Senior Finance Leader & Controller — On-Campus

Seattle Pacific University; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA/HRA contributions

Retirement plan contributions (7%)

Tuition discount program

Job summary

Seattle Pacific University seeks an experienced, mission-driven Senior Controller and Director of Finance to provide strategic and operational leadership for Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Budget, and Business Development. This on-campus role partners with the President, Cabinet, and Board to strengthen financial health and institutional sustainability while modernizing systems and processes.

The role requires 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership, deep GAAP knowledge, and experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, or related areas, including significant leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, audit standards, internal controls, and applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Proven success leading and developing teams and working collaboratively across a complex organization.
• Experience with modern ERP and financial management systems.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead University-wide financial planning and analysis, including multi-year budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, management reporting, and variance analysis.
• Advise senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on financial performance, emerging risks, capital planning, resource allocation, and strategic investment opportunities.
• Develop financial models and scenario analyses that support institutional planning and long-term sustainability.
• Lead financial stewardship and cost-management initiatives while strengthening budget accountability and transparency across the University.
• Oversee accounting and financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, grants accounting, asset management, treasury, liquidity, cash forecasting, debt service, and internal controls.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, higher education requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Lead the annual external audit and oversee tax, bond, NCAA, and other regulatory and compliance reporting.
• Support banking and treasury functions for Seattle Pacific University and the Seattle Pacific Foundation.
• Serve as executive sponsor and functional owner for Workday Financials, leading governance, optimization, reporting, and future enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic financial planning

Financial analysis

Communication

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Master's degree in Business Administration/Finance/Accounting

CPA or CMA certification

Tools

Workday Financials

ERP/Financial management systems

Job description

Seattle Pacific University seeks an experienced, mission-driven Senior Controller and Director of Finance to provide strategic and operational leadership for Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Budget, and Business Development. This on-campus role partners with the President, Cabinet, and Board to strengthen financial health and institutional sustainability while modernizing systems and processes.

The role requires 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership, deep GAAP knowledge, and experience