Senior Controller and Director of Finance

About the job

Job Description:

Who We Are
Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has a long and distinguished history in Christian higher education. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, SPU seeks to be a premier Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.

What We Need
Seattle Pacific University is seeking an experienced, mission-driven financial leader to serve as its Senior Controller and Director of Finance . Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Finance/CFO, this on-campus position provides strategic and operational leadership for the University’s Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Budget, and Business Development functions.

As a key member of the University’s leadership team, the Senior Controller and Director of Finance partners closely with the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and campus leaders to strengthen SPU’s long-term financial health and institutional sustainability. This leader will oversee financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, treasury operations, audit and compliance, business operations, and enterprise financial systems while helping the University make thoughtful, data-informed decisions about its resources and priorities.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial and technical expertise, strategic perspective, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style. This is an opportunity for an accomplished financial professional to have broad institutional impact while developing people, modernizing systems and processes, and advancing the mission of Christian higher education.

The Senior Controller and Director of Finance supports Seattle Pacific University’s mission by contributing to a Christ‑centered learning and working community committed to academic excellence, service, and engagement with the world. In this role, the employee brings their skills, gifts, and professional expertise to work that matters—serving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPU’s values and purpose. To that end, all University employees are required to be aligned with and supportive of SPU's Statement of Faith and its derivative policies and lifestyle expectations.

• What You’ll Do
• Financial Strategy & Stewardship
• Lead University-wide financial planning and analysis, including multi-year budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, management reporting, and variance analysis
• Advise senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on financial performance, emerging risks, capital planning, resource allocation, and strategic investment opportunities
• Develop financial models and scenario analyses that support institutional planning and long-term sustainability
• Lead financial stewardship and cost-management initiatives while strengthening budget accountability and transparency across the University

• Accounting, Treasury & Compliance
• Oversee accounting and financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, grants accounting, asset management, treasury, liquidity, cash forecasting, debt service, and internal controls
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, higher education requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations
• Lead the annual external audit and oversee tax, bond, NCAA, and other regulatory and compliance reporting
• Support banking and treasury functions for Seattle Pacific University and the Seattle Pacific Foundation

• Systems & Operational Leadership
• Serve as executive sponsor and functional owner for Workday Financials, leading governance, optimization, reporting, and future enhancements
• Develop and strengthen FP&A processes and use technology, automation, and analytics to improve financial decision-making
• Lead continuous improvement efforts that simplify workflows, strengthen controls, and improve service to campus partners
• Provide strategic financial and operational oversight for University auxiliary operations, including Conference Services, the SPU Store, Mailing Services, and Vending Services
• Evaluate existing and new revenue opportunities that support institutional resilience and sustainability

• Team & University Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and develop professionals across Finance, Accounting, and Business Development
• Build a collaborative, service-oriented culture grounded in stewardship, accountability, and operational excellence
• Partner across academic and administrative areas to strengthen financial understanding and responsible budget ownership
• Recruit, develop, and retain talented finance and operations professionals

• What You Bring
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, or related areas, including significant leadership responsibility
• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and analysis
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, audit standards, internal controls, and applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Proven success leading and developing teams and working collaboratively across a complex organization
• Experience with modern ERP and financial management systems
• Exceptional analytical, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable information for senior leaders and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to responsible financial stewardship
• Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission; alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community.

• Preferred Qualification s
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification
• Financial leadership experience in higher education, a nonprofit organization, or another complex, mission-driven environment
• Experience with Workday Financials
• Experience with fund accounting and/or oversight of auxiliary or revenue-generating operations
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change, financial systems implementations, or significant process-improvement initiatives

• Compensation & Position Details
• Status: Full-time, exempt, on-campus position
• Salary: The anticipated hiring range for this position is $145,000 to $168,000 annually , commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience.
• Department: Business & Finance
• Reports To: Vice President for Business and Finance/CFO
• Location: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA (on-campus position)

This position may require occasional evening and weekend work in support of Board meetings, fiscal year-end activities, and other significant University initiatives.

Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.

Additional Information:

How to Apply
Please complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit:
· Resume
· Cover Letter

We look forward to hearing how your leadership, financial expertise, and unique talents and giftings can contribute to the mission and long-term sustainability of Seattle Pacific University.