Associate Vice President / Controller

About the Role The Associate Vice President / Controller serves as the University’s chief accounting officer and provides executive leadership over accounting and related financial operations. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role safeguards University assets, ensures GAAP compliance, coordinates annual audits, and supports financial planning and sound fiscal stewardship to advance the University’s mission.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the University’s chief accounting officer; provide strategic leadership and oversight for accounting and financial operations.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support institutional financial planning and operational effectiveness initiatives.
• Advise senior leadership regarding accounting, compliance, financial reporting, and operational matters.
• Promote accountability, transparency, customer service, and continuous improvement throughout assigned departments.
• Direct and oversee all accounting operations and financial reporting activities; ensure the integrity of the general ledger and closing processes.
• Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes; oversee preparation of financial statements, schedules, reconciliations, and management reports.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and other applicable accounting standards; review financial transactions for accuracy and reliability.
• Provide executive oversight of the Bursar’s Office; ensure accurate billing, collections, receivables management, and student account reconciliation; promote student-focused service.
• Ensure compliance with policies governing student financial transactions.
• Oversee payroll administration and related financial controls; ensure timely and accurate payroll processing; monitor tax regulations and reporting requirements; coordinate payroll reconciliation and audits.
• Direct accounts payable and procurement functions; ensure purchasing policy compliance; oversee vendor management and payments; promote procurement efficiency and stewardship.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting and inventory management; ensure capitalization, depreciation, inventory control, and asset reporting; coordinate periodic inventories and asset reconciliation.
• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors; coordinate annual financial audits and related reporting.
• Implement and monitor internal control systems; ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial requirements; monitor financial risks and recommend corrective actions.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience.
• Five (5) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, audits, and compliance functions.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and higher education accounting practices; familiarity with federal regulations and Uniform Guidance; ability to analyze financial information and advise senior leadership.
• Ability to develop, communicate, and enforce internal controls and financial policies.

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.
• Higher education accounting and financial management experience.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or comparable ERP systems.
• Experience overseeing Bursar, Payroll, Procurement, and Fixed Asset operations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary not disclosed in the posting.