Controller

Controller Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Controller Posting Number

NFE03119P

Department SDSU-Accounting Office-Controller Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a driven and visionary Controller to join the Accounting Department in a vital leadership role. This position not only offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the university's financial strategy but also provides a clear pathway for professional growth and further leadership opportunities within our dynamic team. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position plays a central leadership role in all aspects of university financial reporting. The successful candidate will lead and further develop a dedicated team of accounting professionals, overseeing the processing of financial transactions, preparing accurate and timely financial statements, filing tax returns, and updating and guiding finance policies. Additionally, the role involves analyzing financial data to support strategic decision-making and ensure compliance with financial standards.

BENEFITS

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or related area completed by date of application; At least 5 years of experience in accounting or financial management; Strong knowledge of accounting systems and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Ability to analyze financial data to ensure compliance with financial standards. Proven ability to lead and manage staff effectively; Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload to meet deadlines; and Excellent oral and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

CPA certificate or advanced relevant education is highly desirable Experience in higher education or public sector accounting Proficiency with data analysis, report writing software and advanced Excel skills Experience in process improvement methodologies such as Lean Demonstrated commitment to building a career within the organization, with a passion for contributing to the university's sustained success

APPLICATION PROCESS

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Posting Date 06/26/2026 Closing Date 07/17/2026 Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date Advertised Salary The minimum starting salary for this position is $111,000 commensurate with experience. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours 8 - 5 Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires No Requirement If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007.

Phone:

(605) 688-4128. Contact Information For questions on the position, contact hiring manager Jia Luo, at Jia.

Luo@sdstate.edu. Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication Protective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Sitting for sustained periods of time Describe any of the conditions selected Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Vision (With and without corrective lenses), Speaking Working Conditions & Exposures Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.