Senior Controller - Nonprofit & Higher Education Finance

Stthom; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX seeks a seasoned Controller for the Business Office to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls in a nonprofit university setting.

Reporting to the CFO, you will supervise staff, coordinate audits, manage grants and restricted funds, and partner with Finance on budgets and variances. The role requires a CPA, 12+ years of nonprofit accounting experience, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of twelve years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including leading accounting operations and staff and nonprofit account experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, account reconciliations, audit requirements, and internal controls; nonprofit accounting standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing month-end and year-end close processes and producing timely, accurate financial statements.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to analyze complex financial information, identify issues, and communicate practical solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership, auditors, department leaders, and staff while maintaining accountability and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash accounting, fixed assets, restricted funds, endowments, grants, and related reconciliations.
• Direct monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end close processes and ensure deadlines are met with complete, accurate, and well-supported balances.
• Prepare and review internal and external financial statements, management reports, account analyses, and other financial information for the CFO and University leadership.
• Maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts and ensure consistent application of accounting policies, fund accounting principles, and institutional procedures.
• Coordinate the annual financial statement audit, benefit plan audits, tax filings, and other required reviews; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors for accounting matters.
• Establish, document, monitor, and improve internal controls to protect University assets and support accurate, compliant financial reporting.
• Oversee accounting for restricted gifts, grants, endowments, capital projects, and other designated funds, including appropriate releases and reporting.
• Partner with Financial Planning and Analysis on budget-to-actual reporting, forecasts, financial analysis, and resolution of significant variances.
• Provide accounting guidance to campus departments and promote consistent, timely, and transparent financial practices.
• Lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate accounting staff; establish clear expectations, cross-training, documentation, and appropriate segregation of duties.
• Support treasury, taxation, insurance management, cash management, debt, banking, insurance, compliance, and related financial matters as assigned by the CFO.
• Prepare or support materials for executive leadership, the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors, as requested.
• Perform other duties and special projects consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

Tools

PeopleSoft Financials

Job description

University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX seeks a seasoned Controller for the Business Office to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls in a nonprofit university setting.

Reporting to the CFO, you will supervise staff, coordinate audits, manage grants and restricted funds, and partner with Finance on budgets and variances. The role requires a CPA, 12+ years of nonprofit accounting experience, and strong Excel skills.