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The Position:
NIC is in a period of transition and opportunity, with a renewed focus on long-term financial planning, operational efficiency, and transparency. The Controller will play a vital leadership role in managing the college’s accounting systems, budget planning, audit coordination, compliance, and financial reporting. This position involves advising senior leadership, supervising a skilled finance team, and ensuring adherence to accounting standards and regulations. The position supports institutional decision-making through accurate financial data and helps ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, all while aligning financial practices with NIC’s mission to serve students and the community.
Working for Sarah Garcia, Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs, means collaborating with a seasoned financial leader who combines deep expertise with a clear commitment to the college’s mission. Known for her strategic mindset and hands-on approach, Sarah fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Employees under her leadership can expect a work environment that values open communication and encourages innovative problem-solving, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of public sector finance and institutional budgeting.
Sarah’s leadership style is both collaborative and results oriented. She is deeply invested in supporting her team’s professional growth, often providing opportunities to take on meaningful projects such as financial system modernization, process improvement planning, and strategic resource allocation. Her track record of successfully managing large initiatives — including the development of NIC’s first recreation center and navigating complex insurance negotiations — reflects her ability to guide her team through challenges with clarity and confidence. Working with Sarah means being part of a forward-thinking, mission-driven team where financial stewardship and student success go hand in hand creating a culture of accountability and fiscal responsibility across campus.
For experienced financial leaders seeking a meaningful role with community impact, the Controller position offers a compelling opportunity. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in accounting and financial operations, along with a collaborative mindset and exceptional communication skills. This position brings together the complexities of public sector finance and the rewards of serving in higher education, all within a close-knit campus and a stunning natural environment. This is an ideal role for someone who is big picture focused but detail-oriented, and ready to help guide NIC toward a strong and sustainable future.
Position Summary
The Controller directs financial activities of North Idaho College assuring the accuracy and integrity of all financial data by performing the following duties personally or through reporting staff.
Responsibilities:
- Establishes, or recommends to management, major economic strategies, objectives, and policies for the college.
- Provides technical assistance and training to college staff and leadership in financial and budget matters.
- Recommends modifications to existing college practices and policies regarding finance.
- Provides management with timely reviews and analysis of organization's financial status and progress in its various programs and activities.
- Prepares reports that summarize and forecast college business activity and financial position in areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and expected operations.
- Directs preparation of institution budgets, reviews budget proposals, and prepares necessary supporting documentation and justification.
- Provides accurate, auditable and timely financial reports to the Board of Trustees, and the NIC Administration as well as financial and regulatory agencies outside the college.
- Recommends, monitors and oversees operating budget for the Office of Finance and Business Affairs.
- Ensures compliance with accounting standards (GAAP, GASB) as well as state and federal law.
- Ensures and monitors college compliance with accreditation standards related to finance.
- Prepares reports required by regulatory agencies.
- Supervises staff, including hiring, training, coaching, and managing performance.
- Responsible for integrity and accuracy of the Colleague Financial System.
- Arranges for audits of the college’s accounts and acts as liaison with auditors.
- Establishes and maintains relations with banks and other financial institutions.
- Advises the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs as well as other leaders and managers on existing financial policies and procedures.
- Acts as Vice-President for Finance and Business Affairs in Vice President’s absence, overseeing the day-to-day operations and decision making for all areas reporting to the Vice President.
- Retains total budgetary preparation and compliance responsibility for the college and has total accountability for control of capital assets and long-range operational planning of the Business Office as well as partial accountability for long-range operational planning of the college and some responsibility in long-range strategic planning.
- Maintains a positive, helpful, constructive attitude and work relationship with supervisor, college staff, students, and the community.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, and five years full-time equivalent finance and administrative management or related experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master’s in a related field preferred.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and manage the performance of employees; address complaints and resolve issues.
- Extensive knowledge of accounting concepts and generally accepted accounting principles.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization in both written and verbal form.
- Proficient skills using Microsoft Office applications, Excel in particular, with strong spreadsheet skills.
- Demonstrated experience working with complex ERP/accounting systems.
- Ability to prioritize assigned projects and handle a wide variety of tasks.
- Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
- Must be customer-focused, forward thinking, and amenable to establishing strong working relationships with staff, faculty, administration and outside contacts.
- Ability to research and interpret complex regulations and instructions.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment.
Why Consider the Opportunity:
- Fiscal Strength: North Idaho College is financially sound with a healthy reserve, increasing enrollment, and several new senior leaders. The Controller will help shape NIC’s future during a pivotal time.
- Impactful Role: In partnership with the Vice President, the Controller will influence and implement financial systems and processes.
- A Healthy Team: A recent institutional climate survey showed this department to be perceived by the college community as a highly functioning, collaborative, happy team. The Controller will manage a group of 9 with 2 direct reports.
- Exceptional Quality of Life: Enjoy life in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a vibrant, fast-growing community known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and exceptional livability.
About North Idaho College:
North Idaho College (NIC) is a comprehensive community college located on the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene serving the five northern counties (Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Shoshone) of Idaho. NIC is Idaho's oldest public community college, having been founded in 1933.
Today, NIC has grown into a vital educational hub that combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to workforce development and community engagement. NIC offers degrees and certificates in a broad spectrum of academic transfer, career and technical education, and general education programs. Approximately 5,000+ students are enrolled in credit classes and more than 4,400 participate annually in non-credit courses offered by the Workforce Training Center in Post Falls. NIC also plays a key role in the region’s economic development by preparing competent, trained employees for area businesses, industries, and governmental agencies.
- NIC was ranked #1 community college in Idaho by Intelligent.com in their 2024 rankings.
- NIC boasts a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
NIC’s picturesque 45-acre campus on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene creates an inspiring environment for learning and growth. The college leverages its location to provide unique programs in outdoor recreation, health sciences, and technical education, blending natural beauty with academic opportunity. Its vibrant campus culture fosters student involvement, inclusivity, and leadership, while promoting a close-knit, supportive atmosphere that resonates throughout the institution. The college lives its mission, vision and values every day:
Mission
North Idaho College meets the diverse educational needs of students, employers and the northern Idaho communities it serves through a commitment to student success, educational excellence, community engagement and lifelong learning.
Vision
As a comprehensive community college, North Idaho College strives to provide accessible, affordable, quality learning opportunities. North Idaho College endeavors to be an innovative, flexible leader recognized as a center of educational, cultural, economic and civic activities by the communities it serves.
Values
North Idaho College is dedicated to a set of core values that guide its decisions and actions.
The college subscribes to the philosophy of the comprehensive community college, including an “open-door” admissions policy. To truly reflect its role as a community college, NIC accepts the fundamental responsibility to meet the varying needs of individuals with widely divergent interests and abilities. To this end, the college offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in various college transfer programs, and Associate of Applied Science degrees and technical certificates in its career and technical education programs. Students obtaining an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree can transfer with junior standing to all other Idaho public colleges and universities.
Revenue for NIC is derived primarily from annual legislative appropriations, property taxes from the local district, and student tuition and fees. The college also receives gifts, grants, and endowments for scholarships and development from many sources, both public and private, primarily through the North Idaho College Foundation.
Governance and leadership at NIC reflect both its strong community roots and its forward-looking vision. The college is governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, with an administrative team committed to transparency, student success, and institutional stability. NIC has faced recent challenges, like many institutions, but continues to focus on strengthening internal operations, improving enrollment, and enhancing academic programming.
Looking ahead, NIC is poised for a new chapter of strategic growth and innovation. With strong community support, a dedicated faculty and staff, and a mission to serve as an accessible, affordable gateway to higher education, NIC remains a cornerstone of opportunity in northern Idaho. For leaders passionate about education, regional development, and institutional excellence, NIC represents both a meaningful challenge and a compelling opportunity.
Office of Finance and Business (OFB)
The Office of Finance and Business (OFB) provides coordination, oversight and direct support for all budget, accounting, payroll and administration functions in the college.
In addition, the OFB supports management decisions at all levels of the college with accurate and timely data, meaningful financial reporting, policy interpretation and personal assistance to individual faculty and staff and attempts to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations in the conduct of college business.
Its mission is to treat all customers and students equally by following three very important principles: respect the individual, give service to its customers and strive for excellence.
To Apply:
A confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. For full consideration, individuals are encouraged to apply by December 1st, 2025. Please submit a PDF version of your letter of application outlining your interest/suitability for this position and a resume. All applications for this position are being accepted by Summit Search Solutions.
To Apply Online: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su477
Karen Pedersen, PhD
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
(719) 747-2545
kpedersen@summitsearchsolutions.com
Starting pay range: $105,041 - $126,049
Pay Grade: P13 To see full Professional Pay Grade Salary Structures click here
Enjoy excellent benefits with NIC, including retirement
15 vacation days per year
12 sick days per year
14 paid holidays
Tuition assistance
Location: Coeur d Alene, Idaho
Work Schedule: typical college hours are Mon-Thurs 7:30-5:00, Fri 7:30-2:30
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check and proof of degree if required for this position.
North Idaho College is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.
Application URL: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su477
