Controller

Reporting to the Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Controller provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s accounting, financial reporting, treasury and financial operation functions. The position is responsible for ensuring the production of timely, accurate and complete financial information; maintaining effective internal controls; ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements and delivering efficient, customer-focused financial services. Ensures that financial operations functions, such as payroll, purchasing and accounts payable support Cleveland State University (CSU) with highly efficient and customer service-oriented processes. Connects strategic objectives with the details of financial accounting and financial operational processes. Supports future planning and decision making. Fosters a culture that prioritizes customer service and responsiveness. Coordinates closely with the CFO, establishes collaborative relationships with external auditors, banking partners, credit rating agencies, investment consultants and others. Serves as a Board Director for the Euclid Avenue Development Corporation. Performs other functionally related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field.
• Eight (8) years of experience of accounting functions in a non-profit, public agency or higher educational setting. Experience with fund accounting, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday), and publicly traded debt.
• Five (5) years of leadership and supervisory experience.
• Expertise in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting, internal controls, and financial operations.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing organizational change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification or master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field.
• Three (3) years as a controller in a public agency, nonprofit, or higher education setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and relate to people from all backgrounds and at all levels of an organization.
• Strong presentation skills include the ability to translate complex financial or accounting concepts for non-accounts.
• Knowledge of business acumen, including strong financial and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting rules.
• Ability to establish processes and behaviors compliant with regulatory requirements, accounting promulgations and policy.
• Builds collaborative relationships across CSU, promoting a strategic, innovative and flexible resource.
• Ability to take ownership and pride in providing effective, efficient, customer service-oriented processes.
• Ability to evaluate decisions in terms of impact on CSU.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical implementation; excellent change management, project management and process improvement skills; ability to respond quickly to changing business needs and priorities.
• Ability to manage, motivate and lead a team of professionals in a customer service-oriented framework.
• High level of detail, sense of integrity and ability to acknowledge issues and errors with plans for mitigation.

Requisition Number

PT0703990S

Date grant, position, or appointment expires (For Funds Available, Temporary, and Waiver of Posting

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicant Instructions

Offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of the University’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or University policies or practices, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Mailed or emailed application materials will not be accepted.

Hours per week

40+ as needed

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday

Advertising Copy

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Posted Date

11/06/2026

Close Date/Application Deadline

Open Until Filled

Yes

Review Begins

11/13/2026

Tentative Start Date