Controller
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE):
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) collaborates with multiple partners to facilitate Indiana’s goal to implement the HOPE (Hoosier Opportunities and Possibilities through Education) Agenda aimed at raising Indiana’s college attainment rate, from short-term credentials through graduate degrees. To achieve that goal, the Commission’s focus is to become a top 10 state in terms of the college-going rate, completions, graduate retention, service to key adult populations, and utilization of credit for prior learning. The ultimate vision of the HOPE Agenda is to be a top 10 state in terms of economic and social mobility and prosperity and a top 10 state to grow, start, or locate a business based upon the strength of human capital. Our multifaceted approach includes significantly improving and conveying the value of a college education, managing the state’s significant need-based financial aid, expanding academic programs and partnerships, amongst other strategic initiatives. Learn even more about us at www.in.gov/che.
Role Overview:
Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller will oversee and lead the day-to-day financial operations of the agency. Working closely with staff accountants and/or state centralized accounting agency, this position will be responsible for identifying and executing troubleshooting accounting issues and/or making corrective entries. The Controller will work with the Director of Finance to document, implement, cross-train, and routinely review internal controls.
Key outcomes for this role include:
- Develop, maintain, and implement efficient and effective internal controls and processes for the agency’s day-to-day operations including payroll, purchase orders, agency fiscal contracts, reconciliation and reporting to the State Budget Agency, and other activities related to fiscal operations.
- In collaboration with the Director of Finance, establish routine financial reporting and reporting statements.
- Assist the Director of Finance in key seasons of the accounting cycle, including inventory, fiscal year close and open, budget development, etc.
- Positively contribute to and champion the agency culture of setting high expectations and achieving goals rooted in trust, honor, grace, and gratitude.
- Support the financial functions of the agency, including leading team adoption of technical products that optimize efficiency, deliver mission, and support state-wide transparency initiatives.
Currently, this position is hybrid with Commission employees reporting to the Central Office in Indianapolis a minimum of three days per week, including Tuesdays and Thursdays. This hybrid flexibility is subject to change on July 1, 2025, when all State of Indiana employees are expected to return to the office five days per week.
Salary Statement:
This position typically starts at $75,000.00, with a salary range of $75,000 to $80,000. Salary for this position may be commensurate with job experience and/or education.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are:
- Oversee the accounting management of federal and state accounts.
- Assist with the preparation and or coordinate the preparation of the agency’s biennial budget submissions and annual spending plans by providing historical financial data and analytical input.
- Develop policies and procedures for general accounting and bookkeeping functions.
- Ensure the agency’s financial management system reconciles with the Auditor's records monthly.
- Certify the accuracy of the agency’s financial records and accounts.
- Research and resolve difficult accounting issues using sources such as the Indiana Code, Code of Federal Regulations, and various governmental accounting manuals.
- Monitor cash management procedures and ensure federal funds are drawn down as necessary, and prepare or review corresponding reports of collection.
- Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours, which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The successful candidate will have:
- Three (3) to five (5) years of full-time professional experience.
- Extensive knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and/or internal controls, including GAAP; experience with GASB preferred.
- Education beyond high school in accounting, finance, business, economics, or a related field; bachelor's degree preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of state and federal education programming.
- Advanced computer skills, particularly Microsoft 365. Oracle PeopleSoft experience preferred.
- Demonstrated success in building effective, efficient teams, including individual and group talent development and succession strategies.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with a wide variety of audiences with varying degrees of technical and fiscal knowledge
- Ability to conduct research, draw logical conclusions, prepare technical reports, and make recommendations.
- Ability to formulate sound recommendations and make appropriate decisions with consideration of potential impact on operations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management.
- Ability to take initiative and exercise leadership in recommending overall budgetary and performance improvements to division decision makers.
- Ability to solve complex accounting and auditing problems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
