Financial Controller, Higher Education GAAP Leader

Grow Clinton; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Iowa Community College District seeks a Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and Business Office systems. Ensures GAAP compliance and accountability for public resources through standardized processes and strong governance.

The role requires a CPA or public accounting experience, a bachelor's in a related field, and proficiency with enterprise financial systems, including Ellucian Colleague.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• CPA certification or experience in public accounting.
• Experience in accounting, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls is required; governmental/nonprofit/higher ed accounting preferred.
• Ability to manage priorities, protect confidential information, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong technical accounting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret financial data and explain results clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools; Ellucian Colleague preferred.
• Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, customer service, continuous improvement, and ethical stewardship of college resources.
• A passion for the educational mission of the college and serving students and those who interact with them.
• A constructive mindset eager to advocate for process improvement and leveraging technology.

Responsibilities

• Interpret GAAP and GASB requirements; establish accounting review requirements and approve policies.
• Define requirements for annual financial statements and accompanying disclosures; ensure GAAP conformity.
• Manage monthly and year-end close calendar, reconciliation standards, and quality assurance.
• Establish internal-control framework for Business Office activities and monitor remediation actions.
• Provide governance for accounting systems; coordinate with IT on access, security, and upgrades.
• Evaluate material changes in Business Office processes and approve redesigns affecting reporting or compliance.
• Develop a technology/automation roadmap aligned with best practices and objectives.
• Collaborate with AI task force to evaluate uses of AI in accounting and ensure safeguards.
• Maintain documentation standards for processes, controls, and SOPs.
• Work with departments on financial policies and institution-wide accounting guidance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

CPA certification

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Communication

Data analysis

Confidentiality

Ethical stewardship

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

ERP/Finance software

Job description

Eastern Iowa Community College District seeks a Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and Business Office systems. Ensures GAAP compliance and accountability for public resources through standardized processes and strong governance.

The role requires a CPA or public accounting experience, a bachelor's in a related field, and proficiency with enterprise financial systems, including Ellucian Colleague.