environment, value transparency and accuracy, and build strong working relationships across the institution. They are comfortable balancing day-to-day operational oversight with long-term strategic financial planning.

Employee Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including separate sick leave
• 17 Paid Holidays annually
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 10% employer contribution after 1 year of employment
• Undergraduate Tuition Assistance for immediate family members
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance coverage
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance