Controller - North Idaho College (Coeur d'Alene, ID)
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North Idaho College seeks a Controller
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NIC_Controller_Profile.pdf
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
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.
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. Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interest here.
Karen Pedersen, PhD
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
(719) 747-2545
kpedersen@summitsearchsolutions.com
To review NIC’s comprehensive and affordable benefits package, click here.
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.
North Idaho College seeks a Controller
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NIC_Controller_Profile.pdf
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
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.
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. Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interest here.
Karen Pedersen, PhD
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
(719) 747-2545
kpedersen@summitsearchsolutions.com
To review NIC’s comprehensive and affordable benefits package, click here.
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.
Institution: North Idaho College
This is a full time position
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