Controller

Position Summary

The Controller serves as the senior accounting officer of Simmons College of Kentucky and is
responsible for the integrity of the College’s financial records, accounting operations, internal controls, and financial reporting
processes.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller leads day-to-day accounting operations, manages
month-end and year-end close processes, oversees restricted and grant fund compliance, supports external audit coordination, and ensures
accurate, timely financial reporting in alignment with GAAP and institutional policies.

This role is critical to strengthening
internal controls, enhancing audit readiness, and ensuring fiscal stewardship in a mission-driven higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close Management

• Lead and manage the monthly
  and
  annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting (target close cycle: 10 business days or fewer).
• Prepare
  or oversee preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations,
  and
  supporting schedules.
• Ensure proper classification of revenues, expenses, and restricted funds.

Restricted
&
Grant Fund Oversight

• Monitor restricted, donor-designated, and grant-funded accounts to ensure compliance with
  funding
  requirements.
• Collaborate with grant administrators to reconcile drawdowns and expenditures.
• Ensure accurate
  tracking
  and reporting of Title III and other federal/state funding streams.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Strengthen and document internal control procedures across accounting operations.
• Implement reconciliation standards
  and
  documentation protocols.
• Reduce control deficiencies and enhance audit documentation workflows.
• Ensure compliance
  with
  institutional policies, federal regulations, and financial best practices.

Audit & External Reporting

• Serve as primary accounting liaison for external auditors.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Support timely completion of annual audit with minimal findings.
• Assist in preparation of board-facing financial reports and
  executive summaries.

Budget Support & Financial Analysis

• Support annual operating budget
  development
  and monitoring.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide financial insights to the CFO and leadership.
• Monitor cash flow
  and assist in liquidity planning.

Staff & Systems Oversight

• Supervise accounting
  staff (AP, AR,
  payroll, and related functions as assigned).
• Promote accountability and financial process discipline.
• Support ERP
  optimization and system improvements.
• Assist in implementing automated workflows (e.g., digital approvals,
  reconciliation
  tracking).

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in Accounting,
  Finance, or
  related field (Bachelor’s with strong experience considered).
• Minimum 5–7 years progressive accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience in month-end close and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP.
• Experience
  with ERP
  systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms).
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capability.
• Experience
  strengthening internal controls.

Preferred

• Higher education or nonprofit accounting
  experience.
• Experience with federal grants and restricted fund accounting.
• Prior audit coordination experience.
• CPA (or
  CPA-eligible) preferred but not required.

Core Competencies

• Financial Integrity &
  Accuracy
• Internal Control Leadership
• Compliance & Risk Awareness
• Strategic Financial Thinking
• Accountability &
  Follow-Through
• Mission Alignment

Compensation

Salary range: $82,000 –
$105,000, commensurate
with experience.

Tiered placement within the range will be based on demonstrated experience in audit
leadership, independent close
management, grant compliance oversight, and supervisory responsibility.

Performance-based increases
may be considered based on
achievement of:

• Timely month-end close improvements
• Audit stabilization milestones
• Internal control
  enhancements
• Compliance performance

Work Environment

This position
operates in a collaborative,
mission-driven higher education environment and works closely with the CFO, President, Cabinet, and Board
Finance Committee.

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