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Posted: 21-Jan-26
Location: Northfield, Minnesota
Type: Full-time
Salary: $135,700 to $140,200
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Position Overview:
The Controller serves as the chief accounting officer for the institution and is responsible for the leadership, overall direction, and management of the Carleton College accounting and financial reporting functions and transactions. In addition, the Controller serves as a strategic partner in the ongoing advancement of the institution’s business operations and financial reporting.
The Controller manages the operations of the Business Office and manages various staff roles within it. Responsibilities of the Business Office include: general accounting and financial reporting, purchasing, accounts payable, student accounts, outside accounts receivable, payroll, tax management, debt management, grant management, investment accounting, and cash management.
The Controller is responsible for establishing the system of internal financial controls necessary to support timely and accurate transaction processing to support institutional financial reporting. The Controller advises the Associate Vice President for Finance, the Vice President and Treasurer and other executive officers on appropriate policies and procedures and works directly with the College’s external auditors. The Controller also informs the development of the College budget and long-range financial planning. The Controller will interact with faculty, staff, students, parents, trustees, alumni, and others as appropriate and will represent the College in a professional, informed and attentive manner. Along with the AVP for Finance, the Controller supports the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and also interfaces with the trustees on the Finance and Planning, Investment, and Building and Grounds Committees.
Compensation:
The expected starting salary range for this position is between $135,700 and $140,200. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:
- Foster an environment of accountability and financial integrity in all business functions across the College.
- Advise the AVP for Finance, the Vice President and Treasurer, and College management generally about business and financial practices that will help improve the quality and cost efficiency of the services provided.
- Recruit and support the development of Business Office staff.
- Prepare annual financial statements and other external reporting; coordinate annual financial and compliance audit and support financial survey reporting.
- Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the College’s accounting and financial records, including extensive collaborative work with campus partners
- Enable efficient, accurate, and timely reporting in support of decisions and enabling managerial accountability throughout the College.
- Understand, interpret and apply FASB, as well as generally accepted accounting principles, standards, and practices to the College’s operations.
- Steward the college’s financial resources through analysis, proactive planning, clear communication and open process
- Serve on campus committees, where appropriate
- Manage and refine the Business Office continuity of operations plan
Supervision Received and Exercised:
The Controller reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Finance and is expected to work collaboratively with other Vice Presidents and other campus leaders to support the work of the College, coordinate work with peers in the Business & Finance Division and supervise the work of the Business Office team. Providing additional guidance to support the work of individual departments is an important part of the role.
Education/Experience/Skills:
Required:
- A bachelor’s degree, CPA license (active or inactive) and 10 or more years of relevant experience are required.
- Knowledge of and experience with higher education or non-profit accounting, budgeting, and endowment administration.
- Ability to systematically analyze complex issues and data.
- Facility with spreadsheets and financial models.
- Experience with financial systems implementation and management.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- A strong appreciation for the value of a liberal arts education.
Successful candidates will foster an environment that supports College priorities, utilizes resources effectively, is dedicated to open communications, and is committed to the professional development and growth of staff.
Preferred:
- A master’s degree with additional years of experience, along with experience in higher education, are preferred.
Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels.
Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.
Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including: A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution. Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Paid time-off, including 25 annual leave days, 8 paid holidays, and extra days at the end of the calendar year to make a continuous week off before New Year’s. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees. A dependent tuition program after six years of service.
Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton College occupies more than 1,000 scenic acres of campus, arboretum, over 100 campus buildings, and athletic fields. Located 40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Carleton offers access to the cultural advantages of a major metropolitan area.
