Controller

Role: Controller

Location: Presidency

Position Summary

The Controller is a senior leadership role responsible for the comprehensive management of Albizu University's financial operations in Puerto Rico and Miami within a shared services model. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller ensures the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of financial systems, planning, and reporting. The position provides both strategic and operational oversight, with a strong focus on fiscal accountability, budget development, compliance, and institutional financial health.

Also, oversees general accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, audits, and adherence to regulatory standards. This role is critical to advancing Albizu's mission through sound financial management and transparent communication across all levels of the institution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

Assess and monitor the financial performance of the University through detailed analysis, forecasting, and benchmarking.
Lead and implement institution-wide financial strategies that align with Albizu University's mission and strategic plan.
Collaborate with university leadership to inform data-driven decision-making and financial planning.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Direct the development and management of the annual budget process, ensuring a collaborative and transparent approach with departmental stakeholders.
Monitor operating and capital budgets, providing guidance and corrective actions as needed.
Provide timely and insightful financial forecasts and scenario analysis to guide institutional planning.

Accounting and Control

Oversee the accounting function, including general ledger maintenance, month-end and year-end closings, reconciliations, and journal entries.
Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Develop, implement, and monitor strong internal controls to safeguard university assets and ensure financial integrity.
Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation standards to support consistency and compliance.

Compliance and Audit

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as university policies and procedures.
Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external audits; coordinate audit activities and prepare supporting documentation.
Lead efforts to implement audit recommendations and strengthen financial risk management.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Produce comprehensive financial reports for senior leadership.
Present financial performance updates with clarity and strategic context to support institutional transparency and accountability.
Analyze trends and key performance indicators to identify areas for efficiency, risk mitigation, and investment.

Team Leadership and Shared Services Oversight

Supervise, develop, and motivate a team of finance professionals across multiple campuses under the shared services model.
Delegate responsibilities effectively while promoting cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.
Establish service-level expectations, monitor performance, and ensure alignment with institutional goals.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; CPA or advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in higher education or non-profit institutions.
Demonstrated expertise in budget management, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, GAAP, and audit coordination.
Proven experience managing teams.
Bilingual, English and Spanish

Experience

Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive experience in a senior leadership role in higher education or another related field.

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

Strategic Leadership - Aligns people and their work with the vision of the institution.
Conflict Resolution- Make sense of a large amount of complex and contradictory information to solve problems effectively—resolve conflict by institutional policies.
Work Management- Provides direction, delegates, and removes obstacles, ensuring the work is accomplished
Effective Communication - communicates clearly and ensures that all people understand its message.
Talent Development- Develops staff to meet organizational needs and career goals.
Adaptability- Adapts their behavior and coping with situations depending on the situation.

BENEFITS – According to Employee Handbook

Vacation Leave: accumulation of 11.25 hours per month, from 120 hours worked.
Sick Leave: accumulation of 11.25 hours per month, from 120 hours worked.
Holidays: about 18 days a year, according to the academic calendar.

Starting on the 1st day of the month, after completing 90 days of employment:

Medical Plan: participation in the group medical plan, of which the institution contributes $2,220.00 annually to the insurance premium.
Retirement Plan: the employer contributes 5% of the annual basic salary.
Life Insurance: 2 times the annual basic salary; Optional supplemental insurance available.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.

Albizu is an equal opportunity/affirmative action patron with a strong institutional commitment to achieving excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025