Controller

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
sciarc.edu

Job Title: Controller
Department: Finance
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Pay Scale: $135,000 to $145,000
Schedule: Eligible for Hybrid Schedule after completing training period

Summary:
The Controller will serve as the senior leader of the accounting and finance operations, responsible for maximizing departmental efficiencies while maintaining financial integrity. This role oversees all finance, accounting, payroll, taxes, budgeting, and reporting functions, and implements and maintains robust internal controls. The Controller manages a team of five, liaisons with Retail and Financial Aid, and plays a critical role in key institution events, including Board meetings, audits, accreditation visits, and strategic planning sessions. This position requires flexibility to support evening and weekend institutional activities as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Operations
• Support and ensure consistency with the Institution’s mission, goals, strategic plans, policies and procedures; as well as compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations
• Oversee all accounting and reporting functions to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements and other best business operational and accounting practices
• Implement and continuously improve processes to maximize departmental efficiency, reduce redundancies, and streamline financial operations
• Establish, maintain, and regularly assess comprehensive internal controls to safeguard institutional assets and ensure accuracy of financial reporting

Reporting & Analysis
• Compile, analyze, and clearly communicate financial data and prepare all financial reports including Financial Statements, Budget to Actual Reports, Board Financial Reports, and Compliance Reporting in an accurate and timely manner
• Support senior management in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare them to actual results
• Provide real-time financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making
• Provide guidance and assistance to department heads regarding fiscal policies and procedures, implementation of new practices and procedures

Compliance & Risk Management
• Maintain current knowledge of and implement changes based on the Institution’s policies and procedures, local, state and federal policies and directives, and current accounting practices
• Maintain and establish internal controls
• Oversee the accounting of various Restricted Funds such as Federal, Cal Grant, Endowment and Temporarily Restricted Funds
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant period
• Coordinate and supervise the annual audit and tax preparation processes

Strategic Financial Management
• Oversee Institute’s cash flow forecasting and treasury management
• Oversee, report, and advise on the performance of investments in keeping with investment policies and guidelines
• Assist in developing and assessing student fees and payment policies and procedures
• Establish and report annual strategic objectives and goals for areas within the Controller’s responsibility

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited College or University
• Certified Public Accountant license or Master’s degree a plus
• 5+ years in managing a department, including budgeting, project management and supervisory responsibilities
• Experience in a higher education, non-profit industry required
• Experience implementing and maintaining internal controls in an institutional setting
• Demonstrated success in improving departmental efficiency and streamlining financial processes
• Excellent quantitative, analytical and financial reporting skills
• Excellent business writing, oral presentation and communication skills
• Strong proficiency and working experience with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) information systems, Jenzabar Software preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to foster a cooperative work environment and inspire staff
• Knowledge of fund and grant accounting preferred

We offer a great benefits package with medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.

SCI-Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary: $135,000 to $145,000 annually 

Benefits: We offer a great benefits package with medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree

Deadline to apply: November 17, 2025 

Documents required to apply: Resume, Cover Letter

How to apply: To apply, please visit our online application system