Overview

Executive Financial ControllerDepartment: Finance / Financial Aid/BursarReports To: Campus Executive Director / CEOFLSA Status: ExemptPosition SummaryThe Financial Controller is responsible for the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical functions of the institution. This position leads the financial forecasting process for Title IV Financial Aid, disbursements, institutional cash flow, and departmental budgets while providing leadership with accurate financial projections to support strategic decision-making.The Financial Controller works closely with the Financial Aid, Admissions, Education, Student Services, and Business Office teams to ensure financial resources are effectively managed and aligned with institutional goals.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Planning & ForecastingDevelop annual operating budgets and financial forecasts.Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial projections.Forecast institutional cash flow based on enrollment trends.Develop scenario planning models for various enrollment outcomes.Analyze financial performance against budget and forecast.Financial Aid & Disbursement ForecastingDevelop weekly and monthly Title IV funding projections.Forecast Pell Grant, Direct Loan, TAP, VA, and other funding sources.Project upcoming disbursements and expected cash receipts.Monitor disbursement schedules and identify funding risks.Analyze packaging completion rates and their impact on cash flow.Create dashboards showing projected versus actual financial aid disbursements.Work closely with the Financial Aid department to ensure accurate forecasting.Budget ManagementLead the annual budgeting process.Monitor departmental spending against approved budgets.Analyze budget variances and recommend corrective actions.Prepare executive budget reports for leadership.Forecast payroll and operational expenses.Financial AnalysisBuild financial models for enrollment growth and revenue projections.Analyze tuition revenue trends.Develop KPI dashboards for executive leadership.Monitor profitability by program.Prepare financial reports for strategic planning.Leadership ReportingPrepare executive reports including:Budget vs. ActualCash Flow ForecastFinancial Aid Projection ReportDisbursement ForecastEnrollment Revenue ForecastTuition Collection ForecastDepartment Expense ReportMonthly Executive Financial DashboardComplianceEnsure compliance with Title IV financial reporting requirements.Maintain accurate financial records.Assist with audits and regulatory reviews.Support institutional financial planning initiatives.QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.MBA or CPA preferred.Experience5+ years of financial management or controller experience.Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.Higher education experience preferred.Experience with Title IV Financial Aid, Pell Grants, and federal funding is highly desirable.Technical SkillsAdvanced Microsoft Excel (Power Query, Pivot Tables, Financial Modeling).Financial reporting and dashboard development.Budget planning and forecasting.Data analysis and business intelligence tools.Experience with ERP/SIS systems (Orbund or similar preferred).Core CompetenciesStrategic Financial PlanningBudget DevelopmentFinancial ForecastingCash Flow ManagementFinancial Aid AnalysisExecutive ReportingAnalytical ThinkingLeadershipProcess ImprovementProject ManagementAttention to DetailExcellent Communication SkillsKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Forecast accuracy (Budget vs. Actual)Financial Aid projection accuracyDisbursement forecast accuracyMonthly cash flow accuracyBudget variance managementDepartmental budget complianceExecutive report timelinessRevenue forecasting accuracyFinancial dashboard completionAudit readiness and complianceSuccess MeasuresWithin the first 90 days, the Financial Controller will:Develop a comprehensive institutional budget.Implement rolling 12-month financial forec