AVP of Administration & Finance / Controller

Augustana University invites applications for the position of Assistant Vice President of Administration and Finance / University Controller. This role is responsible for ensuring the integrity, transparency, and strategic alignment of the university’s financial operations. This role demands strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to communicate complex financial information to varying stakeholders while maintaining the integrity and stability of the university's financial system.

We are seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking financial expert with a strong foundation in higher education or nonprofit financial management, accounting compliance, and team leadership.

The duties, competencies, and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to :

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct the timely and accurate preparation of all financial statements (monthly, quarterly, annual) in accordance with GAAP or GASB.

Lead both internal and external financial reporting efforts, ensuring clarity, compliance, and transparency.

Maintain integrity of financial data by overseeing all ledger transactions.

Provide insightful analysis, including variance commentary and narrative reports to leadership, highlighting trends and financial drivers such as enrollment and funding shifts.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Planning

Oversee dynamic rolling forecasts that respond to enrollment, funding, and tuition changes.

Conduct scenario planning and “what-if” analyses to aid strategic decision-making.

Monitor budget-to-actual variances and develop actionable strategies based on financial performance metrics.

Accounting Operations & Compliance

Uphold internal controls and accounting best practices to safeguard university assets and ensure data accuracy.

Maintain full compliance with tax reporting, regulatory filings, and nonprofit disclosure requirements.

Serve as the liaison to external auditors during the annual audit process, managing responses and follow-up actions.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

Serve as a strategic financial partner to university leadership, aligning resources with institutional priorities in academics, research, and student success.

Champion the modernization and optimization of financial systems and reporting tools.

Risk & Cash Flow Management

Oversee cash flow operations, ensuring liquidity and adaptability amid changing revenue streams.

University Engagement

Actively contribute to cross-functional projects that support Augustana’s long-term goals.

Qualifications & Skills :

7+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience that includes the review, analysis, maintenance, and adjustment of various budgets, funds, and accounts, with at least 3 years in an administrative or supervisory role.

Experience in financial management, accounting, or controllership roles, ideally within higher education or nonprofit organizations.

A proven track record of successfully leading and managing finance or accounting teams, including mentoring staff, driving performance, and fostering collaboration across departments.

Experience preparing for and leading both internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and addressing audit findings effectively while maintaining transparency and integrity in financial reporting.

Demonstrated ability to align financial strategies with organizational goals, ensuring the long-term financial stability and sustainability of the institution.

Familiarity with financial management software and systems, with the ability to implement and optimize tools to enhance operational efficiency and reporting accuracy.

Interacting with students, faculty and leadership from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, along with a deep appreciation and respect for academic principles and culture, must be a top value of the candidate.

Application Procedure :

The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the below application materials in one document to our  career center portal . If assistance is needed in the application process, please reach out to humanresources@augie.edu. Official website : augie.edu.

Resume

Names and contact information for three professional references.

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.

Apply Here

PI273185415