As controller, Jo Smith is responsible for DePaul's accounting and financial reporting. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
In July, DePaul welcomed Jo Smith as its controller. An experienced financial and accounting executive in higher education, Smith most recently served as associate vice president of finance at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
At DePaul, Smith oversees tax services, accounts payable, payroll services, financial accounting, restricted accounting, financial services and student financial accounts.
"As controller, Jo is responsible for the university's accounting and financial reporting — two functions that are vital to ensuring DePaul's continued fiscal strength," says Executive Vice President Sherri Sidler. "Jo's dedication to excellence will be an asset to the DePaul community."
At the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Smith supervised all departments related to financial and restricted accounting, student financial services, accounts payable, as well as treasury and investments. Her roles included managing the university-wide budget, audits, implementing strategic planning initiatives, financial analysis and regulatory compliance.
"I find working in higher education to be rewarding both professionally and personally," Smith says. "I'm very happy to join a highly respected institution like DePaul, and I look forward to close collaboration across the university."
Prior to her experience in higher education, Smith served as a finance manager at Outpost Natural Foods, an organic foods cooperative with five retail facilities in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Smith earned a bachelor's in accounting from Maryville University in St. Louis.