Senior Controller – MSU Denver Foundation

Position Summary

The Senior Controller is a strategic thought-partner and hands‑on manager, responsible for the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the MSU Denver Foundation. This role leads the team responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, compliance, internal controls, budget, and fund management of the division, ensuring alignment with GAAP, FASB standards, and donor intent. The Senior Controller leads and develops the foundation team, ensuring professional growth and support of the division’s culture.

This position will report to the VP of University Advancement/President & CEO of the MSU Denver Foundation (VPUA) and works closely with other division leaders, auditors, and university partners to support the Foundation’s mission of promoting the development and general welfare of Metropolitan State University of Denver.

• Leadership and Team Management
  • Works collaboratively with the VPUA and UA Senior Team to accomplish the division’s goals in support of the University’s mission, vision, and priorities.
  • Leads and develops the (3‑5 member) Foundation team, ensuring professional development, providing mentoring, and fostering support of the division’s culture.
  • Provides staff leadership and support to the Foundation Board Treasurer, the Audit & Finance Committee, and the Investment Committee, including the preparation of agendas and materials for meetings.
  • Acts as the primary liaison with the Foundation’s investment manager overseeing its portfolio of endowed and non‑endowed funds.
  • Leads the division’s efforts to optimize its financial technology and related systems, e.g., Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge.
• Financial Management
  • Manages the division’s accounting and finance functions, including financial risks, planning, record‑keeping, reporting, annual audit, tax reporting, and business analysis.
  • Prepares accurate and timely financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Oversees and participates in annual audits and tax filings (e.g., IRS Form 990).
  • Ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards, laws, and regulations.
  • Develops and maintains internal controls and financial policies.
  • Oversees financial and accounting services provided to the Alumni Association.
  • Oversees cash management and investment allocation, including initiating cash balancing wires and other activities related to portfolio management in coordination with investment manager.
  • Collaborates with Advancement Services and fundraising teams to ensure accurate gift processing and financial stewardship.
  • Reviews complex gift and fund agreements to ensure endowments are properly recorded and follow all policies as well as donor intent.
  • Works with Foundation staff to develop and maintain funding models, net asset roll forwards, and other processes.
  • Guides the Foundation team to develop online and in‑person training of gift accounting and reporting for the division’s staff.
• Budgeting and Reporting
  • Leads the development and monitoring of the Foundation’s annual budget and the division’s budget.
  • Provides financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision‑making.
• Investment and Endowment Accounting
  • Supports the management of the Foundation’s investment portfolio in collaboration with the investment manager, the Investment Committee, and the VPUA.
  • Oversees endowment accounting, including fund tracking, distributions, and donor reporting.
  • Oversees annual endowment distributions and endowment status reporting process.
• Compliance and Systems Oversight
  • Ensures proper documentation and compliance with donor restrictions and gift agreements.
  • Oversees financial systems and software (e.g., Financial Edge, Workday), ensuring data accuracy and integrity.

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPA license and strong understanding of FASB standards.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit or higher education.
• Experience supervising staff and working with teams.
• Experience with financial audits, compliance, and reporting.
• Strong analytical,…