Simpson College 

Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller 

First consideration will be given to applications received prior to May 16, 2022.  

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Simpson College in their search for Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller. 

This is an exciting time to join a close knit and supportive community as the next AVP of Finance and Controller at Simpson College. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a mentored, immersive working relationship with the VP for Finance and Business with the possibility for future advancement to the Vice President role. 

The next AVP of Finance and Controller will be a motivated and detail oriented financial professional to serve in this highly visible and critical role. The successful candidate brings a comprehensive background of accounting experience and is responsible for ensuring accounting records are maintained in accordance with GAAP, effective controls are maintained, risk mitigated, and that the College uses its resources effectively and efficiently. 

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Finance and Business, the ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator who delivers a hands-on approach to leadership, operations, and problem solving. The AVP of Finance and Controller is expected to work seamlessly with all levels of the institution including the board, senior administration, faculty, and staff. The successful candidate has a keen understanding of the unique department and faculty needs across campus.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for improving and streamlining financial transactions and processes and is the chief accounting officer for the College 

• Works across the enterprise to optimize the College’s decision-making capabilities and inspire the highest standards of financial performance 

• Is a key member of the Vice President’s senior leadership team and plays a key role in the direction and successful delivery of financial services 

• Develops and implements strategies, policies and procedures using best practices 

• Is responsible for collaboration with individuals across the College at all levels and roles to ensure the College’s financial policies, procedures, operations, and practices are effective and efficient 

• Has direct management oversight for a wide range of institutional financial functions, including accounting (general, cost accounting, grants, capital projects), financial reporting, internal controls, treasury operations, student accounts, policies, and financial compliance 

• Is responsible for the annual financial audit, related tax filings, and other required internal and external reporting 

• Will assist the VP with the development of reports and presentation to the Board 

• Will lead a small accounting team currently under reorganization  

Essential Knowledge and Abilities: 

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, personal integrity and accountability, technical ability, applied business experience, and excellent oral and written communication skills 

• The candidate will also demonstrate impeccable attention to detail and the ability to keep abreast of the latest trends and regulatory changes that directly affect the higher education environment 

• The AVP/Controller will provide oversight and leadership in accounting, fiscal operations, financial reporting, tax accounting and more 

• Strict adherence to applicable standards and principles is essential, and the AVP/Controller will be working with a College that deeply values compliance and transparency  

• The ideal candidate for the AVP/Controller position will not simply value principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion — they will commit to meaningful results and outcomes in their daily work.   

• The AVP/Controller will exhibit credibility and discretion, while demonstrating the ability to work in a participatory manner with colleagues at all levels of the College to achieve positive results through astute financial management, fiscal stewardship, and exceptional customer service to both internal and external constituents.   
   

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in business management, accounting or finance from an accredited college or university 

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in an accounting or finance position in higher education or non-profit setting and working knowledge of GAAP accounting 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with the Colleague financial system 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 

About the Institution 

Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the picturesque main campus sits on 85 tree-shaded acres in Indianola, 12 miles south of the state capital of Des Moines. Consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country according to US News & World Report, Simpson transforms students through welcoming communities, exceptional programs, and distinctive opportunities. Simpson College serves the diverse communities of the Midwest and the nation by providing academic and co-curricular programs designed to educate students of all ages and backgrounds. 

Living in the Area 

With a population of nearly 17,000, Indianola is perfect for those looking for small city with a small town, collegiate feel. It enjoys a close-knit community of residents that care about their neighbors and support their schools and local missions. Simpson College is also very close in proximity to Des Moines – only a 25-minute drive away. As the cultural and economic heart of Iowa, Des Moines is headquarters to nearly 60 companies and most notably a center for the insurance industry as well as many agriculture-related businesses. Many characterize it as a “gentle” big city, retaining a small-town feel with larger-city amenities, including performance centers, restaurants, and local shops. It is quintessentially Midwestern, offering a vibrant and bustling downtown with beautiful tree-lined streets. Additionally, Des Moines offers an international airport, sculpture parks, botanical gardens, and a thriving shopping scene. Des Moines is a wonderful place to raise a family with a lower cost of living than most of the country, offering a wide range of community involvement opportunities for all to embrace.  

To Apply: 

First consideration will be given to applications received prior to May 16, 2022.  

Please do not email applications.  

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Cover letters should not exceed two pages in length. All applications are treated confidentially. 

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated confidentially: 

Inquiries and questions: Please send to simpsonavpfinance@acesrch.com  
Nominations and referrals: Please send to nominations@acesrch.com  
 

Institution’s EEO Statement 

Simpson College is committed to the concept of equal employment opportunities and nondiscrimination. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Simpson College are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Simpson College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or veteran, or veteran disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law in the administration of its employment policies or practices.