Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller - 998259

Assistant Chief Financial Officer/Controller

Position Number:

Department Summary

The Finance division consists of the finance and accounting administrative functions of the University and includes the offices of Accounting, Treasury and Endowment Management, Budgeting, Student Accounts, Payroll, and the Student Financial Aid Office. The offices of Accounting, Student Accounts, and Payroll report to the Assistant CFO/Controller. Accounting processes most accounting transactions and includes accounts payable, purchasing, and financial reporting and analysis. Student Accounts bills and collects for all tuition and fees. Payroll processes payroll for all full and part‑time employees, including student employees.

Job Summary

The Assistant CFO/Controller serves as a senior leader in Drake’s finance function and oversees the University’s financial reporting and auditing, accounting and transactional operations, internal controls and compliance, and plant accounting. The Assistant CFO/Controller manages and develops a staff of 10 and is a key strategic partner to the CFO. The Assistant CFO/Controller and CFO ensure fiscal integrity to key campus constituents including the Board and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Auditing: Oversight of financial reporting, ensuring accurate and timely preparation of annual and monthly financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Oversight of annual financial statement audit, Single Audit (for federal funds, in coordination with Office of Student Financial Aid and other offices), and external reporting requirements, including the IRS Form 990 and other regulatory filings.
• Accounting & Transactional Operations: Oversight of core financial operations including general ledger, accounting, accounts payable, purchasing, accounts receivable, payroll, and student accounts.
• Internal Controls & Compliance: Leads the design, implementation, and enforcement of University-wide financial policies, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Capital Accounting and Debt Compliance: Oversight of capital asset accounting and ensure compliance with tax‑exempt bond covenants and reporting requirements.
• Leadership & Strategy: Manages and develops finance staff. Promotes innovation and efficiency in both finance and overall University operations. Assists the Chief Financial Officer with long‑term financial forecasting, budgeting, board reporting, and general financial strategy.
• Institutional Partnership: Serves as liaison between Finance function and campus units, providing guidance on financial matters, supporting strategic decision making, and ensuring alignment between financial practices and institutional priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field of study.
• 5–7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including some in a leadership capacity.
• Exceptional Microsoft Excel and general computer skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license (can be in an inactive status).
• Experience with Workday or similar ERP systems.
• Experience within higher education or not‑for‑profit environments.
• Experience in performing financial statement audits.

Salary & Benefits

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Drake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including core benefits, perks, discounts, tuition waivers for employees, spouses, and eligible dependents, and tuition exchange programs for dependent children.