Higher Education Interim Controller/Finance Consultant

Independent Contractor | Remote with Potential Campus Visits | Flexible, Project-Based Work Are you a current or former Controller or CFO in higher education looking to take on meaningful project work as an additional income opportunity or next career encore after retirement? Our contract, project-based opportunities offer the flexibility of working 10-30 hours/week varying from a few weeks to several month assignments. CampusWorks is seeking experienced higher ed finance professionals to serve as Interim Controllers / Finance Consultants on a project basis. You’ll bring your expertise to institutions that need temporary, expert-level support to navigate transitions, address compliance needs, or implement process improvements. This is not a full-time job—it’s a flexible, temporary consulting opportunity for professionals who enjoy stepping in, solving problems, and making a measurable difference.

Responsibilities

• Serving as Interim CFO or Finance Director and providing day-to-day leadership of the finance department staff
• Conducting accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis functions while overseeing the daily financial operations of the college or university
• Advising on the development of policies, programs, and procedures governing financial and accounting operations, and preparing financial statements, forecasts, and analyses
• Provide oversight, direction, guidance, and coordination of the current finance projects and priorities
• Assessing the efficiency of the finance department
• Providing finance consulting to higher education clients on a variety of finance topics/challenges
• Assisting clients in how to best align policy, process, procedures, and personnel to effectively leverage the Finance ERP solution

What You'll Do (Project Scope Varies by Institution)

• As an independent consultant, you may:
• Provide interim leadership in general accounting, grants, purchasing, fixed assets, and disbursements
• Partner with campus leaders and external auditors to assess processes and recommend improvements
• Prepare and review reconciliations, interim reports, and financial statements
• Support compliance with state and federal grant requirements and institutional policies
• Help institutions strengthen internal controls, improve reporting, and align operations with strategic goals
• Guide finance system optimization using platforms like Ellucian Banner, Colleague, Workday, or Jenzabar
• Facilitate workshops, document business processes, and support knowledge transfer
• Advise on current trends and regulatory changes impacting higher education finance

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years in higher education finance, accounting, or business office leadership
• Prior role as a Controller, CFO, or Director of Finance strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with higher ed ERP systems (Banner, Colleague, Workday, or Jenzabar)
• Strong understanding of accrual accounting, grants management, AP/AR, tax reporting, and compliance
• Exceptional communication skills and comfort working independently
• Bachelor’s degree required; CPA or MBA preferred
• Previous consulting experience a plus, but not required

Engagement Details

• Project-based, consulting opportunity with varied hours and duration based on the client’s defined scope of work
• 1099 independent contractor role—ideal for professionals looking for flexible work
• Remote work with potential for limited on-site engagements, depending on client needs
• You’ll be engaged for the duration of the assignment and may be called upon for future project assignments on an as-needed basis. There is no guarantee of consecutive engagements or consistent hours. As an independent contractor, you have the flexibility to accept or reject each project presented based on your availability and interest in the defined work.

Why CampusWorks?

• We exclusively serve higher education institutions and understand the value that seasoned professionals bring to the table. As a CampusWorks consultant, you’ll be positioned as the independent expert you are, stepping in to support temporary, specialized needs at colleges and universities across the country.
• Interested in being considered for upcoming projects? Apply now to join our network of trusted higher education consultants.

Benefits of a CampusWorks Contract Consultancy: CampusWorks contract consultants partner with our clients to provide solutions that promote positive change for campuses to reach their full potential. If you are looking to expand your experience and impact, grow a portfolio of projects, or leverage your expertise and experience in a new way, CampusWorks contractor projects could be your best career move.

• Collaboration: CampusWorks fosters a collaborative environment where you can work with other talented professionals on projects that align with your interests and expertise.
• Flexibility: Whether you have your own business, prefer selective work periods, or seek work-from-home opportunities, we offer flexible assignments to suit your needs and goals.
• Impactful Projects: As a partner in our HappyCampus community, you will have access to dynamic and challenging projects, making positive changes for the clients we serve.
• Variety: The needs of our clients are likely to vary, adding some diversity to your daily tasks while allowing you to grow a variety of different skills.

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