Position Description & Details North Dakota University System (NDUS) Controller Position #: 00010162 Lead With Purpose. Make an Impact. Higher education is transforming, and we're looking for a strategic, innovative, and highly skilled University System Controller to help lead that transformation. This is more than a traditional accounting role. As the financial steward for a complex and mission-driven university system, you'll oversee system-wide accounting operations, ensure financial integrity, drive continuous improvement, and provide leadership that supports students, faculty, researchers, and communities across our campuses. The NDUS offers a flexible work environment, and this position is eligible for hybrid or remote work arrangements, helping the organization attract and retain high-quality talent while maintaining its commitment to service, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources. In addition, the NDUS offers an exceptional benefits package, including a generous retirement plan, employer-paid family health insurance, basic life insurance, paid sick and annual leave, employee tuition waivers, spouse and dependent tuition discounts, and 10 paid holidays. If you're passionate about public service, thrive in complex environments, and enjoy turning financial data into meaningful decisions, we want to hear from you. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration or related field Minimum of five years of professional accounting experience Knowledge of procedures and methods of a large accounting system Working knowledge of accounting and auditing principles, techniques, and the laws and regulations regarding accounting procedures Advanced Excel user Must be a self-starter, able to work and make decisions with minimal supervision Strong demonstrated interpersonal/communication skills (verbal and written) Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects concurrently Experience using AI tools to create efficiencies and streamline business processes Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in related field CPA or CMA certificate Experience utilizing and implementing AI and AI tools Not-for profit accounting experience including understanding and implementing GASB standards Supervision experience Experience in a comparable position in post-secondary education Working knowledge of accounting and auditing principles, techniques, and the laws and regulations regarding accounting procedures, in higher education. Including interpreting and implementing GASB or FASB standards. Audit experience Job Summary Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Administrative Affairs/Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, the University System Controller serves as the chief accounting officer for the university system. This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall direction, management, and integrity of the system's financial operations, including general ledger accounting, financial reporting, tax compliance, payroll, accounts payable, and asset management across all member campuses, research institutes, and institutional units. The Controller ensures that all financial practices strictly adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) mandates, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies.

LOCATION

The central office is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. This position is eligible for Hybrid or Remote work.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time, 12-month, benefited position in the 1000/Administration/Managerial job classification exempt/ not overtime eligible. # of positions hiring: 1

CLOSING DATE:

Applications received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026 will be given first consideration. Open until filled.

SALARY:

$120,000 + annual salary (dependent on experience and level of preparation), plus a competitive benefit package.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants should apply online at https://ndus.edu/ndus-overview/careers and upload a cover letter specifically addressing the job qualifications, a current resume and names and email addresses of three professional references. Applicants who are veterans and eligible to claim veteran's preference must include Form DD214 with the application for employment; claims for disabled veteran's preference must include Form DD214 and a letter less than one year old from the Department of Veterans' Affairs indicating disability; claims for preference as the eligible spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran must include Form DD214, a marriage certificate and a letter less than one year old from the Department of Veterans' Affairs indicating disability, or the veteran's death certificate. Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. and I-9 employment certification is required at hire . There is no sponsorship available for this position. Persons who may need additional job information or may require accommodation or assistance with the application or interview process should contact Jane Grinde at (701) 877-5171 or e-mail jane.grinde@ndus.edu. TTY Number 1-800-366-6888.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION MATERIALS

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are exempt, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

NDUS/Core Technology Services is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE NOTICE

: Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

NO SMOKING NOTICE

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.