Director of Business Office & Comptroller

Chowan University; Murfreesboro (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chowan University is seeking a Director of the Business Office & Comptroller to provide leadership over accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role ensures data integrity, regulatory compliance, and sound fiscal management, reporting to the Vice President for Business Affairs.

The position oversees staff, coordinates annual audits, and supports budgets, financial statements, and strategic analyses guiding institutional decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
• CPA certification strongly preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit financial administration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations, including the general ledger and financial reporting.
• Oversee student billings, receivables, and reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements per GAAP.
• Develop and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Coordinate annual financial and compliance audits.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Fund accounting

Budgeting and audits

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

CPA certification

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Financial reporting software

Job description

Job Summary

The Director of Business Office & Comptroller provides leadership and oversight for the University's accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions. Reporting to the Vice President for Business Affairs, this position ensures the integrity of financial data, compliance with regulations, and adherence to sound fiscal management practices. The Comptroller supervises key business office personnel, coordinates the annual audit, and plays a critical role in the preparation of budgets, financial statements, and strategic analyses that guide institutional decision-making.

Essential Functions

• Oversee all accounting operations, including the general ledger, financial reporting, and reconciliation processes.
• Oversee student billings and charges and accounts receivables.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and institutional policies.
• Develop and monitor internal controls to safeguard University assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Coordinate the annual financial and compliance audit, preparing supporting schedules and documentation.
• Lead the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Vice President for Business Affairs.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance guidance to business office.
• Maintain accounting for grants, restricted funds, and endowment activity, ensuring compliance with donor and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and account adjustments prepared by staff.
• Oversee cash management, including bank reconciliations and cash flow monitoring.
• Support financial planning, forecasting, and institutional reporting.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency within financial operations.

Required Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets and audits.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Effective leadership and supervisory abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and present findings clearly.
• Commitment to accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (Master's preferred).
• CPA certification strongly preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit financial administration.
• Familiarity with federal compliance, grant accounting, and endowment reporting.
• Demonstrated success leading accounting operations or audit coordination.