Controller

Full job description
Position Information
Position Title
Controller

Division
Business and Finance

Department
Accounting and Payroll

Number of hours per week
37.5

Days to be worked
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Months per year
Fiscal (12 months)

If modified, list months

Job Type
Full-Time

Campus
Main Campus

If other location, please indicate

Position Number
110930

Advertised Salary
Commensurate with education and experience

Pay Basis
Monthly

Job Description
Tennessee State University Office of Accounting and Payroll invites applications for the position of Controller.
Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Finance, the Controller has primary responsibility to provide the appropriate accounting treatment for all university cash receipts, cash disbursements, fund transfers, and any remaining fund balances.

Essential tasks:
Produce the university’s annual financial report in accordance with standards issued by governing accounting agencies (GASB, FASB, and NACUBO);
Work directly with and serve as liaison between all university departments and the Division of State Audit on the annual audit of the university’s internal controls, risk factors, and financial statements.
Oversee and direct the offices of General Accounting, Grants Accounting, Accounts Payable, Payroll and Foundation Accounting. This position is also responsible for Financial Compliance, and Financial Systems and will perform other related special projects as assigned.
Knowledge: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Higher education fund accounting principles as promulgated by the AICPA, GASB, and NACUBO established financial accounting systems such as Banner and other Ellucian systems laws, regulations, and guidelines of the university, and State of TN. Knowledge of administrative computing systems.
Abilities: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse constituencies, accurately analyze financial data, exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions, effective supervisory and administrative skills, excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with a major in Accounting from an accredited university.
Eight years of successful, full-time employment in a progressively responsible accounting position with five years in an institution of higher learning environment and three years’ experience with computer applications relevant to accounting that include three to five years prior supervisory experience required. Attainment of CPA certificate highly preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.
Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.
An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.
You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Open Date
07/28/2026

Close Date

Job Category
Administrative/Professional

Requisition Number

Benefits
Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

Quick Link
https://jobs.tnstate.edu/postings/9302

Reference Letter
References
Minimum References Required
2

Recommendation Deadline

Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ().

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
CV/Resume
Cover Letter
Transcript 1
Optional Documents
Transcript 2
Other