Academy of Art University
Controller, Accounting and Finance
Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Academy of Art University provided pay range
This range is provided by Academy of Art University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $120,000.00/yr - $140,000.00/yr
We are seeking an experienced Accounting professional with an appreciation for the arts and education to join the Academy of Art University as a Controller. The Controller will oversee operations for the Finance and Accounting teams, managing financial statements, invoices, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. With direction from the Chief Finance Officer, the Controller will compile financial reports, implement policies and procedures, perform audits, analyze data, and guide the department heads on budget and financial matters.
Responsibilities
Direct operations, including workflow and personnel, of Accounting and General Ledger/Reporting department. Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, and access controls are verified.
Hire, train and manage accounting staff and ensure staff completes job duties in accordance with policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
Supervise preparation of financial reports and underlying analyses for trial balances, income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, management reporting, external reporting, regulatory reporting, journal entries, reconciliations, and other required reports.
Closely monitor the University’s financial health and provide reports and recommendations to the Chief Finance Officer and Executive Team. Develop and monitor business performance metrics and recommend and implement changes to financial systems as necessary.
Oversee reconciliations and internal control compliance of billing, cashiering payables, expenses, purchase orders, shipping and receiving documents, and fixed asset recording.
Oversee reconciliations and internal compliance of payroll calculations, employee payments, and state/federal agency compliance provided by the Payroll department and ADP.
Approve and update internal and external communications regarding policies and deadlines for the Accounting and General Ledger/Reporting department.
Monitor, revise, and approve departmental procedures to ensure adherence to external regulations and internal policies, protection of University assets, and effective accounting controls to prevent and detect errors and malfeasance.
Coordinate and oversee annual audit activities and requests and assist in special audits as necessary.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field preferred.
A Master’s Degree and CPA license is preferred.
A minimum of two years of Controller level experience preferably in Higher Education.
A minimum of five years of high-volume accounting experience at a Controller level that includes budgeting, forecasting, data analysis, compliance, audits, cash flow management, internal controls, and expense management.
Experience managing, coaching, and motivating multiple teams.
Credit and Background Check is Required.
Compensation $120,000 - $140,000 annually based on experience and location
This position works remotely on PST hours Academy of Art University offers full-time employees health insurance, 401(k) options, paid vacation based on years of service (15 days’ accrual at start), paid holidays, paid sick leave and a commuter benefit program. The Academy also offers full-time employees an opportunity to take one undergraduate course tuition free each semester.
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025 Academy of Art University is based solely in San Francisco, California. This job opportunity may be available for remote work from a predesignated location within the contiguous United States.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Accounting/Auditing, Management, and Finance
Industries Higher Education
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Base pay range $120,000.00/yr - $140,000.00/yr
We are seeking an experienced Accounting professional with an appreciation for the arts and education to join the Academy of Art University as a Controller. The Controller will oversee operations for the Finance and Accounting teams, managing financial statements, invoices, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. With direction from the Chief Finance Officer, the Controller will compile financial reports, implement policies and procedures, perform audits, analyze data, and guide the department heads on budget and financial matters.
Responsibilities
Direct operations, including workflow and personnel, of Accounting and General Ledger/Reporting department. Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, and access controls are verified.
Hire, train and manage accounting staff and ensure staff completes job duties in accordance with policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
Supervise preparation of financial reports and underlying analyses for trial balances, income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, management reporting, external reporting, regulatory reporting, journal entries, reconciliations, and other required reports.
Closely monitor the University’s financial health and provide reports and recommendations to the Chief Finance Officer and Executive Team. Develop and monitor business performance metrics and recommend and implement changes to financial systems as necessary.
Oversee reconciliations and internal control compliance of billing, cashiering payables, expenses, purchase orders, shipping and receiving documents, and fixed asset recording.
Oversee reconciliations and internal compliance of payroll calculations, employee payments, and state/federal agency compliance provided by the Payroll department and ADP.
Approve and update internal and external communications regarding policies and deadlines for the Accounting and General Ledger/Reporting department.
Monitor, revise, and approve departmental procedures to ensure adherence to external regulations and internal policies, protection of University assets, and effective accounting controls to prevent and detect errors and malfeasance.
Coordinate and oversee annual audit activities and requests and assist in special audits as necessary.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field preferred.
A Master’s Degree and CPA license is preferred.
A minimum of two years of Controller level experience preferably in Higher Education.
A minimum of five years of high-volume accounting experience at a Controller level that includes budgeting, forecasting, data analysis, compliance, audits, cash flow management, internal controls, and expense management.
Experience managing, coaching, and motivating multiple teams.
Credit and Background Check is Required.
Compensation $120,000 - $140,000 annually based on experience and location
This position works remotely on PST hours Academy of Art University offers full-time employees health insurance, 401(k) options, paid vacation based on years of service (15 days’ accrual at start), paid holidays, paid sick leave and a commuter benefit program. The Academy also offers full-time employees an opportunity to take one undergraduate course tuition free each semester.
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025 Academy of Art University is based solely in San Francisco, California. This job opportunity may be available for remote work from a predesignated location within the contiguous United States.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Accounting/Auditing, Management, and Finance
Industries Higher Education
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