Controller

Csod; Village of Somers (WI); On-site; USD 136,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway Technical College is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee accounting, reporting, and internal controls. The role leads the finance team, ensures GAAP compliance, and provides financial leadership across the college.

Responsibilities include preparing ACFR, UFAS, monthly statements, and coordinating the annual audit with external auditors. This is a senior, exempt, supervisory position reporting to the EVP of Finance & Administration/CFO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting is required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven analytical abilities and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare key financial reports (ACFR, UFAS, monthly statements).
• Ensure GAAP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate year-end close and external audits.
• Manage cash reconciliations and month-end close processes.
• Produce periodic cost allocation reports and other required financial data.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting systems.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

CPA/CIA/CMA (preferred)

Job description

GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Controller

Lead accurate financial reporting, sound internal controls, and responsible stewardship of College resources.

Salary: $135,766–$140,317 annually

Campus: Kenosha

Priority date: October 8, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Central

Position # 26051

Compensation Grade O

Reports to: Executive Vice President, Finance & Administration/CFO

Business Office | First shift | Management | Exempt | Supervisory role: Yes | Posting period: September 24, 2026 – open until filled

Help Gateway safeguard its financial operations.

Guide accounting, reporting, audits, and compliance while supporting sound decisions across the College.

The Role in Brief

The Controller is responsible for the overall management of the functional areas of accounting. The Controller will provide monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, financial forecasts as required and provide financial support to College staff. This position interprets and ensures compliance with all College policies and procedures regarding finance and business practices in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Controller also establishes procedures, departmental guidelines and regulatory requirements applicable to the work and is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering accounting, financial and business programs to efficiently serve both internal and external client needs while maintaining federal, state and institutionally mandated financial compliance. Work includes providing managerial oversight to accounting staff in the receipt, processing, auditing, and reporting of fiscal and accounting activities. This position has supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Executive Vice President, Finance & Administration/CFO.

Why This Role Matters

Accurate Financial Information

Reliable reporting supports sound decisions and effective management of College resources.

Financial Compliance and Stewardship

Strong accounting practices protect resources and help Gateway meet reporting and regulatory requirements.

Strong Internal Controls

Effective controls protect College assets, support data integrity, and reduce financial risk.

What You Will Actually Do

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare key financial reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Uniform Financial Accounting System (UFAS) report, and monthly financial statements
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, the WTCS Financial Accounting Manual (FAM), and other statutory requirements

Audit Coordination & Year-End Close

• Manage the full year-end close process and lead coordination of the annual financial audit with external auditors

Cash Management & Reconciliations

• Perform and/or review monthly cash reconciliations
• Manage all aspects of the month-end close process to ensure accuracy and completeness

Government and Institutional Compliance Reporting

• Prepare and submit periodic cost allocation reports and other financial data required by the WTCS state office
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of WTCS reporting requirements to ensure full compliance
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of required external financial reports, including IPEDS and HLC

Accounting Systems & Internal Controls

• Implement and maintain financial systems and tools that support effective accounting operations
• Establish, monitor, and enforce internal controls to protect college assets and ensure data integrity

Regulatory Standards Compliance

• Ensure the college remains in compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards
• Monitor and update financial procedures to reflect changes in applicable regulations

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with shifting priorities and frequent interruptions.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Respond to team and leadership inquiries promptly, even while managing time-sensitive projects.
• Lead and support the year-end close process, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising daily operations.
• Maintain a strong orientation toward reviewing, improving, and optimizing existing accounting and financial processes.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What You Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
• 8 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, and compliance
• Three years of experience in a supervisory and/or management role
• Experience with computerized financial software systems and technology for analysis and reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
• Three years of work experience in public accounting and/or governmental accounting, with a combination of governmental and public preferred

Other Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with other departments as well as senior management
• Strong leadership skills

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Employment is contingent upon an acceptable background check.
• Flexibility is needed to accommodate day, evening and weekend student and business needs.

Equal Opportunity, Accessibility, and Safety

Gateway will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law.

Gateway Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access Educator/Employer operating under an affirmative Action Plan. Reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodation may contact the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights at [e-mail] or 262-564-3062.

Gateway encourages applicants to review its Annual Security Report, published in compliance with the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act. Contact [e-mail] or 262-564-3062 to request a hard copy.

Begin Your Next Chapter at Gateway

Bring your financial leadership, judgment, and commitment to stewardship to Gateway Technical College. Help strengthen the systems that support students, employees, and communities across southeastern Wisconsin.

Controller | Position #26051 | Compensation Grade O | $135,766–$140,317 annually | Priority review through October 8, 2026; open until filled.