Controller

Texas A&M University System•Bryan, TX

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Controller (Accounting Manager), under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, is the senior accounting professional responsible for managing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and financial compliance for INSPIRE Alliance. The role establishes and maintains the financial infrastructure needed to support the growth of the nonprofit corporation, whose work focuses on national security, defense innovation, and applied engineering. The Controller oversees daily accounting activities, safeguards the accuracy and integrity of financial records, and supports compliance with federal contracting requirements, generally accepted accounting principles, and applicable nonprofit financial regulations. The Controller leads implementation and administration of Deltek Costpoint or a comparable government-contracting accounting system to support federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, industry partnerships, and other sponsored activities. Working with the Chief Financial Officer, executive leadership, program managers, and external financial partners, the Controller develops efficient accounting processes, strengthens financial accountability, and supports the corporation’s expanding financial and administrative operations. The position is based at the Main Campus in College Station, Texas, and requires on-site work consistent with organizational requirements. It supports the continued development of INSPIRE Alliance’s financial infrastructure, including the potential transition of accounting functions and personnel to direct INSPIRE Alliance employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ten years of related experience, including two years of supervisory experience.
Ability to work on-site in College Station, Texas, consistent with organizational requirements.
Ability to coordinate financial operations with Texas A&M University System personnel and INSPIRE Alliance leadership.
Willingness to support development of INSPIRE Alliance’s independent financial infrastructure and the potential transition of the position to direct corporate employment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial, contractual, and organizational information.
Comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal control practices.
Knowledge of federal contracting financial requirements, cost allocation methods, indirect cost structures, and contract accounting.
Advanced proficiency with accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting applications.
Ability to implement financial systems, develop accounting procedures, and establish effective internal controls.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities and meet reporting deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to nonfinancial personnel.
Ability to work collaboratively with university administrators, government partners, industry representatives, and organizational leadership.
Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and commitment to financial integrity.
Ability to adapt to evolving organizational structures, accounting requirements, and operational priorities.
Commitment to federal financial compliance, audit readiness, sound financial management, and INSPIRE Alliance’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing accounting functions, supervising accounting personnel, or leading financial system implementations.
Experience with Deltek Costpoint or a comparable enterprise accounting system.
Experience supporting federal contracts, government contracting, grants, sponsored programs, or nonprofit financial operations.
Knowledge of federal cost principles, FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance, and government-contract accounting practices.
Experience preparing financial statements, supporting audits, managing project accounting, and developing accounting policies and procedures.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or CPA eligibility.

Responsibilities

Manage daily accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and financial reconciliations.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and prepare or review journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements, and supporting schedules.
Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable federal and organizational requirements.
Monitor expenditures and transactions for appropriate documentation, approvals, and accountability; prepare financial reports and budget-to-actual analyses for leadership.
Support the Chief Financial Officer with annual operating budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
Lead the implementation, configuration, testing, and ongoing administration of Deltek Costpoint or a comparable government-contracting accounting system.
Establish accounting structures, project codes, cost centers, indirect cost pools, and reporting processes supporting federal contract and grant requirements.
Develop procedures for contract accounting, timekeeping, expense allocation, billing, and financial reconciliation; coordinate system integration with Texas A&M University System processes and INSPIRE Alliance operations.
Identify opportunities to improve accounting efficiency, automate processes, and strengthen reporting; train and advise employees and accounting personnel on systems, procedures, and compliance.
Oversee accounting for federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and industry-sponsored programs, including monitoring expenditures, funding limits, cost allocations, and reporting requirements.
Support compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance, and federal cost accounting requirements; coordinate financial tracking and reporting with contracts, business development, and program management personnel.
Support proposal budgets, cost estimates, indirect rate calculations, pricing documentation, financial justifications, contract closeout, sponsor reporting, reconciliations, and audit documentation.
Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls; maintain records for audits and coordinate annual audits, federal compliance reviews, and other financial examinations.
Monitor compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and organizational policies; identify discrepancies, risks, and control weaknesses and recommend corrective actions.
Support applicable federal, state, and nonprofit financial filings, including tax documentation and reporting, and ensure transactions are documented, authorized, and reconciled.
Develop scalable financial infrastructure and administrative processes to support organizational growth and potential transition of accounting functions and personnel to direct INSPIRE Alliance employment.
Coordinate with Texas A&M University System financial and administrative personnel and support the expansion of INSPIRE Alliance’s independent corporate operations.
Supervise, train, and provide technical guidance to accounting personnel as positions are established; set work priorities, reporting schedules, and performance expectations.
Coordinate with the Chief Financial Officer, executive leadership, contracts personnel, program managers, and external accounting service providers.
Respond to financial inquiries, provide accounting information for operational decisions, promote accountability and continuous improvement, and perform other related duties assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Benefits

Competitive medical insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and prescription coverage through Express Scripts.
Optional vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
Defined benefit retirement plan with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with an 8.25% employer contribution.
Voluntary retirement programs: tax-deferred account 403(b) and deferred compensation program 457(b).
Flexible spending accounts for medical and childcare expenses.
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Free LinkedIn Learning access and professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance and educational release time.
Engineer Your Wellness health and fitness programs.
Wellness release time to promote work/life balance.