Senior Financial Controller - Higher Education

Bowie State University; Maryland; On-site; USD 180,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Tuition remission

Pension and retirement plans

Job summary

Bowie State University is seeking a Controller to lead the university's accounting operations, ensuring GAAP/GASB compliance and robust financial reporting across funds. You will supervise general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, and internal controls while coordinating audits with external and internal bodies.

The role requires strong leadership and a commitment to ethical financial stewardship, with collaboration across departments to deliver timely, reliable financial information for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or a closely related field with relevant accounting preparation.
• Active CPA license in good standing.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible accounting and financial reporting experience, including at least three years supervising an accounting team.
• Demonstrated experience with governmental accounting, GASB standards, financial reporting, audit coordination, internal controls, and accounting operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing professional accounting staff, improving processes, and working collaboratively with organizational leaders and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, integrity, and ethical financial stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger and accurate recording of university revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and fund activity.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes; ensure timely correction or escalation of outstanding transactions.
• Prepare BSU year-end statements, schedules, disclosures, and reporting packages supporting USM consolidated financial statements and other required institutional, state, and federal financial reporting.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, documentation, and financial controls. Evaluate complex transactions, document accounting conclusions, and implement new applicable GASB standards and USM requirements.
• Serve as the campus financial audit liaison in coordination with USM. Coordinate requests, schedules, records, and financial responses for external financial statement audits, Office of Legislative Audits examinations, internal audits, and applicable federal Single Audit work.
• Identify and assess accounting and financial control risks. Promptly elevate material errors, overdue reconciliations, control failures, and suspected fiscal irregularities through established reporting channels, preserving supporting records.
• Coordinate accounting for university receipts, transfers, and other foundation-related transactions with Advancement and foundation finance personnel; obtain information needed for university and USM reporting.
• Monitor and report cash flows and liquidity in coordination with the AVP and VP.
• Supervise and develop assigned managers and accounting staff. Set expectations, evaluate performance, provide training and cross-training, and maintain continuity of critical accounting operations.
• Provide clear financial analysis and guidance to leadership and campus partners. Promote confidentiality, accountability, transparency, ethical stewardship, and timely service to students, faculty, and external stakeholders.

Skills

GASB standards

Public higher ed reporting

Financial data analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

Active CPA license

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Workday Financial Management

Job description

Bowie State University is seeking a Controller to lead the university's accounting operations, ensuring GAAP/GASB compliance and robust financial reporting across funds. You will supervise general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, and internal controls while coordinating audits with external and internal bodies.

The role requires strong leadership and a commitment to ethical financial stewardship, with collaboration across departments to deliver timely, reliable financial information for