Controller

The Controller is responsible for all accounting operations, financial reporting, payroll, tax compliance, and internal controls for the Pac-12 Conference, Pac-12 Enterprises, and all related entities. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller will manage the day-to-day accounting functions while ensuring timely, accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements. This role will supervise two Staff Accountants and play a critical role in strengthening financial processes, supporting organizational transition efforts, and maintaining best-in-class financial controls. The Controller will partner closely with the CFO, department heads, external auditors, payroll providers, and banking partners to ensure financial integrity and operational efficiency. 

An elevated job title, up to a VP of Finance job title, will be considered commensurate with experience.

The Pac-12 office is based in San Ramon, CA. This position is open to remote candidates in the states of California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Texas, and Utah.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end/year-end close.

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

• Manage all banking relationships, including cash management and authorized signatory responsibilities.

• Lead the annual audit process and coordinate the preparation of audited financial statements.

• Partner with HR on the annual retirement plan audit process and coordinate preparation of audited retirement plan data.

• Oversee tax compliance and coordinate with external tax advisors on required filings.

• Maintain and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.

Financial Reporting & Forecasting Support

• Support the CFO in annual budget development and ongoing forecasting processes.

• Prepare monthly financial reporting packages for senior leadership and key stakeholders.

• Monitor departmental budgets/P&L and partner with department heads to ensure cost discipline.

• Develop and maintain cash flow projections and ensure minimum cash thresholds are met.

• Provide financial analysis to support decision-making and scenario planning.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish, document, and maintain strong internal controls and financial governance practices.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including wage and hour law, in partnering with PEO and payroll production vendors.

• Oversee audit processes and coordinate with external auditors.

• Ensure adherence to fiduciary responsibilities and best-in-class financial control standards.

Payroll & Vendor Management

• Oversee payroll processing for full-time staff and freelance staff, including compilation and submission of payroll data.

• Review employee and contractor time records and audit payroll history.

• Manage relationships with payroll providers and PEO partners to ensure accurate and timely payroll.

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

• Oversee vendor relationships, including consultants and contractors, ensuring performance and cost-effectiveness.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, develop, and mentor two Staff Accountants.

• Establish clear goals and accountability standards within the accounting team.

• Foster a culture of accuracy, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Support organizational transition initiatives as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with HR, Legal, IT, and other corporate functions to ensure coordinated financial operations.

• Serve as a financial resource to department heads and senior leadership.

• Maintain strong working relationships with retirement plan vendors, external auditors, tax partners, and banking institutions.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of experience at a big 4 accounting firm (Deloitte, PWC, EY, KPMG) in audit or assurance

• 4-6 years of financial governance experience in college athletics at an athletic department and/or conference

• Experience overseeing tax strategy and compliance (nonprofit, membership organization, or complex multi-entity environment preferred)

• Experience managing banking relationships, liquidity planning, and capital allocation timing

• Deep GAAP expertise and responsibility for audited financials

• Licensed CPA required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a management role.

• Strong knowledge of internal controls, audit processes, and regulatory compliance.

• Demonstrated experience in budgeting and forecasting support.

• Experience managing payroll processes and working with PEO providers.

• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting staff.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Key Relationships:

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Direct Reports: Staff Accountants

Key External Relationships:

• Member University CFOs and Athletic CFOs

• Payroll Vendors

• Production Payroll/Crewing Vendors

• Retirement Plan Vendors

• Auditors

• Tax Partners

• Banking Partners

Pac-12 Overview

The Pac-12 stands at a defining moment in its history. Founded in 1915, the league’s rich legacy of athletic and academic excellence spans over 100 years. Supported by world-class service and empowerment, Pac-12 student-athletes have earned more than 500 NCAA team championships. Now, with a renewed and bold vision for its future, the Pac-12 has undergone a significant transformation on its journey to launch a new collegiate athletics conference, custom-built for both the modern-day student-athlete and the evolving college sports landscape. 

Under the leadership of Commissioner Teresa Gould, the Pac-12 embarks on creating a new legacy, composed of nine member universities, a one-of-its-kind and state-of-the-art broadcast production facility in San Ramon, CA., and a reimagined commercial enterprise that is uniquely positioned to drive strategic partnerships, brand enhancement, revenue generation and other growth opportunities to unlock new and lasting value for both its member universities and its student-athletes. Currently composed of Oregon State University and Washington State University, the league will welcome seven new full members beginning with the 2026-27 season, including Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, Gonzaga University, San Diego State University, Texas State University, and Utah State University.

COMPENSATION: $135k - $180k

The exact salary will depend on the successful candidate’s location, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.