Controller – MSU Denver Foundation

Department

Position Summary

The Controller is a strategic thought-partner and hands-on manager responsible for the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the MSU Denver Foundation. This role leads the team responsible for the accounting financial reporting compliance internal controls budget and fund management of the division ensuring alignment with GAAP FASB standards and donor intent. The Controller leads and develops the foundation team ensuring professional growth and support of the divisions culture. He/she reports to the VP of University Advancement/ED of the Foundation (VPUA) and works closely with other division leaders auditors and university partners to support the Foundations mission of promoting the development and general welfare of Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Works collaboratively with the VPUA and UA Senior Team to accomplish the divisions goals in support of the Universitys mission vision and priorities.
• Leads and develops the (3-5 member) Foundation team ensuring professional development providing mentoring and fostering support of the divisions culture.
• Provides staff leadership and support to the Foundation Board Treasurer the Audit & Finance Committee and the Investment Committee including the preparation of agendas and materials for meetings.
• Acts as the primary liaison with the Foundations investment manager overseeing its portfolio of endowed and non-endowed funds.
• Leads the divisions efforts to optimize its financial technology and related systems e.g. Financial Edge and Raisers Edge.

Financial Management

• Manages the divisions accounting and finance functions including financial risks planning record-keeping reporting annual audit tax reporting and business analysis.
• Prepares accurate and timely financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Oversees and participates in annual audits and tax filings (e.g. IRS Form 990).
• Ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards laws and regulations.
• Develops and maintains internal controls and financial policies.
• Oversees financial and accounting services provided to the Alumni Association.
• Oversees cash management and investment allocation including initiating cash balancing wires and other activities related to portfolio management in coordination with investment manager.
• Collaborates with Advancement Services and fundraising teams to ensure accurate gift processing and financial stewardship.
• Reviews complex gift and fund agreements to ensure endowments are properly recorded and follow all policies as well as donor intent
• Works with Foundation staff to develop and maintain funding models net asset roll forwards and other processes.
• Guides the Foundation team to develop online and in-person training of gift accounting and reporting for the divisions staff.

Budgeting and Reporting

• Leads the development and monitoring of the Foundations annual budget and the divisions budget.
• Provides financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision-making.

Investment and Endowment Accounting

• Supports the management of the Foundations investment portfolio in collaboration with the investment manager the Investment Committee and the VPUA.
• Oversees endowment accounting including fund tracking distributions and donor reporting.
• Oversees annual endowment distributions and endowment status reporting process.

Compliance and Systems Oversight

• Ensures proper documentation and compliance with donor restrictions and gift agreements.
• Oversees financial systems and software (e.g. Financial Edge Workday) ensuring data accuracy and integrity.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting Finance or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPA license and strong understanding of FASB standards.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience preferably in nonprofit or higher education.
• Experience supervising staff and working with teams.
• Experience with financial audits compliance and reporting.
• Strong analytical communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to MSU Denvers mission and work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Accounting Finance or Business Administration.
• Experience with nonprofit foundation accounting and planned giving including complex gifts.
• Familiarity with CASE standards and university advancement operations.
• Proficiency in Financial Edge Raisers Edge Workday or similar systems.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to the University.

Schedule Information

• Full-time 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Hours: Monday Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
• Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work on our Denver CO campus with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval)
• Travel: Some local travel may be needed occasionally

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience skills knowledge abilities education licensure and certifications analysis of internal equity and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full salary range for this position is $93850 - $156730. The anticipated hiring range is $93850 - $125290.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

Please apply by visiting our career site and searching for JR104353.

For full consideration the following documents must be submitted:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received through Thursday September 16 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

The Universitys benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical vision and dental free RTD pass tuition reimbursement as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans retirement plans and other programs such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) MSU Denversbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview please see: University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty staff students and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique access-oriented campus community that values diversity equity and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students faculty and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.