Assistant Vice President and Controller

Lafayette College, one of the nation’s premier liberal arts institutions is seeking a strategic and hands-on leader for the position of Assistant Vice President and Controller (the “Controller”). Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Business, this position is the chief accounting officer of the College responsible for the integrity, security, and accuracy of the accounting and financial systems of the institution. The Controller oversees general accounting, restricted funds and investment accounting, disbursements, and student accounting.

Primary duties and responsibilities include financial statement preparation, financial closings and audit, general ledger maintenance, accounting pronouncements, taxation, disbursements and student accounts, college community assistance, and special projects.

The role of Assistant Vice President and Controller offers outstanding opportunities for institutional impact as well as personal and professional growth. Lafayette College plans to grow in the coming 5-10 years and requires sound financial leadership in order to meet its growth objectives. Specifically, the Controller will: (a) serve as a core member of the finance and business leadership team, delivering outstanding customer service to the campus community, enabling sound financial management, implementing innovative business solutions, and optimizing staff performance and development; (b) set high standards of professional conduct and competence; (c) provide strategic thinking and leadership to improve financial systems, policies, and processes, improving service delivery, reducing costs, and maintaining effective controls; and (d) stay abreast of new developments, trends, and the regulatory environment and communicate with campus and external colleagues about how technical accounting financial standards, emerging issues, and changes in financial reporting may impact campus operations and the College’s ability to meet its strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will have: a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and a minimum of ten years of progressive experience in public accounting or experience as a controller or similar position, or an equivalent combination; strong accounting and technical skills, problem-solving skills, and information systems, spreadsheet and analytical skills; knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, tax compliance, and internal audit; experience with process redesign, quality improvement projects, customer service initiatives, and managing complex financial systems; demonstrated experience in staff management and preparation of financial statements; an appreciation for and understanding of a mission-oriented institution including a focus on service and the ability to work within a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams; a commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and equity; a CPA is highly desirable and preferred qualifications include a MBA, expertise in higher education accounting, and previous Banner experience.

Koya Leadership Partners is assisting Lafayette College with this hire. Nominations and applications, including a detailed letter of interest, qualifications, and a current curriculum vitae, should be submitted here.

The full position description is available here.

Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community. All members of the College community share a responsibility for creating and maintaining a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. Lafayette College is an equal opportunity employer.