Controller

Cornell College invites applications for a full-time controller.

The controller is responsible for establishing the appropriate environment to ensure controls are created and maintained to safeguard assets, including financial, reputational, and physical assets.  The position ensures proper recording of assets, liabilities, funds, revenues, and expenses in compliance with GAAP, applicable laws, regulations, college policies, and donor requirements.  The controller manages the annual external audit and the preparation of all federal and state financial reports, including timely preparation of materials and filing of reports.  The position oversees the business office including the supervision of billing and collection of all revenues and verification and payment of all disbursements and assists the vice president, chief financial officer in coordinating and organizing budget preparation and various internal financial reporting activities.

About Cornell College

Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our Ingenuity curriculum that builds on the strengths of our One Course At A Time schedule.

This combination encourages the qualities of being thoughtful, original, and inventive, using the strengths of a liberal arts education to apply ideas to solve problems and meet challenges through hands-on experience in learning.

Academic immersion, Division III NCAA athletic teams, and unparalleled flexibility attract an ambitious student body from across the U.S.

and worldwide.

We are located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, an urban fringe community located in the heart of the ICR Iowa region.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting / Finance required (CPA preferred).

Minimum of six years of supervisory experience in a not-for-profit accounting environment with a minimum of $20 million in annual revenue preferred.  

Preferred Skills


* Excellent technical accounting skills and knowledge (GAAP, fund accounting, endowment accounting, accounts payable and payroll). 


* Ability to understand, develop and communicate the information needs of senior staff and provide meaningful reports and analyses. 


* Understanding of systems and procedures to support internal control and external reporting and compliance requirements.  Ability to streamline accounting processes to reduce time and increase accuracy of accounting records.


* Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of the college’s annual budgeting process including collaborating with academic and administrative departments to prepare, review, and consolidate budget submissions, providing guidance and support throughout the budgeting cycle.


* Strong sense of service orientation, with a proven ability to effectively communicate decisions and educate in the process.


* High level of professionalism and integrity with a demonstrated ability to work productively with, and gain confidence of, all areas of the coll...