Controller / Chief Accounting Officer - University of Idaho,

Moscow, Idaho (Hybrid)

The University of Idaho invites applications and nominations for the position of Controller / Chief Accounting Officer, a mission-critical leadership role at a distinguished land-grant, research-intensive institution located in the vibrant community of Moscow, Idaho.

Moscow offers an exceptional blend of professional opportunity and quality of life, including immediate access to hiking and biking trails, nearby mountains and ski areas, a lively college-town atmosphere, and a cost of living that allows you to enjoy it all. Learn more about the area by exploring the University of Idaho’s campus overview here  or resources on living in Moscow here.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Finance and Planning and working closely with the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Controller serves as a key leader within the Division of Finance and Administration. The Controller engages regularly with senior leadership, including University of Idaho President C. Scott Green, and plays a critical role in supporting university-wide financial strategy, modernization, data integrity improvements, and administrative transformation. The role contributes to major strategic projects, including the university’s innovative $225 million utility system lease, one of only a handful of such agreements nationally.

This position serves as the University of Idaho’s chief accounting officer, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for institutional financial management, reporting, and compliance. The Controller ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial data, strengthens internal controls, and supports institutional fiscal sustainability in alignment with state, federal, and Idaho State Board of Education requirements. The Controller directs and coordinates all accounting operations—including General Accounting, Payroll, Student Accounts, and Accounts Payable—and collaborates across university divisions to ensure consistent, efficient, and transparent financial processes.

Assigned duties include overseeing the preparation of accurate, timely, and compliant financial statements in accordance with GAAP and GASB; leading coordination of the annual external financial audit and ensuring timely completion of audited financial statements; developing and maintaining accounting policies, procedures, and systems that promote consistency, transparency, and compliance; assisting in long-term financial strategy development and supporting bond financing activities; and ensuring financial data integrity across the Banner ERP system and other integrated financial applications.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining strong internal controls to safeguard university assets; serving as the primary contact for audit coordination, financial compliance reviews, and reporting to state agencies; implementing and monitoring corrective actions to address audit findings; supervising General Accounting, Payroll, Student Accounts, and Accounts Payable; mentoring and developing staff to promote professional growth and operational excellence; partnering with Shared Financial Services and campus business officers to standardize transactions; advising senior leaders on fiscal policy, accounting standards, and long-term sustainability strategies; collaborating with the Budget Office, Treasury, and other administrative units to support financial forecasting and decision-making; and representing the University of Idaho in systemwide, state, and professional financial forums.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Experience in higher education
• Proficiency with Banner ERP or similar systems
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Expertise in public-sector accounting and reporting; the ability to interpret complex financial data
• Experience leading organizational change and building high-performing teams

Required education includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation

Required experience includes:

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, including supervisory responsibilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and applicable federal and state regulations

The position is based on campus in Moscow, Idaho, with some flexibility for hybrid arrangements for exceptional candidates.

Ferra Executive Search is proud to partner with the University of Idaho on this important search. We welcome inquiries, nominations, and referrals from individuals interested in contributing to the financial excellence and long-term sustainability of a dynamic, forward-looking institution.

Please contact Kevin Ferra at kevin@ferrasearch.com.

Please visit ferrasearch.com/jobs to learn more and apply.