Associate Controller/Executive Director of Financial Operations - College of Western Idaho (CWI)

Another Source's client, College of Western Idaho (CWI), is recruiting an Associate Controller/Executive Director of Financial Operations to join their team in Idaho. This position offers an experienced finance leader the opportunity to strengthen financial operations, lead a talented team, and play an important role in supporting the College's continued growth and long-term financial success.

Here's a little about College of Western Idaho:

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is a public community college dedicated to expanding access to education, supporting student achievement, and strengthening the communities it serves. Through academic programs, career and technical education, and workforce training, CWI helps students build meaningful futures while supporting the evolving needs of Idaho's workforce.

CWI's commitment to accessible, high-quality education creates a meaningful opportunity for finance professionals who want their work to have an impact beyond the numbers. As a key member of the College's financial leadership team, you'll help ensure that resources are managed responsibly and strategically to support students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

Learn more about CWI: https://cwi.edu/

About this role:

The Associate Controller/Executive Director of Financial Operations is a key leadership position reporting to the Associate Vice President, Finance and Controller. This role provides oversight of critical accounting and financial functions while leading and developing a team that includes the Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager, and Bursar.

You'll play an important role in strengthening financial reporting, maintaining sound internal controls, overseeing annual audits, and advancing financial systems and processes. Beyond the technical responsibilities, this position offers the opportunity to build a collaborative, high-performing Business Office team and serve as a trusted partner to financial leadership and the broader campus community.

For a finance leader who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on problem-solving, this is an opportunity to influence how financial services are delivered while supporting the College's long-term financial health.

Scope & Impact

Financial Leadership & Team Development

Provide leadership and direction for CWI's financial operations, ensuring effective service delivery, accountability, and alignment with institutional priorities.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager, and Bursar, fostering a collaborative and high-performing Business Office team.

• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities that support employee growth and operational excellence.

• Serve as a senior resource for complex financial matters, providing guidance and solutions to campus partners.

• Collaborate with finance leadership to ensure appropriate financial approvals, funding, and oversight of College transactions.

Financial Reporting, Accounting & Audit Oversight

• Oversee monthly and fiscal year-end closing processes, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial information.

• Lead the preparation of the College's annual financial report, including financial statements, supporting schedules, and related disclosures.

• Partner with finance leadership to coordinate the annual external audit and ensure an efficient, well-organized audit process.

• Maintain oversight of the general ledger for both CWI and the CWI Foundation, ensuring consistency and accuracy in financial reporting.

• Guide complex account reconciliations, financial analysis, and accounting adjustments to maintain the integrity of financial records.

• Support required state and federal financial reporting, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Financial Survey.

Compliance, Internal Controls & Financial Stewardship

• Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial practices to safeguard institutional resources.

• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, including GAAP, GASB, FASB, and relevant regulatory requirements.

• Identify and resolve complex accounting issues while maintaining consistency in financial policies and procedures.

• Oversee financial compliance and reporting requirements, including applicable tax and nonprofit accounting considerations.

• Communicate accounting policy and procedural changes to campus stakeholders, helping teams understand and adopt effective financial practices.

Financial Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, strengthen reporting capabilities, and increase operational efficiency.

• Support implementation, enhancement, and ongoing maintenance of financial and student accounts systems.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, data structures, workflows, and reporting needs to inform operational improvements.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve financial accuracy, streamline processes, and strengthen service to the campus community.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability across financial operations.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring a combination of technical accounting expertise, financial leadership experience, and the ability to develop strong teams in a complex organizational environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.

• At least five years of experience in governmental and/or fund accounting, including supervisory responsibilities.

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and applicable federal compliance requirements.

• Experience managing complex account reconciliations, financial analysis, year-end closing processes, and external audit preparation.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop accounting and financial operations professionals.

• Experience establishing effective internal controls, maintaining financial accuracy, and supporting regulatory compliance.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to approach financial challenges from both a detailed operational and broader institutional perspective.

• Ability to establish priorities, manage competing deadlines, and independently advance projects and initiatives.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

• A collaborative, proactive leadership style with the ability to provide clear direction and build productive relationships across an organization.

Preferred Experience

• Previous accounting or financial leadership experience within a community college or higher education environment.

What's in it for you:

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $104,937-$131,171, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

College of Western Idaho offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth. Highlights include:

• Generous paid time off: 24 days of vacation annually, 12 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.

• Retirement contributions: CWI contributes over 11% toward eligible employees' retirement plans, with plan participation determined by employment classification.

• Health and wellness: Medical coverage options and access to health savings and flexible spending accounts, subject to plan eligibility.

• Financial protection: Employer-paid life and disability insurance benefits, subject to eligibility.

• Educational opportunities: Tuition waiver benefits through CWI, subject to applicable program policies.

• Work-life balance: Flexible work schedules and potential hybrid work arrangements, depending on the position.

Work Arrangement: This position will be onsite for the first six months. After that period, there may be an opportunity to work remotely one day per week, depending on departmental needs and approval.

For additional information about CWI's benefits and eligibility requirements, visit:

https://cwi.edu/join-cwi-team/benefits

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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