Assistant Vice President for Business Services, Controller

Cornell College invites applications for an Assistant Vice President for Business Services / Controller, a key leadership role responsible for advancing the college’s financial operations and supporting sound institutional decision-making.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead a critical function, strengthen financial processes, and partner with senior leadership to support the long-term success of the college.

The AVP/Controller plays a vital role in ensuring financial integrity, developing strong internal controls, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented business office that supports the broader campus community.

Key Responsibilities


* Lead all accounting and financial reporting functions for the college


* Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment to safeguard financial, physical, and reputational assets


* Ensure accurate and timely recording of financial activity in compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and donor restrictions


* Manage the annual external audit and oversee the preparation and submission of federal and state financial reports


* Direct business office operations, including billing, collections, and disbursements


* Partner with the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to lead the annual budgeting process and support financial planning efforts


* Provide meaningful financial analyses and reporting to support senior leadership decision-making


* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness


* Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, service-oriented team

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 Experience & Skills

Technical Expertise


* Knowledge of fund accounting, endowment accounting, payroll, and accounts payable


* Experience with financial systems (Microsoft Dynamics or PowerCAMPUS preferred)


* Advanced proficiency in Excel and familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Leadership & Management


* Proven ability to lead, develop, and mentor teams
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