Controller

Position Title

Controller

Department

Business Office - 762

Date

6/1/2026

Reports To

Shared Services CFO

Full-time/

Part-time

Full-time

Job Level

Senior-level management

FTE

1.0

Human Resources Use Only:

🗹 Exempt

◻ Non-Exempt

1. Job Summary

The Controller is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of the organization's accounting and financial operations, reporting to the Shared Services Chief Financial Officer. This position serves as the primary financial management leader, ensuring accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective internal controls. The Controller oversees all accounting functions, including general ledger, cash management, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, financial reporting, and audit coordination.

In addition to core financial responsibilities, the Controller provides oversight of human resources operations, including compliance with employment laws, benefits administration, and HRIS management. While HR is an important component of this role, the primary focus and competency is financial leadership and accounting operations.

The Controller serves as a key member of the staff leadership team (SLT), providing critical financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making and organizational sustainability.

ABIDE Commitment: This position actively advances Luther Seminary's ABIDE commitments (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) through day-to-day work, relationships, and decision-making. The incumbent is expected to integrate ABIDE principles into their responsibilities, contributing to a learning and working environment where all can fully belong and thrive.

1. Essential Functions

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, cash management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and monthly reconciliations (cash, gifts, investments, and other transactions)
• Prepare and present monthly financial reports and annual financial statements to the CFO, executive leadership, and Board committees
• Manage the annual operating and capital budget process in collaboration with the CFO and budget directors
• Develop, implement, and review standard and custom financial reports for departments, program managers, administration, and key constituencies
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for grants and grant-related activities

Compliance and Audit Management

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local financial regulations, tax requirements, and accreditation reporting standards
• Coordinate and manage annual external audits; prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries
• Plan, oversee, and document internal audit processes and findings
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of all tax filings (Form 990, 1099s, etc.), financial aid reports, and regulatory documentation
• Provide accurate financial reports and statistics to accreditation agencies, government bodies, banks, and third parties

Insurance and Risk Management

• Manage insurance and risk programs in collaboration with the CFO, including primary responsibility for the organization's relationship with EIIA and other insurance carriers, brokers, and consultants
• Coordinate annual insurance applications, renewals, and coverage changes; compile exposure data (property, liability, auto, cyber, workers' compensation, student-related exposures) and ensure accuracy and timely submission
• Review policies, endorsements, and certificates of insurance for appropriate coverage, limits, and exclusions; recommend adjustments to the CFO to align with institutional risk tolerance and contractual obligations
• Serve as the primary internal contact for insurance questions, incident reporting, and claims coordination, working with campus partners to gather documentation and with EIIA/carriers to monitor claim status and resolution
• Maintain schedules of insured assets and exposures, reconcile them with the general ledger and fixed asset records, and ensure premiums and related costs are recorded accurately in accordance with GAAP
• Support business continuity and risk management efforts by providing financial and insurance data for contingency planning, contract review, and risk mitigation initiatives led by the CFO or other senior leaders

Financial Systems and Internal Controls

• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, controls, and systems to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency
• Oversee and continuously improve internal controls and financial best practices
• Collaborate with IT leadership to ensure financial systems meet organizational needs while maintaining data integrity and security
• Manage daily cash reports and cash flow projection analysis

Strategic Financial Support

• Provide financial analysis and management advice to support strategic decision-making
• Advise the CFO and executive leadership on the ,financial implications of business activities and strategic priorities
• Build effective working relationships with budget directors and develop communication strategies to enable effective departmental financial management
• Participate in Finance Committee meetings to report on organizational financial health

Human Resources Oversight