Controller

Georgetown University•Bethesda, MD

10d•$167,633 - $400,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Controller is a vital executive leader within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), serving as a strategic thought partner and advisor to the CFO on university-wide financial policy, operational strategy, and long-term fiscal health. In addition to driving core accounting and financial operations, the Controller plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the OCFO Strategic Plan—focusing on exemplary financial stewardship, process optimization, digital transformation, and fostering collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative divisions. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller provides executive oversight for a comprehensive financial portfolio, including financial accounting and GAAP reporting, internal controls, external audit management, tax, student accounts and receivables, and post-award sponsored projects administration (including Uniform Guidance compliance). Through active engagement with the Board of Trustees, campus business officers, and executive leadership, the Controller aligns day-to-day operations with the university’s overarching institutional goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline required.
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including demonstrated leadership in a complex organization (higher education or non-profit sector strongly preferred).
CPA certification required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic advisor to executive management, with a track record of connecting financial operations to institutional goals.
In-depth knowledge of university accounting principles, fund accounting, Uniform Guidance, F&A rate proposals, and academic budget models.
Proven ability to mentor, supervise, and inspire a diverse team of professionals while fostering a collaborative, customer-service-oriented culture.
High degree of comfort leveraging financial systems, business intelligence platforms, and modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders, senior executives, and board members.

Responsibilities

Serves as a strategic thought partner and advisor to the CFO on university-wide financial policy, operational strategy, and long-term fiscal health.
Drives core accounting and financial operations.
Shapes and implements the OCFO Strategic Plan, focusing on exemplary financial stewardship, process optimization, digital transformation, and fostering collaborative partnerships.
Provides executive oversight for financial accounting and GAAP reporting, internal controls, external audit management, tax, student accounts and receivables, and post-award sponsored projects administration.
Aligns day-to-day operations with the university’s overarching institutional goals through engagement with the Board of Trustees, campus business officers, and executive leadership.
Maintains a close advisory relationship with the CFO and the OCFO management team.
Collaborates closely with the Budget & Financial Planning & Analysis division.
Works in direct tandem with Investment, Legal, Human Resources, Facilities, Auxiliary Services, and Risk Management.
Provides regular financial guidance and consultation to Campus Vice Presidents of Finance, Chief Business Officers (CBOs), Deans, and unit administrators.
Interacts directly with members of the Board of Trustees/Directors (specifically the Audit and Finance & Administration Committees).
Serves as the primary institutional representative to external audit teams, financial institutions, actuarial consultants, and federal/state regulatory authorities.