Comptroller – University Development Foundation

Jackson, Mississippi | Onsite$70,000–$80,000 annuallyFull-Time Leadership Opportunity | Comprehensive BenefitsRelocation Assistance AvailableLead Financial Excellence. Protect a Lasting Legacy.ElevationHR is partnering with a historic, nationally recognized public HBCU and urban research university to identify an accomplished Comptroller for its affiliated Development Foundation.This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced nonprofit or higher-education finance professional to oversee the financial operations supporting scholarships, academic programs, institutional priorities, and long-term university growth.Reporting to the Deputy Director of Foundation Finance & Compliance, the Comptroller will lead accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, audits, tax compliance, gift and fund accounting, and endowment administration.The ideal candidate is a CPA who combines strong technical accounting expertise with integrity, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of philanthropic resources.What You’ll LeadOversee day-to-day accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, journal entries, bank reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close.Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with nonprofit GAAP.Deliver financial reports, budget-to-actual analyses, cash-flow forecasts, and actionable insights to executive leadership, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors.Lead the annual budget process and support multi-year forecasting, scenario planning, financial modeling, and strategic decision-making.Manage the accounting and reconciliation of charitable gifts, restricted funds, grants, planned gifts, and endowment assets.Ensure donor-restricted resources are administered in accordance with gift agreements, donor intent, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.Coordinate the annual external audit and oversee IRS Form 990, state filings, and other nonprofit compliance obligations.Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, risk-management practices, reporting tools, and operational processes.Partner with university finance and advancement leaders, external auditors, legal counsel, investment advisors, and Foundation Board committees.Supervise, coach, and develop the Staff Accountant, Accounting Assistant, and Gift Processing Manager.What You’ll BringRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.Active Certified Public Accountant license.Eligibility to obtain CPA reciprocity in Mississippi within 12 months of hire.At least five years of progressive accounting and financial-management experience.At least two years of supervisory or management experience.Experience in nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, foundation finance, or higher-education finance.Direct experience preparing financial statements, coordinating external audits, and managing tax compliance.Experience preparing or overseeing IRS Form 990.Experience supporting a Board of Directors, Finance Committee, or executive leadership team.Strong knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.Proficiency with accounting systems, Microsoft Excel, financial reporting, and data analysis.High standards of integrity, confidentiality, accuracy, and professional judgment.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.Experience as a Comptroller, Controller, CFO, or senior finance leader within a nonprofit, university foundation, or higher-education institution.Experience managing endowments, restricted gifts, investment activity, grants, and charitable funds.Familiarity with Banner Finance, CRM Advance, or comparable enterprise systems.Knowledge of COSO internal-control frameworks, NACUBO standards, or planned-giving accounting.Experience implementing or upgrading accounting systems, financial processes, or ERP platforms.Why Consider This Opportunity?This role offers the opportunity to strengthen the financial foundation behind an institution that has educated generations of leaders and continues to create meaningful impact through teaching, research, service, and community engagement.You will have the opportunity to protect donor intent, strengthen financial controls, improve operational performance, and provide the financial insight needed to support continued institutional growth.The university offers a stable, mission-centered work environment and a competitive benefits package that includes:Employer-paid base medical coverage for eligible employee-only plansStructured state retirement benefitsGenerous paid leave and holidaysEmployee tuition-remission opportunitiesValuable dependent tuition benefitsLong-term career stability within higher educationRelocation assistance is available for the selected candidate.Additional RequirementsThis is an onsite position based in Jackson, Mississippi.Additional hours may be required during audit periods, fiscal year-end, Board meetings, and campaign reporting cycles.Applicants must be S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.Our client is committed to equal employment opportunity and to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming academic community.Ready to Make an Institutional Impact?This is more than an accounting leadership role. It is an opportunity to ensure philanthropic resources are managed with transparency, accountability, and purpose.Apply today to help build the financial foundation behind future generations of achievement.#Comptroller #ControllerJobs #CPAJobs #NonprofitFinance #HigherEducationJobs #AccountingLeadership #FoundationCareers #HBCUJobs #JacksonMS