Controller

Batten University · Virginia Beach · $130,000 (stated in the posting)

Primary responsibilities include:

Direct the daily operations of the Office of Finance, including supervision of personnel, oversight of financial systems, and administration of departmental policies and procedures.
Oversee accounting functions, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash receipts, financial reconciliations, and fixed asset accounting.
Prepare and oversee accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, and related financial documentation.
Coordinate the annual independent financial audit, serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee the preparation of required financial records and supporting documentation.
Establish, maintain, and evaluate internal controls to safeguard University assets, ensure financial accountability, and maintain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable regulatory requirements.
Support the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with University leadership.
Oversee cash management activities, banking relationships, financial reconciliations, and related financial operations.
Ensure accurate accounting and financial reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds, endowments, charitable gifts, grants, and capital projects.
Coordinate payroll and employee benefit accounting with the Office of Human Resources to ensure accurate financial reporting and reconciliation.
Prepare financial analyses, forecasts, and reports for University leadership and the Board of Trustees to support institutional planning and financial decision-making.
Independently evaluate financial processes, identify operational and financial risks, and recommend corrective actions and process improvements.
Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, accounting procedures, and internal control practices to strengthen operational efficiency and institutional accountability.
Evaluate financial management systems and technologies and recommend improvements to enhance reporting accuracy, operational effectiveness, and financial oversight.
Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to provide financial guidance, address accounting matters, and ensure responsive and effective financial services.
Work collaboratively with University leadership, external auditors, banking partners, and other financial stakeholders to support institutional financial objectives.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer/Vice President for Enterprise Strategy.

The position requires regular collaboration with University leadership, academic and administrative departments, and external financial partners. The Controller must demonstrate the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive financial information, and exercise sound professional judgment in addressing complex financial matters. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support financial reporting deadlines, annual audits, budget preparation, and University activities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Significant professional experience in accounting and financial management, including supervisory responsibilities.
Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting, auditing, budgeting, and internal controls.
Demonstrated experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting processes, and financial management functions.
Proficiency with financial management systems, accounting software, and related technologies.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and financial management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and manage competing priorities.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to supervise personnel and collaborate effectively across departments.
Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and commitment to responsible financial stewardship and institutional accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or similarly complex institutions.
Experience with fund accounting, restricted and unrestricted funds, endowments, charitable contributions, and grants.
Experience coordinating external financial audits and preparing financial reports for executive leadership or governing boards.
Experience evaluating and improving financial management systems, accounting procedures, and internal controls.

Position Details

Appointment: Full-time, 12 months
Department: Office of Finance, Division of Enterprise Strategy
Reports To: Chief Operations Officer/Vice President for Enterprise Strategy
FLSA Classification: Exempt – Administrative
Annual Salary: $130,000
Work Location: Batten University, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Instructions to Apply

Applicants should upload a cover letter, résumé, and a list of at least three professional references, including each references’ title and contact information, as PDF attachments. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Batten University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of skills, experience, and qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of a non-job-related medical disability, or any other legally protected status.

About Batten University

Batten University is Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, Batten annually enrolls more than 5,000 learners across all programs and locations, including nearly 1,700 students in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Students thrive in average class sizes of 12, and nearly 90 percent of new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation.

Through its Environmental Guiding Principles, the University incorporates a commitment to sustainability in every aspect of campus life. Batten is an inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, inspiring students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world.

Position Description The Controller will join the Division of Enterprise Strategy and report to the Chief Operations Officer/Vice President for Enterprise Strategy. The position oversees Batten University's Office of Finance, ensuring accurate, efficient, and accountable financial operations. The Controller directs accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, audits, cash management, and related functions while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. The Controller exercises independent judgment in evaluating financial operations, implementing policies and procedures, assessing risks, and recommending improvements. The position supports the University's strategic planning and financial sustainability through financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and recommendations that promote sound fiscal stewardship and informed institutional decisions.

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