Senior Controller, Higher Education Finance

Socket.dev; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Academy and College seeks a seasoned Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, treasury, audits and compliance for the academy and college. You will partner with campus leaders to ensure GAAP adherence, internal controls, and accurate financial insight for strategic decisions.

The role supervises the Controller’s Office, manages grants/endowments, and drives policy improvement while ensuring donor restrictions and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or closely related field.
• Minimum eight years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
• Minimum five years of supervisory experience.
• GAAP knowledge, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, auditing, nonprofit accounting.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information and communicate to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to integrity and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all accounting functions (GL, AP, AR, cash receipts, payroll, fixed assets).
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records and internal controls.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual statements and board reports.
• Coordinate annual external audits and regulatory reporting.
• Assist VP for Finance with budget development and multi-year forecasting.
• Oversee treasury management, bank relations, and investment accounting.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, laws, donor restrictions, and grant requirements.
• Develop and improve financial policies, procedures, and systems.
• Supervise accounting staff and mentor professional development.
• Collaborate with HR on payroll and benefits accounting; support department budgets.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Budget development

Internal controls

Leadership

Communication

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

CPA designation preferred

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Accounting software

Job description

Salem Academy and College seeks a seasoned Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, treasury, audits and compliance for the academy and college. You will partner with campus leaders to ensure GAAP adherence, internal controls, and accurate financial insight for strategic decisions.

The role supervises the Controller’s Office, manages grants/endowments, and drives policy improvement while ensuring donor restrictions and regulatory compliance.