Summary

Description

Job Description

The Controller oversees general and contracts accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll accounting, and internal controls. The role is responsible for implementing and sustaining best-practice accounting processes and internal control frameworks for a public institution, advancing modernization initiatives, and ensuring CSU's accounting operations meet professional and regulatory standards.

This position ensures accuracy, reliability, and integrity in financial data; safeguards institutional assets; and maintains full compliance with GAAP, GASB, the Uniform Guidance, State of Colorado fiscal rules, and applicable CSU System and campus policies.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead all general, contract, AP/AR, and payroll accounting functions. Assist with financial reporting efforts on CSU Pueblo’s campus, aligning with CSU System financial reporting standards.

• Coordinate with the Fort Collins Controller’s Office for accounting operations performed on CSU Pueblo’s behalf, ensuring alignment, accuracy, and timeliness

• Direct the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes

• Maintain general ledger structure, reconciliations, journal entries, and account integrity

• Ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability in all financial statements and data

• Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external audits, including CSU Pueblo’s annual audit and required collaboration with CSU System offices

• Provide strategic leadership for accounting functions aligned with CSU Pueblo and CSU System priorities

• Deliver financial analysis, forecasting insights, and trend identification to support campus and system decision-making

• Lead the BFS-Pueblo accounting team, fostering a culture of ethics, professionalism, accountability, and service

• Supervise professional accounting staff

• Maintain regular communication and operational alignment with the CSU Fort Collins Controller’s Office

Conditions of Employment

• Hybrid position based at the Denver CSU System office or at the CSU Pueblo campus, with travel requirements to the other location

Supervision

• The Controller will supervise 2-3 Accountants located at the Pueblo campus

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or other related degree from an accredited institution

• 10 years of progressive professional accounting experience, including public-sector accounting experience

• 3 years of supervisory experience

• Experience with enterprise financial systems

• Excellent written communication skills

• Demonstrated critical thinking, analytic, and decision-making skills

• Demonstrated ability to interpret, implement, and communicate complex accounting standards

• Demonstrated experience implementing best-practice accounting processes, internal controls, and compliance frameworks

• Ability to devise strategy and resolutions to complex issues with long-term impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• Experience in higher education accounting

• Experience coordinating or supporting public-sector audits

• Experience leading accounting modernization or automation initiatives

Salary Range

$150,000 – $180,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Resume/CV

Internal Application Instructions:

For Administrative Professional, Faculty, and Temporary Hourly (Non-Student Hourly) searches, you may skip the Experience, Education, Certification, Language, and Skills sections unless otherwise noted in the application instructions. Instead, attach all required documents, as specified in the job posting, in the Required Application Documents section.

Please note that information from your Worker Profile (e.g., Education, Certification, Language, Skills) may automatically populate your internal application. Please review the application instructions to determine if these sections are required. If not, you may remove this information from the application if desired.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.