Controller

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Soka University of America is seeking a Controller. The Controller reports to the Executive Director of Finance. The Controller is responsible for the management of staff and full oversight over bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and financial statement reporting. The individual is an integral member of the University’s Business and Administration and will lead the Finance Office team, providing and implementing best practices in higher education accounting.

Essential duties include but not limited to:

30% - Management

• Oversee the activities of the Finance Office for timely and accurate maintenance of the general ledger and financial management reporting, including monthly and annual financial statements and reports.
• Develop and maintain financial management systems and internal controls required to ensure that University assets are safeguarded and that accounts are appropriately maintained in order to ensure accurate financial data.
• Oversee the activities of the university’s accounts payable area. Ensure timely and accurate payments to vendors providing goods and services to the university. Duties also include preparation of use tax returns, approval of cash disbursements and ACH approvals.
• Oversee the activities of the university’s accounts receivable area. Duties include, but are not limited to the completeness and accuracy of all receivables, approval of allowance adjustments and loan hardship deferrals.
• Monitor and maintain campus wide adherence to University Policies and Procedures.

30% - Accounting

• Responsible for accurate and timely bank reconciliations.
• Record auxiliary revenue along with coordinating supporting documents from various cost centers.
• Reconciliation of general ledger accounts and maintenance of ledger posting.
• Manage fixed assets module overseeing compliance with SUA asset policies and procedures.

20% - Financial Reporting

• Coordinates completion of all financial reports.
• Manages the preparation of work paper packages and supporting schedules for the annual audit of SUA’s financial statements and assists with preparation of financial statements.
• Prepares work paper and support for SUA’s Form 990 and 990T.
• Oversee the preparation and submitting the property tax exemptions forms and annual Business Operating Statement 571-L.
• Prepares withholding calculation for Nonresident and coordinates Form 1042-S distribution to students and filing.
• Prepare quarterly financial statements and assist in the preparation of other financial reports.

10% - Reporting

• Ensures the timely posting of all data to the general ledger in Workday including integrations from other systems.
• Reviews manual journal entries for timely posting to Workday to ensure appropriateness and accuracy.
• Manage expense and procurement card program.
• Serves as liaison with the SUA’s banks and merchant services in resolving all data and procedural issues.
• Collaborates with IT and end user cost centers on PCI DSS compliance.

10% - Systems

• Maintain tax determination software and tax preparation program.
• Program Administrator of Expense/Procurement Cards.
• Assists in implementation of additional features in Workday and in ongoing revisions of financial reporting and procedures to better serve staff, faculty, students, parents and other constituencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Certified Public Accountant, C.P.A.

Experience: 

• 7-10 years progressively responsible accounting, audit or tax experience.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience with higher education accounting.
• Must possess advanced knowledge/ skills in accounting and reporting software, including the Microsoft Office suite as well as experience with large accounting packages.
• Skilled in verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork, team building and flexibility.
• Must be a self-starter and highly motivated, willing help staff get the work done.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of university personnel, as well as a variety of outside organizations and firms.
• Superior customer services demeanor and ability to work in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with high ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience:

• Familiarity with Workday, Sprintax, PeopleSoft and Slate.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Review of applications will begin November 7, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. SUA offers a competitive salary, benefits and an excellent working environment.

Application Requirements 

Must submit the following to be considered:

• letter of interest for this position
• resume
• three professional references 

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.

Weekly Hours

40

Anticipated Hiring Range

$135,000 - $159,000

The anticipated hiring range for this position is listed above. Compensation ranges are based on several factors including job function, experience and geographic location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the range listed here.