Description

Description

The Director of Accounting Services/Controller is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and operational leadership in all areas of financial management. This role ensures the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the institution's financial operations, supporting the mission and academic objectives through sound fiscal stewardship and innovative practices. Application review will begin after November 15, 2025, with applications accepted until the position is filled.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Examples of Duties

Financial Reporting & Compliance: Oversee preparation, integrity, and timely submission of the SIU System Consolidated financial statements and reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, and other relevant standards.

• Responsible for drafting the Management Discussion and Analysis and all content in the financial statements.
• Work with all campuses to ensure the integrity of the financial statements.
• Ensure timely filing of the reports due to the State of IL, which includes quarterly cash reports, quarterly accounts receivable reports, quarterly fixed asset reports, appropriation management for the SIU System, the annual GAAP Package, and anything else required.

Annual Financial and Compliance Audit: This position serves as the primary contact for the external auditors for the SIU System Consolidated Financial Statements and for the Carbondale Campus. This position answers questions and produces information to satisfy the requirements of the external audit. This person serves as the primary contract for the Carbondale campus for the annual state compliance audit and makes sure audit findings are addressed. The position is also involved in various internal audits depending on the audit.

Financial Leadership: Lead the finance department responsible for the university's general accounting, fixed asset accounting and accounts payable. This is currently a staff of eleven employees plus student workers.

Internal Controls & Risk Management: Design, implement, and monitor internal control systems to safeguard assets, ensure accuracy of records, and promote operational efficiency; assess and mitigate financial risks.

Grants & Sponsored Programs: Assist with data for the federal single audit. Support OSPA in preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).

Financial Aid: Accounting team draws down all federal financial aid through the G5 financial portal.

Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff, cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Systems & Technology: Maintain functions in the university financial system such as setting up new units, budget purposes, objects, fiscal officer, and delegate authority, and maintaining the system rules that govern the chart of accounts for accurate financial reporting.

Policy Development & Implementation: Maintain and update financial and administrative policies; ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within higher education or a comparable nonprofit setting.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep knowledge of fund accounting, GAAP, GASB, and federal compliance requirements (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance); proficiency with financial management systems and data analytics.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams; strong organizational and change management skills.
• Analytical Thinking: Advanced analytical skills, including the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and propose effective strategies.
• Ethical Standards: High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to ethical conduct.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification.
• Knowledge of bond financing and endowment management.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as Oracle EBS, Banner, Workday, or PeopleSoft.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within financial operations.
• Commitment to service-oriented leadership and campus collaboration.

R equired Documents: Submit a letter of application, CV, transcripts, and three references .

Contact: Patricia Perschbacher, pperschb@siu.edu

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans (HMOs, OAPs, QCHP and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, MCAP and DCAP, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: Generous paid time-off, 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans, Employee Assistance Program and a Tuition Waiver Program.
For more information please visit: https://hr.siu.edu/benefits/