Controller
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) invites applications for the position of Controller. Continually seeking and
creating ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness, the Controller, working under the direction of the Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, will benchmark against best practices and implement positive change. The new hire will be a
strategic partner in the production of standard and ad-hoc financial reports and presentations to provide management timely
information on financial data. The position will lead a team of approximately 40 professionals, including the following direct
reports: Assistant Controller, Accounting Operations Manager, Accounts Payable Supervisor, Treasury Analyst, Bursar, and
Director of Student Financial Services. Demonstrating strong business acumen, accounting knowledge, and communication
skills, the new Controller will take the initiative to propose and implement modifications to existing accounting policies and
procedures where there is an opportunity for efficiency or improved decision support and will ensure that current practices meet
the evolving needs of the University.
ERAU is the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, and while the University has
long been the world's leader in aviation and aerospace education, its academic programming has expanded over the years to also
include non-aviation related areas of study. The University awards associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in a
variety of disciplines and offers its students seven primary fields of study, including Applied Sciences, Aviation, Business,
Computers and Technology, Engineering, Space, and Safety, Security and Intelligence. A non-profit, independent institution,
ERAU offers degree programs at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, and through the
Worldwide Campus with more than 125 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as through
online programs. The University is a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the
aerospace industry, other universities, and government agencies. For more information about ERAU, please visit
www.erau.edu.
Embry-Riddle seeks a skilled and experienced manager with the ability to provide collaborative leadership in the organization's
accounting and related functions. S/he will possess strong communication skills and the ability to interact productively with all
constituents of the University, articulating complex accounting and financial information in a way that can be understood by lay
persons. The new Controller will, in addition, possess a comprehensive understanding of GAAP and applicable tax regulations,
management of complex transactions, and professional standards in accounting practice and will demonstrate a proclivity to
remain current in trends, regulations, and changes in the accounting field. A history of successful oversight of accounting and
related functions with results that are timely, accurate, and complete will be essential, as will experience in coordinating
external audits, overseeing, developing, and implementing robust internal controls, managing and monitoring short and long
term investments, and monitoring daily University cash flow. A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a CPA certification, and a
history of progressive responsibilities in accounting are required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in
institutions of higher education or other comparable not-for-profit experience. An MBA, CMA, or similar advanced degree or
certification is preferred.
Environment: ERAU’s largest residential campus and headquarters is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, adjacent to the
Daytona Beach International Airport. Often referred to as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” Daytona Beach is a charming
resort town that offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round, such as fishing, biking, and visiting the beach. The town also
boasts the title of “Festival Capital of Florida,” and is home to the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the Daytona
500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race. Daytona Beach is just an hour’s drive from Orlando, home of Walt Disney World, and
within a half-day drive of Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa. All of this combined with the fact that Florida has no state income
tax make Daytona Beach a great place to live. For more information, visit www.daytonabeach.com.
Application: RPA Inc., an Executive Search & Consulting Firm, is assisting Embry-Riddle in this nationwide search. Interested
candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé/CV to RPA Inc. at ERController@rpainc.org. Additional materials will be
solicited as needed. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please call Isaac Karaffa,
Search Manager, at 800-992-9277 or Bob Griesemer, Senior Consultant, at 570-772-8987. The first review of candidates will
begin November 4, 2015, and first round interviews will commence shortly thereafter.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is committed to being a global leader in diversity and inclusion in higher education. Committed to providing
equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals, the University does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race,
creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
any other status protected by federal, state or local law.