Financial Controller

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE); Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid holidays and PTO

Retirement plan with company match

Job summary

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) invites applications for a full-time Financial Controller to join our Finance team. The Financial Controller leads accounting and financial reporting for the university and drives operational integrity through the leadership of the accounting function and staff.

You will develop and lead a small high-performing team, recruit and train staff, and collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to support informed decision-making and strong internal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.
• 5+ years of broad-based accounting experience is required.
• Experience supervising accounting and clerical staff is required.
• Not-for-profit or higher education accounting experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and analysis; experience with complex reports.
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new processes.
• Proficient with ERP systems and Microsoft products.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting, close processes, and financial reporting, including all supporting reconciliations and analyses.
• Manage banking, accounts payable, and post-grant accounting and administration.
• Recommend improvements to accounting/reporting processes and control environments.
• Contribute to policies for accounting, reporting, and financial operations.
• Maintain accounting systems and related processes; assist with issue resolution.
• Plan and manage external financial audits and coordinate with auditors.

Skills

Supervising accounting staff

Financial analysis

Process improvement

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

5+ years of broad-based accounting experience

Higher education and/or not-for-profit accounting experience preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Milwaukee School of Engineering, a 2026 Top Workplace Award winner, welcomes applications to become our Financial Controller and play a key role in advancing the institution's financial operations. In this position, you'll lead the integrity and efficiency of accounting, financial reporting, and compliance processes while serving as a trusted financial partner to academic and administrative leaders.

You'll also lead and develop a small, dedicated accounting team, bringing together hands-on technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven environment-strengthening processes, supporting informed decision-making, and helping both the institution and your team thrive.

If you're energized by improving financial operations, building strong partnerships, and developing people, we invite you to bring your expertise to MSOE.

At MSOE, your work has a direct and lasting impact. Our faculty and staff are united by a commitment to academic excellence, student success, and industry-connected learning. Join a community where your ideas, expertise, and dedication help students thrive, strengthen the communities we serve, and make MSOE an exceptional place to learn, work, and grow. Learn more about MSOE's awards and recognitions here!

Summary

MSOE invites applications for a full-time Financial Controller to join our Finance team! The Financial Controller leads accounting and financial reporting for the university and drives operational efficiency and financial integrity through the leadership of the accounting function and staff.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage accounting, close processes, and financial reporting, including all supporting reconciliations and analyses. Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP and research/resolve accounting issues.
• Manage banking, accounts payable, and post-grant accounting and administration. Facilitate information flow by working collaboratively with other university departments.
• Recommend accounting and financial reporting improvements to use systems effectively and efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and strong internal controls. Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in accounting operations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures for accounting, reporting, and financial operations.
• Maintain the accounting and financial operations system including set-up, testing, reporting, and assisting with issue resolution. Develop an understanding of related systems.
• Plan and manage external financial audits. Serve as the primary liaison to the external audit team and act as their point of contact with others across campus. Ensure required information, schedules, and financials are provided timely and accurately. Be proactive by engaging auditors on new initiatives, accounting, and policy changes. Stay current and comply with A-133 audit requirements.
• Plan and manage the preparation of the annual 990, 990-T, and other tax returns with the external tax provider. Ensure required information is provided timely and accurately and understood by the tax provider. Review, obtain approval, and file tax returns.
• Develop and lead a small high-performing team, including recruiting, training, and management. Develop and monitor organizational and individual goals and objectives. Contribute to employee professional development.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare various financial statements and reports required for regulatory agencies and others, both internal and external to the University, i.e. Higher Learning Commission, IPED's Department of Education, etc.
• Assist with debt compliance and S&P rating presentation.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• 5+ years of broad-based accounting experience required.
• Experience in supervising accounting and clerical staff required.
• Higher education and/or not-for-profit accounting experience preferred.
• Solid knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and analysis. Must have experience in the preparation of complicated financial reports, such as cash flow statements and ratio analysis.
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new processes.
• Proficient with accounting ERP systems and Microsoft products.

Why Join MSOE?

At MSOE, we invest in our employees' professional and personal growth. MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full-time employees including:

• Generous tuition benefits for employees, spouses and dependents
• Medical, dental, life, disability and vision insurance that starts in 30 days or less
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Paid parental leave
• A retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting
• Access to our state-of-the-art fitness center and museum
• Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the beautiful lakefront, the theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks and shopping. To view more detailed information about MSOE, please visit www.msoe.edu/hr.

Our Mission

MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values - collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity and stewardship - which represent the core of our campus culture. MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.

Who We Are

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world - a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.

A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things

MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn and how we serve. MSOE's top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

It is the policy of MSOE to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, marital status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all jobs at the University and to all the terms, benefits, and conditions of employment/enrollment.

Job Code: 222