The University of Olivet, a private liberal arts institution located in Olivet, Michigan, seeks an experienced and detail-orientated Controller to join their dedicated Business office. 

Founded in 1844, The University of Olivet is a private, mission-driven liberal arts institution with a long-standing commitment to access, equity, and individualized student success. Olivet was the first college in Michigan to admit women and persons of color on a co-equal basis with white men and continues to define itself by who it includes rather than who it excludes.

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Vice President of Finance
Department: Finance & Administration
Location: Onsite (with flexibility as applicable)

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for leading and executing the university’s financial accounting operations, ensuring the integrity of financial data, maintaining strong internal controls, and supporting informed decision making. This highly collaborative role oversees accounting staff, coordinates external audits, ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, and delivers timely and accurate financial reporting that supports the long-term sustainability of the university.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Direct all general ledger functions including institutional, grant, endowment, and student accounts.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP, FASB standards (including ASC 958), and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Oversee accounting for endowments, restricted gifts, pledges, and donor?designated funds.

Budgeting & Forecasting Support

• Partner with the CFO and university leadership to support annual budget development.
• Provide departmental budget support, training, and financial analysis.
• Assist in multi-year financial modeling and tuition/fee planning.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Design, monitor, and enhance internal control systems including cash management, purchasing, payroll, and financial data security.
• Coordinate annual external audits (financial statements, federal compliance audits such as A-133 if applicable).
• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, IPEDS, Title IV financial regulations, state grant requirements, and accreditation standards.

Cash, Grants, and Student Account Oversight

• Monitor cash flow, treasury activities, and debt obligations.
• Ensure proper financial administration of federal/state grants, sponsored programs, and restricted funds.
• Support student accounts, billing policies, tuition receivable reconciliation, and payment plan management.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor accounting team members.
• Promote a culture of accountability, customer service, ethical practice, and continuous process improvement.
• Collaborate across departments including Student Affairs, Advancement, IT, Enrollment, and Academics.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA license or significant progress toward certification preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably including nonprofit or higher education.
• Strong technical understanding of GAAP, FASB, and nonprofit accounting (ASC 958).
• Experience leading and developing accounting staff.
• Proficiency in financial management software and advanced Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education accounting, student information systems, or financial aid compliance.
• Knowledge of utility systems such as Jenzabar, or similar ERP systems.
• Experience with endowment accounting, investments, or multi?fund accounting.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem?solving skills.
• Ethical judgment and discretion with confidential information.
• Clear communication that supports non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to organize and manage complex, multi-deadline tasks.
• Collaborative leadership style focused on service and education.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office environment with standard technology.
• Occasional evening or weekend work during audits, budget adoption periods, or fiscal year-end.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work with computers, files, and financial documents.
• Standard business hours Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. 

About The University of Olivet

The University of Olivet was founded in 1844 as an institution of higher education open to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay. The university’s faculty and staff continue its tradition of creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students and maintain its commitment to social justice. The university is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state of Michigan and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. The undergraduate student body is a mix of urban and rural students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation college attendees. The university’s faculty and staff are committed to providing personalized, individualized attention for students who commit themselves to seeking academic and personal success. Located in Olivet, Michigan, the university is within driving distance of Lansing, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo; two hours from the metropolitan Detroit area; and three hours from Chicago.

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