Higher Education Finance Consultants/Interim Controller

Overview

This is a contract, project-based opportunity for experienced higher education finance professionals to serve as Interim Controllers or Finance Consultants. The role offers flexible hours (10-30 hours per week) and varies in duration from a few weeks to several months. It is ideal for current or former Controllers, CFOs, or Finance Directors in higher education seeking meaningful project work, either as an additional income source or a post-retirement engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide interim leadership as CFO, Controller, or Finance Director, overseeing day-to-day finance department operations
• Manage accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis functions
• Advise on development of financial policies, programs, and procedures
• Prepare financial statements, forecasts, and analyses
• Oversee and coordinate current finance projects and priorities
• Assess finance department efficiency and recommend improvements
• Provide consulting on various finance topics and challenges within higher education
• Assist clients in aligning policies, processes, procedures, and personnel to optimize Finance ERP solutions

Project Scope (Varies by Institution)

• Lead general accounting, grants, purchasing, fixed assets, and disbursement functions on an interim basis
• Collaborate with campus leaders and external auditors to assess and improve processes
• Prepare and review reconciliations, interim reports, and financial statements
• Support compliance with state and federal grant requirements and institutional policies
• Strengthen internal controls, improve reporting, and align finance operations with strategic goals
• Guide finance system optimization using platforms such as Ellucian Banner, Colleague, Workday, or Jenzabar
• Facilitate workshops, document business processes, and support knowledge transfer
• Advise on current trends and regulatory changes affecting higher education finance

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in higher education finance, accounting, or business office leadership
• Prior experience as a Controller, CFO, or Director of Finance strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with higher education ERP systems (Banner, Colleague, Workday, or Jenzabar)
• Strong knowledge of accrual accounting, grants management, accounts payable/receivable, tax reporting, and compliance
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently
• Bachelor’s degree required; CPA or MBA preferred
• Consulting experience is a plus but not required

Engagement Details

• Contract, project-based consulting role with variable hours and duration depending on client needs
• Independent contractor (1099) status
• Primarily remote work with potential for limited on-site visits
• Engagements are assignment-based with no guarantee of consecutive projects or consistent hours
• Flexibility to accept or decline projects based on availability and interest

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements suited for professionals seeking part-time or project-based consulting
• Opportunity to apply expertise to support higher education institutions during transitions or special projects
• Collaboration with other experienced professionals on diverse and impactful assignments
• Chance to expand skills and build a portfolio of higher education finance projects

Location

Remote with potential for occasional campus visits depending on client requirements.