Executive Director of Finance/Controller Comprehensive

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Finance/Controller is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and operational leadership in all areas of financial management for the client Campus and reports to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer. This role ensures the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the institution’s financial operations, supporting the mission and academic objectives through sound fiscal stewardship and innovative practices.


Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Compliance: Oversee preparation, integrity, and timely submission of the client Consolidated financial statements and reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, and other relevant standards.
o Responsible for drafting the Management Discussion and Analysis and all content in the financial statements.
o Work with all campuses to ensure the integrity of the financial statements. Three campuses include Carbondale, School of Medicine, and Edwardsville plus the client Office.
o The client System has $1.3B in Revenues, $1.3B in assets and deferred outflows of resources, and nine University related organizations presented as component units in the financial statements
o Ensure timely filing of the reports due to the State of IL, which includes quarterly cash reports, quarterly accounts receivable reports, quarterly fixed asset reports, appropriation management for the client System, the annual GAAP Package, and anything else required.
Annual Financial and Compliance Audit – this position serves as the primary contact for the external auditors for the client System Consolidated Financial Statements and for items specific to the client Campus. This position answers questions and produces information to satisfy the requirements of the external financial audit. This person serves as the primary contract for the client campus for the annual state compliance audit and makes sure audit findings are addressed. The position is also involved in various internal audits depending on the subject matter of the audit.
Financial Leadership: Lead the finance department responsible for the university’s general accounting, fixed asset accounting and accounts payable. This is a staff of 11 employees plus student workers.
Internal Controls & Risk Management: Design, implement, and monitor internal control systems to safeguard assets, ensure accuracy of records, and promote operational efficiency; assess and mitigate financial risks.
Grants & Sponsored Programs: Assist with data for the federal single audit. Support OSPA in preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
Financial Aid: Accounting team draws down all federal financial aid through the G5 financial portal.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff, cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Systems & Technology: Maintain functions in the university financial system such as setting up new units, budget purposes, objects, fiscal officer and delegate authority, and maintaining the system rules that govern the chart of accounts for accurate financial reporting.
Policy Development & Implementation: Maintain and update financial and administrative policies; ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.

Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
Experience: Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within higher education or a comparable nonprofit setting.
Technical Proficiency: Deep knowledge of fund accounting, GAAP, GASB, and federal compliance requirements (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance); proficiency with financial management systems and data analytics.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams; strong organizational and change management skills.
Analytical Thinking: Advanced analytical skills, including the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and propose effective strategies.
Ethical Standards: High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to ethical conduct.

Preferred Skills & Attributes
Knowledge of bond financing and endowment management.
Familiarity with ERP systems such as Oracle EBS, Banner, Workday, or PeopleSoft.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within financial operations.
Commitment to service-oriented leadership and campus collaboration.

Key Duties & Day-to-Day Tasks
Manage accounting team that performs month-end and year-end close, including reconciliations and journal entries.
Manage the team that reviews and approves account analyses, reconciliations, and budget transfers.
Manage supervisors who oversee accounts payable including travel reimbursement.
Mange the staff that monitors and manages the recording of institutional debt and capital project financing.
Assist the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, CFO with financial presentations and reports for the Board of Trustees and executive leadership as needed.
Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, Form 990, and other required tax filings.
Stay abreast of changes in accounting standards, regulations, and best practices.

Working Relationships
Reports to: Vice President for Administration and Finance.
Manages: Accounting staff and accounts payable staff.
Collaborates closely with: Campus business managers and other personnel, client System internal audit team, state entities such as the State Comptroller’s Office

Physical and Work Environment Requirements
Work is typically performed in an office environment with standard equipment and technology.
May require occasional travel for training, audits, or conferences.
The position requires extended working hours during peak periods such as year-end closing, annual audit and when reporting is due to the State.

Opportunities and Challenges
Lead innovation in financial stewardship to support academic excellence and institutional mission.
Navigate shifting funding environments and regulatory requirements in higher education.
Champion digital transformation and process improvement initiatives.
Advocate for resource allocation that advances institutional priorities, access, and equity.