Controller

Department: Office of Financial Operations
Salary/Grade: EXS/16

Target hiring range for this position will be between $200,000 to $240,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

A well-qualified candidate within this department or unit has been identified and will be considered for the position alongside other qualified candidates. The University reserves its right to give priority consideration to internal qualified candidates.

Job Summary:

The Office of the Controller is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of Northwestern University, providing a wide range of financial services on behalf of and for the University community. Financial accounting and reporting duties at the University are complex and significant. Northwestern operates with annual expenses exceeding $3.6 billion, total investments in excess of $15.5 billion (representing one of the largest endowments in the country), more than $1.0 billion in research awards, and total long-term debt outstanding of $3.0 billion. The University has more than 23,000 students enrolled in 12 colleges and schools on three campuses. Its fiscal year ends August 31.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Finance, the Controller's duties include responsibility for the annual consolidated financial report and external audit, development and implementation of financial policies and procedures to maintain a strong internal control environment, and serving as a financial advisor to Senior Leadership. The Controller supervises the following units, which altogether employ 15 professionals and staff:

• Accounting Services: Leads the central accounting function and transaction management across all expense and revenue categories within the University's PeopleSoft financial system. Leads the close cycle, cash, capital, and debt accounting, and managing the G/L reporting structure. Responsible for gifts, endowment and investment accounting. Leads technical accounting research and implementation and prepares the Annual Financial Report and related Footnote disclosures under US GAAP. Supports the Uniform Guidance audit, including fixed asset inventory counts.
• Financial Operations IT: Provisions access for the University's administrative systems and provides other support functions including bank access administration, chart of accounts processing, etc.
• Financial Reporting: Leads financial analysis, working closely with the accountants across systems. Develops and contributes to reporting for Senior Leadership and the Board of Trustees, serving as a liaison to campus partners requiring understanding of GAAP reporting or related information, prepares various external surveys, and manages the internal/external communication and timelines for each.

The Controller serves as the principal deputy to the AVP, representing the AVP as necessary, and contributes to cross-functional initiatives to enhance the delivery of financial services across the University. The Controller shall also anticipate changes in regulations and standards impacting higher education and be well-versed in current accounting rules and sensitive to trends. She or he will engage as an active participant in networks of Controller colleagues at other universities.

Manages more than one university accounting-related area or program

• Directs the development of & manages a school's/dept's budget & financial operations including the development & implementation of strategies for: budgeting; forecasting, modeling & projecting; identifying & explaining variances; financial reporting; internal controls; expense reductions; cost containment; & revenue enhancements.
• Manages a portfolio of multiple schools/depts' financial operations comprised of very complex financial work such as internal & external organizations, international situations, and very large dollar volumes.
• Manages daily, monthly, quarterly and annual financial processes for the area or program.
• Applies industry and professional standards, interprets university policy and procedure, federal and state laws and other regulations; recommends accounting policy for the university.
• Represents &/or guides business area on internal & external financial affairs & is viewed as an expert resource regarding area's financial affairs.

Specific Responsibilities:

Budget

• Reviews & partners with senior staff from all areas/units within the Controller's Office to finalize proposed budgets ensuring compliance with established budget parameters as well as a consolidated school/dept balanced budget.
• Oversees routine budget reconciliation & analyzes budget position.

Analysis, Statements & Reporting:

• Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement & balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools.
• Recommends changes to tools to improve analysis, US GAAP actuals, modeling & reporting & ultimately quality of financial information & analyses provided to management for planning, evaluating & controlling operations.
• Establishes proper accounting & audit trails for revenue & expenses related to programs & initiatives.
• Oversees monthly reconciliation & reports on current consolidated financial statements, .
• Oversees area or program financial statements and regulatory reports.
• Acts as the key contact for external auditors; prepares consolidated US GAAP financial statement and audit work papers.
• Oversees the university's consolidated annual financial report.
• Oversees complex financial account reconciliations, consolidated statement analysis, and transaction research
• Establishes and communicates the University calendar for daily, monthly, quarterly and annual accounting and financial processes for the areas or programs.
• Lead within the Finance group to provide rigorous analysis to inform a range of executive decisions.

Transactions:

• Ensures compliance of financial processes & systems including the implementation & monitoring of financial controls & training of managers with financial responsibilities in accordance with all associated NU, local, state & federal rules & regulations.
• Manages completion of annual fiscal year-end close.
• Coordinates with Budget Office & other schools/depts for proper recording of controllership-owned items such as Fixed Assets, Depreciation, and Debt.
• Prepares consolidated financial statement to report final net position;
• Oversees processing of all daily financial transactional activity.
• Reviews status of related university unit accounts and processes; troubleshoots issues as needed.
• Manages overall University general ledger chart field maintenance

Administration:

• Identifies Office of the Controller current & future resource planning & allocation issues & develops, leads, & supervises complex studies & analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions.
• Processes & presents associated data & information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic & spreadsheet tools.
• Acts as project manager for design and implementation of regulatory and system changes.
• Manages operation of a computer system or system processes that support the area or program.
• Ensures that service level goals are met.
• Partners with cross functional teams like Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit, Risk, General Counsel, Investment Office, Schools, Budget and Planning, Facilities Management and others to consider internal controls, accounting treatment for new transactions, and business models for University activities.
• Supports the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer by carrying out special projects and by providing tactical and strategic advice.

Supervision:

• Supervises employees
• Trains employees
• Hires employees
• Evaluates employees' performance
• Provides work direction to other employees
• Mentor individuals within the organization and assist direct reports in a hands-on manner with the accounting for complex transactions

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• CPA-Certified Public Accountant
• 7 - 10 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.
• Experience creating financial reports

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Ability to draft, edit and deliver accurate and timely US GAAP consolidated financial statements
• Fosters a strong internal control environment by drafting and communicating accounting policies focused on safeguarding assets and establishing segregation of duties, while also advising units on the development and execution of local procedures. Partners with Internal Audit and Risk Management in the evaluation and testing of the University's internal controls.
• Familiarity with FASB Accounting Standards Codification requirements and US GAAP reporting.
• Experience leading the external audit process
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software. Ability to articulate an AI strategy within Controllership.
• Strong communication skills, including writing reports (accounting interpretation and position memos) and presenting results to all levels of management; ability to communicate technical financial information to non-financial end-users
• Ability to manage shifting priorities for self and team. Well organized and able to ensure deliverables are met on time and anticipates challenges.
• Experience setting a tone and expectation of excellence, continual improvement (eliminating non-value add work and process re-engineering), and strong customer service.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Big 4/public accounting experience in the External Audit practice
• MBA and/or a master's degree in accountancy
• Experience implementing a new financial system, including vendor selection.
• Experience or familiarity with accounting in nonprofit and/or higher education environment

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Thorough experience and deep knowledge of gift/endowment/investment accounting treatment and reporting requirements.
• A demonstrated ability to provide leadership in the University's accounting and related functions.
• Genuine interest in expanding technical knowledge, including authoritative guidance, peer reporting, etc.
• Ability to cultivate trust and cooperation with internal and external partners. Sound judgment, tact, and diplomatic skills are critical.
• Demonstrated experience launching AI agents and incorporating AI into process workflow
• 5 - 7 years of Budgeting, Forecasting, Long-range planning experience

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.