Associate Controller

Reports To:

Associate Vice President, Finance

Position Status:

FT - Full-Time

Posted Pay Range:

$104,937 - $131,171

Lead Financial Stewardship and Operational Excellence as the Associate Controller/Executive Director of Financial Operations at CWI!

Are you a collaborative financial leader with a passion for accounting excellence, regulatory compliance, and team development? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking an Associate Controller/ED of Fin Operations to support the Associate Vice President, Finance and Controller in overseeing the College’s accounting and financial operations.

In this leadership role, you'll provide strategic oversight of accounting functions, supervise key Business Office leaders, support financial reporting and audit activities, and help ensure the College maintains strong financial controls and compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations.

Why Join CWI?

At CWI, strong financial stewardship supports student success, institutional growth, and operational excellence. As the Associate Controller, you'll play a critical role in leading Business Office operations, developing accounting processes, supporting major financial initiatives, and ensuring the integrity of the College's financial reporting and systems.

Benefits:

CWI offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive benefits packages in higher education, including:

Premium healthcare plans

11%+ employer retirement contributions

Tuition discounts

Generous personal leave

Professional development opportunities

Financial Leadership & Business Office Operations:

Provide leadership and oversight for the College's accounting and finance functions

Support the Associate Vice President, Finance and Controller in managing financial operations and strategic initiatives

Serve as a senior resource for complex accounting and financial operational matters

Ensure financial practices align with institutional priorities, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements

Support the continuous improvement of Business Office operations and services

Team Leadership & Staff Development:

Supervise and support the Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager, and Bursar

Recruit, train, mentor, evaluate, and develop assigned staff

Establish performance expectations, employee goals, and professional development plans

Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performing team culture

Provide coaching, guidance, and corrective action when necessary

Financial Reporting & Audit Management:

Assist with preparation and coordination of the College’s annual external audit

Support the preparation of audited financial statements and required footnote disclosures

Manage preparation of the College’s Annual Financial Report and related supporting schedules

Prepare and review financial reports, analyses, and documentation supporting institutional decision-making

Assist with state, federal, and other required financial reporting

Accounting, Compliance & Internal Controls:

Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, FASB, federal regulations, and other applicable accounting standards

Oversee monthly and fiscal year-end close processes

Perform and review complex reconciliations, analyses, and accounting adjustments

Maintain the integrity of the College's general ledger and related financial systems

Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls and accounting procedures

Ensure technical accounting issues are identified, researched, and resolved appropriately

Financial Systems & Process Improvement:

Maintain a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, business processes, workflows, and reporting requirements

Support implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of Financial and Student Accounts systems and modules

Recommend and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness

Communicate accounting policy and procedure updates to the campus community

Develop and implement action plans that support operational and strategic priorities

Collaboration & Institutional Support:

Partner with campus leaders to ensure appropriate approvals, funding, and financial oversight for institutional activities

Support the CWI Foundation accounting function and related reporting requirements

Collaborate with stakeholders across the college to support sound financial management practices

Convey by words and actions the values expected by CWI

Perform other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field

Five (5) years of governmental and/or fund accounting experience

Previous supervisory or leadership experience

Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, FASB, and federal financial compliance requirements

Experience with complex account reconciliations, financial analysis, and audit support

Strong leadership and team development skills

Ability to manage both strategic and detailed operational responsibilities

Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building abilities

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Most positions at CWI are in-person and based on campus. While some roles may allow up to two remote workdays per week, eligibility for remote work is determined on a case-by-case basis at the hiring manager's discretion. All candidates must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance from CWI. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.

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