Controller

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition’s quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.Job SummaryThe position of Controller is responsible for supervising the University’s day-to-day accounting functions, including ensuring the integrity and accuracy of accounting records, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, fixed asset management, student account collections, cash management, and payroll. Other responsibilities include direct supervision of staff, coordinating the annual financial audit and Form 990 tax return, ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and adhering to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Controller works closely with and reports to the Assistant Vice President for Finance. Salary Range: $90,000 - $125,000 per yearMain Duties & ResponsibilitiesResponsible for hiring, retention, supervision, and training of the business office staffPlans, directs, and coordinates all operational, financial, and accounting functionsManagement of all day-to-day banking activities (including but not limited to transfers and adjustments)Treasury Management (Banking relationships, cash management, cash flows, compliance, forecasting, debt management)Management and compliance of EndowmentsPreparation and analysis of financial statementsDay-to-day maintenance and adjustments to the General ledger to ensure accuracyOversee the preparation and execution of the audited financial statements, Federal & State Single Audit reports, IRS 990 tax return, and other tax returns as required, including the completion of required work papers and schedules, and correspondence with the external auditorsAssessment of current accounting operations and recommendations for efficiencies and improvementsMaintain compliance with Federal, State, and local tax regulations and requirementsMaintain compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)Serve as the primary contact with the Office of Advancement for gift reports, stock gifts, and annuities/trusts.Assist with the development, implementation and enforcement of internal controls and business policiesFoster and maintain a collaborative and service-oriented team environment to provide excellent service to internal and external customers in a professional mannerAbility to create and understand various financial statementsThis position requires meticulous attention to detail and accuracyPreparation of various reports for internal and external constituenciesReconciliation of miscellaneous receivable and General Ledger accountsParticipate in meetings and events as required, including Board of Trustees Finance Committee meetingsRegular reporting and meetings with the AVP for Finance and/or COOOther appropriate duties, as assigned.Experience and Education RequirementsBachelor’s degree in accounting required.CPA, master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.Minimum 2 years of experience in public accounting or 4 years of experience in private.7+ years of progressive experience in financial management roles.Familiarity with non-profit work, accounting principles, and practicesA demonstrated understanding of GAAP and other accounting best practicesFamiliarity with financial software such as Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains (GP) and Greenshades (payroll system)Experience in endowment and investment management in a higher education setting.Essential Knowledge & SkillsAbility to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with internal and external constituenciesMust have a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other applicationsKnowledge and understanding of non-profit accountingStrong supervisory and leadership skills in a customer service-oriented environmentEffective verbal and written communication skillsAbility to function effectively in a complex, high-demand environment and manage multiple prioritiesAbility to analyze and interpret data, identify trends, and provide recommendationsCritical thinking, project and time management ,and problem solvingPhysical DemandsSedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.Light work. Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities.Medium work. Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.Heavy work. Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.Physical Hazards - Health and Safety ConcernsGeneral office environmentsErgonomicsNoiseChemicalsDrivingBiohazardsExtreme climate (Hot/Cold)Apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Created: 2025-11-15