Howard University Controller

Howard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard University is seeking an Associate Vice President, University Controller to serve as the chief accounting executive, responsible for integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the University’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the CFO, the AVP leads accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit coordination across the institution.

The role drives financial governance, supports research and academic missions, and partners with senior leadership to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• CPA or equivalent credential.
• Experience with GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience in higher education or research institutions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all University accounting functions and timely GAAP financial statements.
• Establish and enforce internal controls over financial reporting and policies.
• Lead external audits and coordinate regulatory reviews.
• Manage and develop senior accounting staff and cross-unit collaboration.
• Oversee system improvements and provide strategic advice to CFO.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Audit management

Leadership / supervision

Enterprise financial systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or equivalent credential

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Workday

Job description

Associate Vice President, Controller (Office of the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer)

Howard University has partnered with AtlasAdvancement, Inc. to manage the search for its next Associate Vice President, University Controller.

Overview

The Associate Vice President, University Controller serves as Howard University’s chief accounting executive and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the University’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the AVP, Controller provides institutionwide leadership for accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit coordination for the University. The AVP, Controller plays a central role in strengthening financial governance, advancing audit readiness, and supporting the University’s academic, research, medical and administrative missions through sound accounting leadership and stewardship.

Responsibilities

University Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Provide executive leadership for all University accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and related reconciliations. Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for Howard University in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Oversee the preparation of consolidated University financial statements and required internal and external reports.

Internal Controls, Policy, and Compliance

• Establish, maintain, and continuously enhance internal controls over financial reporting and accounting operations. Develop, interpret, and enforce University accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, District of Columbia, and regulatory requirements. Provide technical accounting guidance related to complex transactions, grants, restricted funds, and institutional initiatives.

Audit Leadership and Oversight

• Serve as the University’s senior liaison to external auditors and regulatory reviewers. Lead planning and coordination for annual financial and compliance audits, including preparation of audit schedules and responses. Partner with University leadership to address audit findings, remediate control deficiencies, and strengthen financial governance.

Leadership and Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop senior accounting and financial reporting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement. Establish clear performance expectations, support professional development, and ensure effective succession planning within the Controller’s organization. Promote collaboration across Finance, Budget, Treasury, Grants Management, Procurement, Human Resources, Real Estate Development & Capital Asset Management, Hospital and academic units.

Systems, Process Improvement, and Strategy

• Provide executive oversight of financial systems and accounting processes, including system enhancements, standardization, and documentation. Champion process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in University financial operations. Advise the CFO and senior leadership on accounting, reporting, and control implications of strategic initiatives and institutional decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including significant leadership and supervisory responsibility. Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit management. Experience leading accounting operations within a complex organization, preferably research-intensive higher education with academic medical centers. Demonstrated expertise in financial reporting, analytics and systems optimization. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional credential. Experience with fund accounting, sponsored research, donor or foundation accounting, and Higher education regulatory environments. Proven experience working with enterprise financial systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration. Proven experience working with Workday.
• Executive level accounting and financial reporting expertise. Strong leadership, judgment, and decision‑making capabilities. Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills. Proven change management acumen. Strong background in use of technology to support efficient operations and improve reporting, analytics and planning. Ability to communicate complex accounting matters clearly to senior leaders and non‑financial stakeholders. High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail. Demonstrated commitment to Howard University’s mission of Excellence in Truth and Service.

Procedure for Candidacy

Confidential review of applications and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest highlighting relevant leadership experience. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence to: [e-mail]