Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Posting Details

Posting Details

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InstitutionNorthern State University

Working TitleAssistant Controller

Posting NumberNFE03075P

DepartmentNSU-Finance & Administration

Physical Location of Position (City)Aberdeen

Posting Text

Northern State University invites applications for the position of Assistant Controller. This position serves as a key contributor to Northern State University's financial leadership by supporting the integrity, transparency, and effective use of institutional resources. The Assistant Controller plays an essential role in enabling sound decisions, strengthening fiscal accountability, and advancing operational excellence through accurate financial data and disciplined budget management.

Key Job Duties

Prepare, validate, and maintain budget data in the ERP system to support accurate financial reporting and fiscal integrity.

Maintain the university budget throughout the fiscal year by processing adjustments, monitoring variances, and ensuring alignment with institutional, Board of Regents, and state requirements.

Provide timely financial analysis to leadership, departments, and external stakeholders to support informed decision-making.

Provide guidance on budget processes, financial systems, and fiscal policies to promote consistency, accuracy, and compliance.

Perform key accounting functions, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close activities across university and state systems.

Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial reports, including budget-to-actuals, projections, and management reports.

Ensure compliance with accounting standards, state regulations, and Board of Regents policies and procedures.

Collaborate across the university to resolve financial issues and strengthen transparency, accountability, and process effectiveness.

Identify and implement process improvements in budgeting, reporting, and financial operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Present financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable insights.

Review and approve journal vouchers and internal requisitions daily.

Monitor position budgets and process payroll corrections as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field.

At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management.

Knowledge of budgeting principles, financial analysis and reporting, and internal controls.

Proficiency in enterprise financial systems and advanced Microsoft Excel for financial analysis, reporting, and data management.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively across departments in a team-oriented environment.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.

Experience in higher education finance, public sector accounting, or a similarly complex regulatory environment.

Northern State University offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Posting Date05/21/2026

Closing Date

Open Until FilledYes

First Consideration Date06/04/2026

Advertised SalaryDepends on Experience

Duration of the Term12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent100

Work Hours

8-5

Typical Hours Worked Per Week40

Appointment TypeRegular

Faculty StatusNo

Scope of SearchExternal (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requiresTravel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Will work within the Finance and Administration team reporting directly to the Controller

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northern State University is committed to building a welcoming culture of belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and world view. Northern seeks faculty and staff who will engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to increase awareness, understanding, respect and opportunity for all.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this positionFine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting light, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.Office Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.