Financial Controller

About California Institute of Integral Studies

California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is an internationally recognized university and leader in integral education. CIIS strives to embody spirit, intellect, and wisdom in service of individuals, communities, and the earth. With over 1900 students, CIIS offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph. D programs in its schools of Consciousness and Transformation, Professional Psychology and Health, and Undergraduate Studies. The University also provides low-cost mental health services to the San Francisco Bay Area through its 6 award-winning community counseling clinics.

CIIS is accredited by the Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The Controller serves as the Director of the Accounting and Control Department, is the senior-most accountant, and ensures compliance with all applicable college, state, and federal regulations and policies. Reporting to the CFO, Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Controller is responsible for organizing, directing, and evaluating a wide variety of financial activities, including the planning and development of the University’s accounting and financial control and for the overall control of the general ledger, financial reporting, and treasury management.

The position establishes and carries out the mission statement of the CIIS’ Accounting and Control Office; formulates goals and objectives for the department in accordance with the overall mission and goals of the University. The position also establishes the financial policies and standards; directs and oversees the operations of the Finance and Administration offices, unrestricted accounting, finance systems management, payroll, restricted accounting, accounts payable, plant accounting, working capital investments, and accounts receivable;

and participates in the development & management of university-wide and its departmental budgets.

The position works and collaborates with all functional areas and academic programs, internal and external key-stakeholders, including but not limited to students, employees, Board of Trustees, executive leadership, department chairs, directors, and budget managers, external auditors, accountants, and other advisory or vendor relationships. The Controller is a strong contributor to and leads the day-to-day accounting operation, develops policies, and works to improve procedures and internal control.

• Controls CIIS financial policies and transactional standards, ensuring consistency with the CIIS’s mission and strategic plans and compliance with Board of Trustee’s policies, State and Federal fiscal management laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting standards.
• Works closely with the CFO on the identification and resolution of strategic financial issues with current or potential impact on CIIS as an enterprise, including advising on the financial condition of institutional funds and accounts and on appropriate fiscal procedures.
• Works closely with the Finance Manager in the process of budget development and revision; participates in all budget discussions at the Institute Planning & Budget Committee and Board of Trustees meetings; monitors the budget and prepares monthly status and variance reports, including enrollment and all tuition and non-tuition revenue projections.
• Administers the general ledger and accounting system for all funds which fulfills internal and external information and reporting requirements and complies with GAAP, GASB, WASC, and NACUBO guidelines.
• Oversees internal and external audits and preparation of all audit reports, ensuring timely and accurate completion within expected timelines. Prepares IRS Form 990 Information Return in a timely manner.
• Analyzes the income and expenses of CIIS and auxiliary operations, clinics, and public programs, including directing Departments, Clinics, Auxiliaries and Public Programs on good cash handling and internal control practices.
• Reviews and analyzes major contractual obligations, contracts, grants, and awards of the institution to ensure consistency with overall financial goals,…