Executive Director of Finance & Controller

Job Number: 02469

Reference Number
2026-6 AF

Position Summary & Description

Nestled in the scenic foothills of western Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers more than a place to work-it offers a vibrant campus community where innovation, collaboration, and natural beauty come together. Our picturesque campus features tree-lined walkways, historic architecture, and welcoming green spaces that create an inspiring environment for learning, working, and connecting.

At IUP, employees are part of a supportive and engaged community dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Located in the charming college town of Indiana, Pennsylvania-just over an hour from Pittsburgh-our campus combines small-town warmth with access to the cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities of a major metropolitan area.

Whether enjoying a walk across the Oak Grove, collaborating with colleagues in dynamic academic spaces, or engaging in the many cultural and community events hosted throughout the year, IUP offers an exceptional place to build a career and make a difference.

The Executive Director for Finance & Controller (EDFC) reports directly to the Vice President for Administration and Finance and provides leadership and executive management of the offices of Financial Operations including Accounting (E&G and Grants/Designated Funds), Accounts Payable, and Student Billing. The EDFC develops, implements, and evaluates policies and administrative operations to ensure the efficient and effective operation of all fiscal aspects of the University, and is responsible for the composition and development of a professional team that is responsive to the needs of our customers, while ensuring financial integrity of the institution. The EDFC seeks out areas for continuous improvement and implements policies, procedures, and programs to support the strategic plan of the University.
The EDFC has the responsibility for safeguarding and administering University financial resources, and ensuring compliance with Federal, State, PASSHE, and University guidelines. The EDFC has overall administrative responsibility for all financial accounting and reporting of all University financial resources, billing and collection of revenues due to the University, and the timely and accurate payment of debt. The EDFC collaborates with the Budget Planning Department and other University officials on budget development and budget management. The EDFC is active in the shared governance of the University via University Senate and Senate Finance sub-committee.

Essential Duties

• Provides direction and leadership of fiscal affairs; including cash management, banking, merchant service, bursar, travel, and purchasing card operations; and all components of fund accounting, financial reporting and audit.
• Provides direction and leadership in the administration of cash management/investment policies and procedures to maximize returns on available cash.
• Provides direction and leadership in the development of the financial management system, the identification of areas in need of enhancement, and the review of specific enhancement proposals.
• Ensures that services are delivered in a manner which meets the needs of students and all others whom we serve (administrators, government officials, vendors, etc.) by promoting and guiding continuous review and improvement processes.
• Plans, prepares, and executes activities associated with monthly account reconciliations, the yearend close, the annual financial audit, and the annual OMB single audit.
• Serves as the primary contact with the external auditors.
• Oversees income, property, sales, and occupancy tax related matters and tax returns, including filing the 990-T and 1099 related forms.
• Provides executive support to the Vice President in leadership for the allocation of university resources.
• Provides support of the Budget Office staff in the development of detailed analysis and reporting, budget modeling, forecasting, and allocation activities, with the goal of ensuring a balanced budget that reflects the priorities of the University.
• Provides assistance & consultation to all segments of the University regarding financial matters.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of fiscal policies.
• Provides leadership for the development of solutions to financial challenges and the enhancement of fiscal operations.
• Recommends changes regarding the establishment of priorities, taking into consideration fiscal resources and limitations regarding their use.
• Serve as Ombudsman to the University community on behalf of the Vice President for Administration and Finance with respect to various University financial-related matters.
• Provide leadership and oversight for technical operations related to IUP's integrated financial systems.
• Oversee the maintenance of master data in SAP.
• Provide and promote programs, plans, training, and educational opportunities to maintain and improve the professionalism of Finance staff.
• Promotes effective communication with a focus on building morale and team concepts.
• Maintains knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices, sound business principles, system policies, federal and state regulations, tax issues, and other external information that may impact the fiscal operations of the University.
• Maintains relationships with the Chancellor's Office, outside agencies, and professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS : Education, Experience and Training

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• 6 years of professional experience, preferably in public or non-profit, or related areas of higher education administration and finance.
• At least 5 years of managerial experience.

Preferred:

• Master's degree (MBA, accounting, finance or related field).
• Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, or similar professional financial credentialing.

Prior position experience of Director of Fiscal Affairs, Director of Financial Operations, Director of Accounting, Bursar, Internal Auditor.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• A complete application will consist of a cover letter, resume, names, and email addresses of three references submitted in this online application system at Employment at IUP.
• Automated reference requests will be generated when the application is submitted by the applicant.
• You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully submitted.
• Official transcripts will be required prior to start date
• Please do not fax, mail or e-mail any documentation.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon confirmation of work eligibility and completion of a satisfactory background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, Act 34, Pennsylvania Criminal Record Clearance; Act 151, Child Abuse Clearance; and Act 114, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Background Checks.

IUP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants and employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of a position.

Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, consistent with the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact [email protected] .