Associate Vice President and Controller

University of Notre Dame • Notre Dame, IN

2d

About The Position

The University of Notre Dame seeks an accomplished and visionary financial leader to join its mission-driven community as Associate Vice President and Controller (AVP/Controller). Reporting to the Vice President for Finance, the AVP/Controller provides enterprise-wide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the University’s accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions in support of one of the nation’s premier Catholic research universities. This is a pivotal moment for Notre Dame as the University continues to grow in complexity and scale and explores transformative opportunities—including the potential implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The AVP/Controller will play a critical role in stewarding financial integrity while helping shape the future of financial operations, ensuring the University is well-positioned for long-term sustainability, agility, and innovation. As a trusted advisor and collaborative partner, the AVP/Controller will work closely with senior leadership, academic and administrative units, and the Board of Trustees to provide clear, actionable financial insights that inform decision-making and risk management across the institution. This leader will balance deep technical expertise with strategic perspective, translating complex financial information into meaningful guidance aligned with Notre Dame’s mission of teaching, research, faith, and service. The AVP/Controller leads a highly skilled and dedicated team of approximately 35–40 financial professionals within an office that is performing at a high level and grounded in strong controls and sound practices. Building on this solid foundation, the successful candidate will foster a culture of continuous improvement—championing innovation, leveraging technology, and modernizing processes while honoring the strengths and expertise of the existing team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (Masters Degree preferred)
• Valid CPA License
• 10+ years Experience
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing audited financial statements and working with external auditors and governing boards.
• Proven ability to interpret and implement accounting standards and fiscal policy in a large, decentralized environment.
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing professional staff within a high- performing finance organization.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Masters Degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all accounting and financial reporting functions, including general ledger, grants and contracts accounting, endowment and investment accounting, tax compliance, and student accounts.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the effectiveness and continuous enhancement of the University’s system of internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Partner closely with Treasury Services, Budget & Planning, Procurement, and other divisions to support integrated financial strategies and strong fiscal stewardship across the University.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of financial professionals, fostering professional growth, collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to service.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and regulatory agencies, ensuring transparency, compliance, and credibility in financial reporting.
• Provide strategic counsel to University leadership, including the Board of Trustees and Audit Committee, on financial performance, enterprise risk, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Drive innovation and process improvement in financial systems and operations, including supporting major initiatives such as a potential ERP implementation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of financial information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees