Central College
Category: : Finance
Subscribe: :
Locations: : Pella, IA
Posted: : Jul 31, 2025
Closes: : Open Until Filled
Type: : Full-time
Position ID: : 191031
About Central College:
Central College
of
Pella , Iowa, is a private college known for its
active student body ,
academic rigor , and
athletics success . Our students learn collaboratively with supportive educators who share a commitment to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness and civic involvement.
Founded in 1853
and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in
NCAA Division III
athletics and is a member of the
American Rivers Conference . Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from
Lake Red Rock , Iowa's largest lake.
Job Description:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Controller serves as a senior leader within the Division of Finance and Accounting, responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the college's financial operations. This position oversees accounting, financial reporting, treasury, audit coordination, internal controls, endowment and grant accounting, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations. This individual works collaboratively across departments to support the college's mission and strategic goals through sound financial stewardship and operational excellence.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Financial Accounting and Reporting
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the general accounting functions. Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Maintain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), FASB standards, and relevant nonprofit regulations. Lead preparation of financial statements and footnotes for Board of Trustees and annual audit in addition to other external reports required.
Internal Controls and Compliance
Develop, maintain, and assess internal control systems to safeguard college assets. Ensure adherence to college policies and procedures, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements. Implement best practices to strengthen financial integrity and mitigate risk.
Treasury and Cash Management
Manage daily cash operations, bank relationships, and cash flow projections. Monitor liquidity needs and recommend short-term investment strategies. Oversee debt service payments and covenant compliance.
Budget and Forecast Development
Partner with the SLT on developing financial forecasts and operating budgets. Provide financial modeling and analysis to inform planning and decision-making. Provide President and SLT with multi-year financial planning and scenario analysis.
Endowment and Investment Accounting
Maintain accurate records of endowment activity including fund restrictions, spending distributions, and investment returns. Coordinate with external investment advisors and reconcile investment statements. Ensure proper classification and treatment of complex endowment structures (e.g., split-interest agreements, unitized pools, underwater funds).
Grant, Gift, and Restricted Funds Accounting
Monitor and report on grant and donor-restricted funds to ensure appropriate usage. Support compliance with federal Uniform Guidance and private foundation requirements. Provide oversight for indirect cost recovery and grant financial reporting.
Audit and Tax Filings
Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and coordinate the annual audit process. Oversee the preparation and submission tax-related filings and coordinate compliance with external audits (e.g., financial aid, federal programs).
Systems and Process Improvement
Lead continuous improvement efforts to streamline financial processes and leverage technology. Support implementation and optimization of financial modules within the ERP system. Collaborate with IT and other stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and reporting capabilities.
Leadership and Team Development
Supervise and develop accounting and finance staff through effective coaching, goal setting, and performance management. Promote a culture of collaboration, integrity, service, and professional development.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required. CPA or MBA preferred. Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities. Experience in nonprofit or higher education financial management strongly preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, FASB/GASB requirements, endowment accounting, and federal compliance requirements. Proficiency in financial systems (ERP), Microsoft Excel, and data reporting tools. Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Additional Information:
To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Central College
of
Pella , Iowa, is a private college known for its
active student body ,
academic rigor , and
athletics success . Our students learn collaboratively with supportive educators who share a commitment to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness and civic involvement.
Founded in 1853
and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in
NCAA Division III
athletics and is a member of the
American Rivers Conference . Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from
Lake Red Rock , Iowa's largest lake.
Job Description:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Controller serves as a senior leader within the Division of Finance and Accounting, responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the college's financial operations. This position oversees accounting, financial reporting, treasury, audit coordination, internal controls, endowment and grant accounting, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations. This individual works collaboratively across departments to support the college's mission and strategic goals through sound financial stewardship and operational excellence.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Financial Accounting and Reporting
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the general accounting functions. Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Maintain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), FASB standards, and relevant nonprofit regulations. Lead preparation of financial statements and footnotes for Board of Trustees and annual audit in addition to other external reports required.
Internal Controls and Compliance
Develop, maintain, and assess internal control systems to safeguard college assets. Ensure adherence to college policies and procedures, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements. Implement best practices to strengthen financial integrity and mitigate risk.
Treasury and Cash Management
Manage daily cash operations, bank relationships, and cash flow projections. Monitor liquidity needs and recommend short-term investment strategies. Oversee debt service payments and covenant compliance.
Budget and Forecast Development
Partner with the SLT on developing financial forecasts and operating budgets. Provide financial modeling and analysis to inform planning and decision-making. Provide President and SLT with multi-year financial planning and scenario analysis.
Endowment and Investment Accounting
Maintain accurate records of endowment activity including fund restrictions, spending distributions, and investment returns. Coordinate with external investment advisors and reconcile investment statements. Ensure proper classification and treatment of complex endowment structures (e.g., split-interest agreements, unitized pools, underwater funds).
Grant, Gift, and Restricted Funds Accounting
Monitor and report on grant and donor-restricted funds to ensure appropriate usage. Support compliance with federal Uniform Guidance and private foundation requirements. Provide oversight for indirect cost recovery and grant financial reporting.
Audit and Tax Filings
Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and coordinate the annual audit process. Oversee the preparation and submission tax-related filings and coordinate compliance with external audits (e.g., financial aid, federal programs).
Systems and Process Improvement
Lead continuous improvement efforts to streamline financial processes and leverage technology. Support implementation and optimization of financial modules within the ERP system. Collaborate with IT and other stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and reporting capabilities.
Leadership and Team Development
Supervise and develop accounting and finance staff through effective coaching, goal setting, and performance management. Promote a culture of collaboration, integrity, service, and professional development.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required. CPA or MBA preferred. Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities. Experience in nonprofit or higher education financial management strongly preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, FASB/GASB requirements, endowment accounting, and federal compliance requirements. Proficiency in financial systems (ERP), Microsoft Excel, and data reporting tools. Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Additional Information:
To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.
#J-18808-Ljbffr