Controller

Georgetown University; United States; Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgetown University is seeking a Controller who will partner with the CFO to shape financial policy, drive strategic operations, and lead the OCFO in achieving fiscal health. The role oversees accounting, audits, tax, student accounts, and sponsored projects administration, while fostering cross-department collaboration.

The Controller will steer process optimization, digital transformation, and alignment with institutional goals, reporting to the CFO and engaging with Trustees and senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline.
• CPA certification required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in higher education or non-profit.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial accounting and GAAP reporting.
• Lead internal controls and external audit management.
• Oversee post-award sponsored projects administration and Uniform Guidance compliance.
• Collaborate with OCFO leadership and campus units to align operations with strategic goals.

Skills

Strategic vision

Leadership & team building

Communication & influence

ERP proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/admin/finance/accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Job Overview

The Controller is a vital executive leader within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), serving as a strategic thought partner and advisor to the CFO on university-wide financial policy, operational strategy, and long-term fiscal health. In addition to driving core accounting and financial operations, the Controller plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the OCFO Strategic Plan—focusing on exemplary financial stewardship, process optimization, digital transformation, and fostering collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative divisions. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller provides executive oversight for a comprehensive financial portfolio, including financial accounting and GAAP reporting, internal controls, external audit management, tax, student accounts and receivables, and post-award sponsored projects administration (including Uniform Guidance compliance). Through active engagement with the Board of Trustees, campus business officers, and executive leadership, the Controller aligns day-to-day operations with the university’s overarching institutional goals.

Work Interactions

• OCFO Leadership: Maintains a close advisory relationship with the CFO and the OCFO management team.
• Collaborates closely and seamlessly with the Budget & Financial Planning & Analysis division to align operational accounting with long-term fiscal modeling and resource allocation.
• Works in direct tandem with Investment, Legal, Human Resources, Facilities, Auxiliary Services, and Risk Management.
• Academic & Unit Leadership: Provides regular financial guidance and consultation to Campus Vice Presidents of Finance, Chief Business Officers (CBOs), Deans, and unit administrators.
• Governance: Interacts directly with members of the Board of Trustees/Directors (specifically the Audit and Finance & Administration Committees).
• External Partners: Serves as the primary institutional representative to external audit teams, financial institutions, actuarial consultants, and federal/state regulatory authorities.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including demonstrated leadership in a complex organization (higher education or non-profit sector strongly preferred).
• CPA certification required.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic advisor to executive management, with a track record of connecting financial operations to institutional goals.
• Higher Education Expertise: In-depth knowledge of university accounting principles, fund accounting, Uniform Guidance, F&A rate proposals, and academic budget models.
• Leadership & Team Building: Proven ability to mentor, supervise, and inspire a diverse team of professionals while fostering a collaborative, customer-service-oriented culture.
• Technical Acumen: High degree of comfort leveraging financial systems, business intelligence platforms, and modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders, senior executives, and board members.

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as Hybrid. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Pay Range

Pay Range: The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $167,633 - $400,000 Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

Benefits

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.

Benefits

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.

EEO Statement

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Georgetown University

We’re a leading research university with a heart. Founded in the decade that the U.S. Constitution was signed, we’re the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today we’re the forward-looking, diverse community devoted to social justice, restless inquiry and respect for each person’s individual needs and talents. Grounded in our Jesuit, Catholic identity, the Spirit of Georgetown undergirds everything we do. Watch this video to learn more. Learn how HR CARES for faculty and staff, nurturing an environment of mutual respect where imaginations flourish and ideas are realized to positively impact the world.