Associate VP & Controller

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is a key member of the University’s senior leadership team.

This position oversees the University’s Business Office which includes financial reporting and audits, tax compliance, payroll, treasury operations, accounts payable, collection of student tuition and many other aspects of the University’s business operations.

A successful Controller will ensure that policies and procedures in these areas promote our primary goal of student success balanced with the long‑term financial health of the University.

This will require adept cross‑functional relationships with departments such as the Office of Academic Affairs, Advancement and Development, Facilities and Security and other areas that manage non‑University commercial operations.

While higher education experience is preferred (but not required), the Controller must possess a constant desire to learn and a thirst for continuous improvement.

HPU prides itself on its nimbleness as an organization and our ability to act quickly. This position must thrive in that entrepreneurial environment, bringing fresh ideas that will help us advance our strategic visions.

Location: This position is located at Harbor Courtin downtown Honolulu (55 Merchant Street, Honolulu, HI 96813)

For full consideration, we encourage candidates to apply directly through our careers page:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance.
• Minimum 5 years of accounting supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of accounting systems and internal control requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP, fund/governmental accounting practice and principles, and Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• CPA certification.
• Experience working in a non‑profit, preferable higher education.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management.
• Eight (8) years of experience working in a public accounting firm.
• Ellucian (Banner) Software experience.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial statements, budgets, and forecasts and ability to work in a team and delegate responsibility.

• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU’s winter break, if necessary.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Minors on Campus policy.
• Able to work all shifts and extended hours.
• Upon hire, candidate must have reliable transportation to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position.
• Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast past and rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms with executive, senior management, faculty, staff, managers, technical staff, and external auditors and attorneys.

• Includes approximately 15 individual staff with 2-3 direct reports.
• Areas of supervision include general ledger accounting, financial reporting, cash management, accounts payable, student tuition collection, payroll and taxes.

• Supervise daily general ledger accounting and compliance.
• Oversee production of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statement reports shared with internal stakeholders (the Board of Trustees, etc.) and external stakeholders (bondholders, etc.)
• Develop and maintain accountabilities; maintain, communicate and enforce values, policies and procedures and implement a system of internal controls to minimize risk.
• Oversee the accounting systems utilized by the Business Office including Banner (general ledger), cash collection, banking, and financial aid systems.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements related to financial management.

• Key vendors include independent accountants, auditors of employee…