Controller

Department

Foundation, Inst. Adv.

Position Summary

The Controller is a strategic thought-partner and hands-on manager, responsible for the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the MSU Denver Foundation. This role leads the team responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, compliance, internal controls, budget, and fund management of the division, ensuring alignment with GAAP, FASB standards, and donor intent. The Controller leads and develops the foundation team, ensuring professional growth and support of the division’s culture. He/she reports to the VP of University Advancement/ED of the Foundation (VPUA) and works closely with other division leaders, auditors, and university partners to support the Foundation’s mission of promoting the development and general welfare of Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Works collaboratively with the VPUA and UA Senior Team to accomplish the division’s goals in support of the University’s mission, vision, and priorities.
• Leads and develops the (3-5 member) Foundation team, ensuring professional development, providing mentoring, and fostering support of the division’s culture.
• Provides staff leadership and support to the Foundation Board Treasurer, the Audit & Finance Committee, and the Investment Committee, including the preparation of agendas and materials for meetings.
• Acts as the primary liaison with the Foundation’s investment manager overseeing its portfolio of endowed and non-endowed funds.
• Leads the division’s efforts to optimize its financial technology and related systems, e.g., Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge.

Financial Management

• Manages the division’s accounting and finance functions, including financial risks, planning, record-keeping, reporting, annual audit, tax reporting, and business analysis.
• Prepares accurate and timely financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Oversees and participates in annual audits and tax filings (e.g., IRS Form 990).
• Ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards, laws, and regulations.
• Develops and maintains internal controls and financial policies.
• Oversees financial and accounting services provided to the Alumni Association.
• Oversees cash management and investment allocation, including initiating cash balancing wires and other activities related to portfolio management in coordination with investment manager.
• Collaborates with Advancement Services and fundraising teams to ensure accurate gift processing and financial stewardship.
• Reviews complex gift and fund agreements to ensure endowments are properly recorded and follow all policies as well as donor intent
• Works with Foundation staff to develop and maintain funding models, net asset roll forwards, and other processes.
• Guides the Foundation team to develop online and in-person training of gift accounting and reporting for the division’s staff.

Budgeting and Reporting

• Leads the development and monitoring of the Foundation’s annual budget and the division’s budget.
• Provides financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision-making.

Investment and Endowment Accounting

• Supports the management of the Foundation’s investment portfolio in collaboration with the investment manager, the Investment Committee, and the VPUA.
• Oversees endowment accounting, including fund tracking, distributions, and donor reporting.
• Oversees annual endowment distributions and endowment status reporting process.

Compliance and Systems Oversight

• Ensures proper documentation and compliance with donor restrictions and gift agreements.
• Oversees financial systems and software (e.g., Financial Edge, Workday), ensuring data accuracy and integrity.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPA license and strong understanding of FASB standards.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit or higher education.
• Experience supervising staff and working with teams.
• Experience with financial audits, compliance, and reporting.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to MSU Denver’s mission and work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Experience with nonprofit foundation accounting and planned giving, including complex gifts.
• Familiarity with CASE standards and university advancement operations.
• Proficiency in Financial Edge, Raiser's Edge, Workday, or similar systems.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to the University. 

Schedule Information

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
• Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work on our Denver, CO campus with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval)
• Travel: Some local travel may be needed occasionally

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full salary range for this position is $93,850 - $156,730. The anticipated hiring range is $93,850 - $125,290.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

Please apply by visiting our career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/ and searching for JR104353.

For full consideration, the following documents must be submitted:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. 

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received through Thursday, September 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Sophia J Montano

Posting Representative Email

[email protected]

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.   

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at[email protected].

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.