Associate Controller/Executive Director of Financial Operations

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is recruiting an Associate Controller/Executive Director of Financial Operations in Nampa, Idaho to oversee financial reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, and team leadership within the Business Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for CWI financial operations to ensure 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, high-performing Business Office team.
• Set goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities to support employee growth and operational excellence.
• Serve as a senior resource for complex financial matters, providing guidance and solutions to campus partners.
• Partner with finance leadership to support appropriate financial approvals, funding, and oversight of College transactions.
• Oversee monthly and fiscal year-end closing processes, ensuring financial information is accurate, timely, and reliable.
• Lead preparation of the annual financial report, including financial statements, supporting schedules, and related disclosures.
• Coordinate annual external audit activities with finance leadership to help ensure an efficient, well-organized audit process.
• Maintain oversight of the general ledger for both CWI and the CWI Foundation, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Guide complex account reconciliations, financial analysis, and accounting adjustments to preserve record integrity.
• Support state and federal financial reporting requirements, including the IPEDS Financial Survey.
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial practices to safeguard institutional resources.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, including GAAP, GASB, and FASB, plus 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 to support adoption of effective financial practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, strengthen reporting, and increase operational efficiency.
• Support implementation, enhancement, and ongoing maintenance of financial and student accounts systems.
• Develop a working knowledge of financial systems, data structures, workflows, and reporting needs to inform operational improvements.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives focused on financial accuracy, streamlined processes, and stronger service to the campus community.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability across financial operations.
• Oversee accounting, payroll, procurement, and student accounts operations.
• Support financial reporting, process improvements, and new initiatives.

Requirements

• 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 knowledge of GAAP, GASB, FASB, and applicable federal compliance requirements.
• Experience managing complex account reconciliations, financial analysis, year-end closing processes, and external audit preparation.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop accounting and financial operations professionals.
• Experience establishing internal controls, maintaining financial accuracy, and supporting regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to address financial challenges at both detailed operational and broader institutional levels.
• Ability to set priorities, manage competing deadlines, and independently advance projects and initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Collaborative, proactive leadership style with the ability to provide clear direction and build productive organizational relationships.

Tools & Technologies

• GAAP
• GASB
• FASB
• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Financial Survey

Work Arrangement

• Onsite for the first six months.
• After six months, there may be an opportunity to work remotely one day per week, depending on departmental needs and approval.

Benefits

• 24 days of vacation annually
• 12 days of sick leave
• 11 paid holidays
• CWI contributes over 11% toward eligible employees’ retirement plans
• Medical coverage options and access to health savings and flexible spending accounts, subject to plan eligibility
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance benefits, subject to eligibility
• Tuition waiver benefits through CWI, subject to applicable program policies
• Flexible work schedules and potential hybrid work arrangements, depending on the position

Additional Information

• Reports to the Associate Vice President, Finance and Controller.
• Business Office leadership scope includes three managers within an approximately 23-employee Business Office.

Highlights

• Oversee accounting, payroll, procurement, and student accounts operations.
• Partner closely with senior finance leadership on financial reporting, process improvements, and new initiatives.
• Join a collaborative team with a strong benefits package and potential hybrid flexibility after the initial onsite period.

Location: Nampa, ID (onsite) | Salary: USD 104,937 - 131,171 per year | Experience: 5+ years required