Controller

Missouri Western State University; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Western State University is seeking a Controller who will be a strategic, detail-oriented leader responsible for the integrity of the University’s financial systems. The Controller reports to the Assistant Vice President and oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, audits, and compliance with GAAP and GASB.

You will develop strong internal controls, ensure accurate and timely financial processes, and support the University’s mission and strategic initiatives while leading

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting or related field required.
• Seven years of progressive accounting experience in a supervisory role required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Valid Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Provides strong leadership and management of the accounting services staff and functions of the department.
• Develops and oversees the University’s financial accounting system to account for receipt and expenditure of all funds and to report operating results in accordance with GAAP and GASB.
• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including treasury functions and activities, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets and reconciliations.
• Reviews all daily, monthly, quarterly and annual journal entries, all weekly check, wire transactions and ACH disbursements, and maintains the University’s chart of accounts.
• Develops, reports and presents financial statements, including but not limited to monthly cash and investment statements, accounts receivable and payable, fixed capital assets, bond compliance, as well as execution of annual financial statement preparation of financial audits
• Coordinate, prepare, and/or oversee tax compliance areas of the University including but not limited to annual tax forms 990T, 1042, 941, 1099, 1098T, applicable sales and unrelated business income tax, etc.
• Develops, updates and administers internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial policies to efficiently safeguard the University’s assets, including restricted/designated funds, endowments, grants, and capital projects.
• Lead annual external audit and coordinate with auditors to provide required documentation and support.
• Prepare and submit survey data to multiple government and regulatory agencies and information-sharing consortia, including IPEDS and Common Data Sets.
• Oversee the hiring and evaluation of professional and non-professional staff and provide opportunities for the development of professionals in the department for personnel sustainability and growth.
• Stays current with changes in accounting standards, higher education regulations, and best practices.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Fund accounting

Financial reporting

Leadership

Audits

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Microsoft Excel

GASB knowledge

Internal controls

Education

Master’s degree in accounting

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

None

Job description

The Controller is a strategic and detailed leader responsible for the integrity of the financial systems of the University. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President; the Controller oversees all accounting operations, including financial reporting, audits, grants accounting, and compliance with applicable regulations and standards. S/he will possess the ability to develop dynamic and compliance-focused internal controls, a clear vision for high-level accounting operations, while ensuring accuracy and efficiency of financial processes that support the University mission, goals and strategic initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Accounting Services

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides strong leadership and management of the accounting services staff and functions of the department
• Develops and oversees the University’s financial accounting system to account for receipt and expenditure of all funds and to report operating results in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ) and other authoritative literature, including but not limited to Governmental Accounting Standards Board ( GASB ).
• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including treasury functions and activities, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets and reconciliations.
• Reviews all daily, monthly, quarterly and annual journal entries, all weekly check, wire transactions and ACH disbursements, and maintains the University’s chart of accounts.
• Develops, reports and presents financial statements, including but not limited to monthly cash and investment statements, accounts receivable and payable, fixed capital assets, bond compliance, as well as execution of annual financial statement preparation of financial audits
• Coordinate, prepare, and/or oversee tax compliance areas of the University including but not limited to annual tax forms 990T, 1042, 941, 1099, 1098T, applicable sales and unrelated business income tax, etc.
• Develops, updates and administers internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial policies to efficiently safeguard the University’s assets, including restricted/designated funds, endowments, grants, and capital projects.
• Lead annual external audit and coordinate with auditors to provide required documentation and support.
• Prepare and submit survey data to multiple government and regulatory agencies and information-sharing consortia, including IPEDS and Common Data Sets.
• Oversee the hiring and evaluation of professional and non-professional staff and provide opportunities for the development of professionals in the department for personnel sustainability and growth.
• Stays current with changes in accounting standards, higher education regulations, and best practices.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of GAAP , fund accounting, and financial reporting standards in higher education or nonprofit settings
• Knowledge of workings of university structure, academic programs, policies and procedures
• Leadership, supervision, planning and organization skills including team building, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement
• Effective written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies across the University and the community
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy while adhering to tight deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook) and ability to operate other web-based platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting or related field
• Seven (7) years of progressive accounting experience in a supervisory role
• Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Valid Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant ( CPA ) or Certified Management Accountant ( CMA )
• Public accounting experience

Physical Demands

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Additional Demands

• May require occasional travel and/or night and weekend work
• The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Hours of Work

M-F 8:00am – 4:30pm

Posting Number

Posting Number S854P

Open Date

Open Date 07/22/2025

Priority Deadline

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
  • 0-1
  • 1-3
  • 3-5
  • 5-7
  • 7+
• * Do you have prior experience in Higher Education?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have previous experience as a supervisor or manager?
  • Yes
  • No
• * What is your highest level of education attained?

  (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial)
• Professional References (3-5 with contact information)

Optional Documents