Controller (701)

Job Description

The Controller provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the College’s accounting, payroll, and student accounts functions. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the College’s financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and best practices for higher education and nonprofit institutions.

The Controller oversees the preparation and issuance of annual financial statements, audits, tax filings, and internal and external financial reports, while maintaining strong internal controls and effective financial systems. In partnership with the Vice President for Business Services and other senior leaders, the Controller supports institutional decision-making, compliance obligations, and long-term financial stewardship.

This position also provides leadership to a team of finance professionals, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, supports student billing and collections, and collaborates across campus to align financial operations with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the preparation of the Annual Financial Statements, including the Single Audit Report, Agreed-Upon Procedures, and Board of Trustees’ reports. Directs and compiles the preparation of all other financial reports; manages and directs the College’s financial audits, in coordination with the Assistant Controller. The Controller is responsible for the preparation of all schedules and footnotes, including supporting calculations.
• Directs the banking functions, the processing of student aid, the processing of student billings and collections, the campus business office functions, payroll processing, and the financing of College capital acquisitions.
• Interprets federal, state and local regulations as they relate to College financial operations; and implements changes to College procedures as needed. Prepares the Form 990 and 990-T for the College and two related entities. Supervises the preparation and submission of all tax information reporting, including Forms 1098-T, 1099 and W-2.
• Responsible for the design and implementation of the financial systems, such as general ledger, accounts receivable and payable, purchasing and cashiering; ensures that all the functionality and internal controls required for the College are incorporated within.
• Develops and recommends college-wide administrative policies, procedures and systems that serve to address institutional priorities, and internal and external reporting requirements;
• Supports the Vice President for Business Services in managing post-issuance compliance requirements for the College’s tax exempt bonds, including arbitrage and private business use calculations and disclosures to bond-holders facilitated by external parties.
• Provides compliance support to the College’s business units.
• Works with Vice President for Business Services and other relevant college officials in providing financial information for executive management, campus constituents, and the Board of Trustees, upon request. Presents results of financial operations and external audit to the President’s Cabinet and Board of Trustees.
• Supervises the accounting, payroll, student accounts, and accounts payable staff (9 full time positions)
• Other appropriate duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or Masters in related field.
• Minimum five or more years’ of progressively successful leadership experience with higher education and/or non-profit organizations.
• Minimum three or more years’ successful supervisory experience with direct reports.
• In depth-understanding of U.S. GAAP, FASB standards, and fund accounting principles specific to non-profit entities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of audit processes, financial statement preparation, and IRS tax compliance for nonprofits, including IRS Form 990
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and grant compliance, particularly OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP Systems is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication, consulting and management skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Oracle ERP and HCM experience strongly preferred
• Higher education experience strongly preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Expected hours outside the normal College schedule.
• Some travel required.

Required Skills

• Cover Letter
• Resume

About Us

Flagler College is a private liberal arts college located in St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1968, our mission is to enrich lives by creating a thoughtful, personalized experience in a supportive educational community.

READY TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY?

We are here to help. Please review our current job openings and benefit offerings to determine if Flagler College is the place for you.

Job Info

• Job Identification 701
• Job Category Business Services – Support Personnel
• Posting Date 02/23/2026, 02:58 PM
• Degree Level Bachelor’s Degree
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Flagler College Inc, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084, US
• Salary $125,000 – $140,000 annually