Controller

The Keck School of Medicine’s Office of Finance & Budget serves as a strategic hub for fiscal management and resource allocation within the institution, ensuring efficient financial operations and alignment with organizational goals. Through meticulous oversight and analysis, the office optimizes budgets, streamlines financial processes, and supports the school’s mission of advancing healthcare, research, and education.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Controller to join our team and provide leadership that ensures financial accuracy, compliance with University and regulatory requirements, and effective mitigation of institutional risk. This role is critical in supporting the evolving operational and compliance needs of a complex School of Medicine environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong accounting and financial management experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence, along with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment.

At the Keck School of Medicine, this role will work closely with academic, research, clinical, and administrative leaders to support the School’s mission and ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources in support of education, research, and patient care.

Job Accountabilities:

The Controller serves as the Keck School of Medicine’s chief accounting manager, providing institutional leadership over financial reporting, accounting operations, and fiscal compliance. Oversees the integrity of KSOM’s financial statements, general ledger, and accounting systems in accordance with GAAP, University policy, and applicable regulatory requirements. Directs month-end and year-end close processes, internal controls, audits, and financial reconciliations across the School’s clinical, research, and administrative portfolios. Partners with School, Department, and Keck Medicine colleagues to ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting. Provides supervisory oversight of the accounting team and drives continuous improvement in financial operations, systems, and processes.

General Accounting & Financial Reporting

Oversees the integrity and accuracy of KSOM’s financial statements, general ledger, and chart of accounts. Directs month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and GAAP-compliant reporting across all funding sources including dean allocations, research, clinical, and hospital funds.

Accounting Compliance & Internal Controls

Establishes and monitors internal control frameworks across KSOM’s financial operations. Ensures compliance with University policy, federal regulations, and applicable accounting standards.

Audit Function

Serves as KSOM’s primary point of contact for internal and external audits. Coordinates audit preparation, responses, and corrective action plan implementation.

Central Billing & Accounts Receivable

Manages central billing operations including contracts and non-professional services. Oversees accounts receivable processes, ensuring timely invoicing, collections, and reconciliation.

Policy & Procedure Interpretation

Interprets and applies University financial policies and procedures for KSOM stakeholders. Serves as a subject matter resource for departments on accounting and compliance questions.

Chair Transactions

Administers and oversees financial transactions associated with department chair accounts, ensuring proper authorization, documentation, and compliance.

MSAA Contract Administration

Serves as KSOM’s MSAA contract administrator, maintaining accurate service schedules, ensuring contractual compliance, and liaising with affiliated hospital partners.

Accounting Team Leadership

Supervises, develops, and evaluates the KSOM accounting team. Sets performance standards and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Other Related Duties

Performs other duties as assigned in support of KSOM's financial operations and strategic priorities. May include participation in special projects, institutional initiatives, or cross-functional workgroups as directed by the CFO.

This position is on-site and employee must report to work at the USC Health Science Campus in Los Angeles, CA. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs.

The annual rate for this position is $215,000 - $265,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Requirements: Master’s degree 7 Years of experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree 10 years of experience with at least 5 of these years working in a senior accounting role. Experience working in an academic, research, or healthcare organization.