Copy of Controller

About Luther Seminary

Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities called and sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God's world. Our values are Gospel-centered, Student-focused, Innovative, Academically Rigorous, Inclusive, and Community Oriented.

Luther is the largest seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We also educate students of 41 other denominations and traditions. Luther is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools.

Position Details

• Department: Business Office - 762
• Reports To: Shared Services CFO
• Job Level: Director
• Date: 3/27/2026
• Status: Full-time, Exempt
• FTE: 1.0

Job Summary

The Controller is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of the organization's accounting and financial operations, reporting to the Shared Services Chief Financial Officer. This position serves as the primary financial management leader, ensuring accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective internal controls. The Controller oversees all accounting functions, including general ledger, cash management, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, financial reporting, and audit coordination. In addition to core financial responsibilities, the Controller provides oversight of human resources operations, including compliance with employment laws, benefits administration, and HRIS management. While HR is an important component of this role, the primary focus and competency is financial leadership and accounting operations. The Controller serves as a key member of the staff leadership team (SLT), providing critical financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making and organizational sustainability.

ABIDE Commitment: This position actively advances Luther Seminary's ABIDE commitments (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) through day-to-day work, relationships, and decision-making.

Essential Functions

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, cash management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare and present monthly financial reports and annual financial statements to the CFO, executive leadership, and Board committees.
• Manage the annual operating and capital budget process.
• Develop, implement, and review standard and custom financial reports.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for grants and grant-related activities.

Compliance and Audit Management

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local financial regulations, tax requirements, and accreditation reporting standards.
• Coordinate and manage annual external audits.
• Plan, oversee, and document internal audit processes and findings.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of all tax filings (Form 990, 1099s, etc.).

Insurance and Risk Management

• Manage insurance and risk programs in collaboration with the CFO.
• Coordinate annual insurance applications, renewals, and coverage changes.
• Review policies, endorsements, and certificates of insurance for appropriate coverage.
• Serve as the primary internal contact for insurance questions, incident reporting, and claims coordination.

Financial Systems and Internal Controls

• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, controls, and systems.
• Oversee and continuously improve internal controls and financial best practices.
• Collaborate with IT leadership to ensure financial systems meet organizational needs.

Strategic Financial Support

• Provide financial analysis and management advice to support strategic decision-making.
• Advise the CFO and executive leadership on the financial implications of business activities.
• Build effective working relationships with budget directors.

Human Resources Oversight

• Provide oversight of HR operations, ensuring compliance with FLSA, EEOC, Title VII, Title IX, and other federal and state employment laws.
• Oversee benefits administration and HRIS management.
• Support employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, and retention.

Leadership and Team Development

• Directly supervise business office and human resources staff (3 positions).
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Serve as a member of the staff leadership team (SLT).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Professional accounting designation (CPA - active or inactive).
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a senior financial management position.
• Demonstrated ability to manage accounting functions in compliance with GAAP.
• Experience supervising and leading staff.
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, government accounting standards, and financial control frameworks.
• Knowledge of ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR compliance.

Preferred

• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, HR, or related field) and/or CPA or SPHR/SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations.
• Public accounting experience.
• Experience with AI-enabled financial tools, automation, and predictive analytics.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (up to 6-8 hours per day).
• Occasional standing, walking, and movement within office and campus environments.
• Light lifting and carrying of materials (up to 20 pounds) may be required infrequently.

Work Environment

• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring three days on-site and allowing up to two days of remote work per week.
• Occasional attendance at meetings or events in other campus buildings or off-site locations is expected.
• Flexible work arrangements are available and subject to organizational policy.