Strategic Finance Controller (Higher Education)

Bell & Associates, Inc.; McPherson (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and holidays

Tuition Assistance for family

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer 1

Job summary

Bell & Associates, Inc. seeks a Controller to combine technical accounting expertise with leadership across the organization, including faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and external partners.

The role focuses on ensuring GAAP compliance for not-for-profit higher education, managing financial systems, and driving continuous improvement while safeguarding confidential information and strategic financial planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required; CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible accounting and management experience, preferably in higher education or a similar not-for-profit environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, not-for-profit and higher education accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Proven leadership ability with experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and translate complex financial data into actionable insight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise financial systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Banner, PeopleSoft, SAP), preferably in an academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations and reporting for the institution.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and external partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with sensitive information.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems and practices.

Skills

Leadership experience

Not-for-profit accounting

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Staff mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Jenzabar

Banner

PeopleSoft

SAP

Job description

Bell & Associates, Inc. seeks a Controller to combine technical accounting expertise with leadership across the organization, including faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and external partners.

The role focuses on ensuring GAAP compliance for not-for-profit higher education, managing financial systems, and driving continuous improvement while safeguarding confidential information and strategic financial planning.