Controller

Controller

POSITION: Controller

SUPERVISOR: Vice President for Strategic Financial Administration & Initiatives

DEPARTMENT: Business Office

LOCATION: On-campus located in Tiffin OH

JOB TYPE: Full-time

GRANT-FUNDED: No

SOC Code: 11-3031

General Job Description for the Controller:

Tiffin University is seeking a Controller to serve as the institutions senior accounting leader and steward of financial integrity. The Controller oversees all core accounting operations financial reporting treasury and cash management budgeting support and audit coordination.

This role is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is excited to apply strong GAAP-based accounting expertise within a mission-driven organization. While higher education or non-profit experience is welcomed candidates with transferable experience from corporate healthcare or other complex organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Controller plays a critical role in strengthening internal controls enhancing financial processes and supporting data-driven decision-making across the University. The position partners closely with senior leadership Human Resources and Information Technology to continuously improve systems reporting and financial operations.

Key Responsibilities for the Controller:

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Serve as the Universitys chief accounting officer overseeing general ledger month-end and year-end close processes and financial accuracy.
• Develop maintain and enhance accounting policies procedures and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting standards and best practices across the institution.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting for management the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage the annual external audit including preparation of financial statements footnotes schedules and supporting documentation.
• Maintain strong audit relationships and ensure successful audit outcomes including unqualified opinions.
• Oversee compliance reporting including grants tax filings NCAA reporting and other regulatory requirements as applicable.

Treasury Cash and Risk Management

• Monitor cash flow liquidity and banking relationships to support the Universitys financial stability.
• Oversee debt management and treasury activities.
• Continue initiatives to modernize cash handling and support a secure cashless campus environment.

Budgeting & Strategic Support

• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments on annual budgeting forecasting and financial analysis.
• Provide financial insights and modeling to support strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
• Translate complex financial information into clear actionable guidance for non-financial leaders.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead mentor and develop Business Office staff fostering a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted financial partner to campus leadership providing guidance on financial policies controls and best practices.
• Partner with HR and IT to enhance system integration and operational efficiency across finance-related functions.

Qualifications & Experience for the Controller:

Education

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or a related field required.
• CPA and/or Masters degree strongly preferred but not required.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Experience in complex organizations with strong internal controls audits and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience in higher education or non-profit environments is a plus but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Demonstrated success managing audits internal controls and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with enterprise accounting systems (experience with Sage Intacct Solver PowerCampus Colleague or similar systems is beneficial).
• Effective people leader with the ability to mentor develop and motivate staff.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong written verbal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly.
• High level of integrity discretion and sound judgment.
• Comfort leveraging technology to improve financial processes and reporting.

Why Join Tiffin University

Tiffin University offers a collaborative mission-driven environment where your financial expertise directly supports student success and institutional growth. We value innovation transparency and partnershipand provide the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

At Tiffin University we believe in taking care of our employees. Thats why all full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health financial security and work-life balance:

• Medical dental and vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.
• Health Savings Account with annual employer incentive contribution & Flex Spending Account with options to save pre-tax dollars for medical dental and vision expenses.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability plus voluntary plans for supplemental life insurance and short-term disability.
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions to help you plan for the future.
• Generous paid annual and sick leave plus paid holidays throughout the year.
• Educational tuition benefits for you and eligible family members.
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Tiffin University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. While we strive for a diverse mix of candidates all employment decisions are made without regard to race sex or other protected characteristics.

Tiffin University is an Equal Opportunity Employer