ACARA Jobs
Controller (CPA-University)
Apply- ID: 558172
- Posted: 3/16/2026
- Location: Kenmore, WA
- Category: Pro - Accounting/Finance
- Job Type: Direct Placement
- Duration: Direct Placement
Description
Acara Solutions has been providing organizations across the U.S. with our professional staffing services for close to 70 years. Our Kenmore, WA educational institution client is looking for a Controller to join their organization as a direct salaried employee. Their salary range is $125K - $150K. Hybrid schedule coming in at least 3 days per week.
They will consider a Senior Finance Manager or an Assistant Controller that is ready for the responsibilities of a Controller position with aspirations to grow into a CFO role in the future.
The position requires a CPA and auditing experience.
The Controller is responsible for the oversight, including planning and direction, of all University fiscal accounting functions to include but not limited to, day to day financial operations, financial aid, preparation of all federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements, and cash management.
- Supervise Finance Office and Student Accounts staff
- Maintain and, as required, establish new fiscal systems and procedures
- Coordinate fiscal accounting activities with managers and staff;
- Consult with and advise key administrators regarding the application of fiscal policies and practices;
- Oversee, maintain, develop and implement financial accounting computer systems and the continuing computerization of administrative offices, particularly the business office:
- Participate in the preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the University: This includes reports for internal (managers, board) as well as external (banks, donors) users. Analyze reports, identify problem areas, and recommend and/or take corrective action.
- Prepare and analyze cash management plans of the University. Manage cash flow and banking requirements both short and long term.
- Oversee the fiscal administration of financial aid. Direct the fiscal aspects of all Perkins and other student loan collection issues as well as all business issues as it relates to financial aid.
- Project revenues, expenditures and cash flow for the entire University on a monthly basis, assuring that University is meeting its debt covenant obligations
- Prepare reports for federal and state agencies. Oversee the fiscal administration of special accounts including research, educational programs, federal programs, grants and endowments.
- Coordinate annual Financial Audit, Office of Management and Budget A-133 Audit (OMB A-133), and Financial Aid Audit.
- Assist with annual budget preparations and reporting for senior management
- Provide ad hoc reporting and financial analysis for senior management
Job Requirements
Required Skills / Qualifications:
Bachelor's in Business, Accounting, Finance
Min 5 years of experience in public accounting and/or university / college accounting (as a controller, senior accountant or treasurer).
Min 5 years of experience managing accounting staff
Min 5 years of MS Office - including advanced Excel and ideally Microsoft Dynamics
In addition to strong financial accounting knowledge:
- Thorough knowledge of OMB A-133 requirements
- Thorough knowledge of fund accounting as applied to colleges and universities
- Knowledge of fiscal policies and procedures as it pertains to financial aid
Preferred Skills / Qualifications:
Education or experience with financial management in the areas of grant management, non-profits, fund accounting, management, marketing and planning.
- Experience with MIP Fund Accounting software by Abila
After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.
The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.
Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.
Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.