Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller Under the supervision of the University Controller, the Assistant Controller helps supervise and manage the Controller’s Office and provides leadership across core accounting and financial operations to ensure accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, strong internal controls, and effective stewardship of University resources. The role supports monthly/quarterly and year-end close, financial analysis and reporting, general accounting operations, tax compliance, treasury/banking coordination, travel operations, and financial systems/data control across ERP platforms (Workday and Banner). This position also partners across campus and with external stakeholders to improve transaction processing, reporting quality, system utilization, and customer service to students, faculty, and staff. Responsibilities Possess strong written and oral communication. Strong customer service orientation. Consensus building skills; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Must work independently with minimal supervision and exercise professional judgment. Financial Operations & Compliance (50%) Support monthly and quarterly close processes, including financial reporting, projections, and fluctuation analysis. Partner with the budget office to prepare reports/crosswalks and analyses linking financial statements and the operating budget. Assist with Board of Visitors and executive reporting, including KPI reporting, debt-related reporting, and ad hoc analyses. Oversee and/or prepare key reconciliations (examples include VRS, payroll, accounts receivable, deferred revenue, grants) and ensure timely completion and review. In collaboration with the University Controller, establish and maintain internal controls to monitor and protect university resources, including ensuring reconciliations are performed, documented, and reviewed. Support timely and accurate completion of required reporting to regulatory, grant, and credit agencies. Provide oversight for travel policies and procedures to ensure compliance and consistent application. Provide oversight for Treasury Management, serve as liaison with banking and investment partners, and provide monthly/quarterly analysis of investment results. Support bank and related reconciliations and resolution of outstanding items (including preparation/compilation of quarterly accounts receivable reporting where applicable). Serve as key liaison with affiliated foundations to ensure proper recording of gifts/endowments and to provide reporting and analysis of related accounts. Assist the Director of Financial Reporting with preparation of preliminary and year-end financial statements/footnotes and audit support; maintain technical proficiency in GAAP, GASB, and Uniform Guidance. Ensure compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations (including unrelated business income tax, sales tax, and international tax considerations, as applicable). Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Process Improvement & Innovation (20%) Identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance workflow, and improve customer service outcomes across financial operations. Research and apply best practices and Workday functionality (in collaboration with IT and campus partners) to automate processes, eliminate redundancies, and improve productivity. Lead or support cross-functional projects to implement operational improvements while maintaining compliance with policies, internal controls, and applicable laws/regulations. Provide outreach and education to campus departments to strengthen financial understanding, reporting quality, and process compliance. Strategic Leadership & Oversight (15%) Provide leadership support to the University Controller in managing day-to-day operations of the Controller’s Office and advancing office priorities. Provide oversight and direction to managers/teams to ensure alignment with university priorities and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Supervise and/or provide operational oversight for functions including Financial Systems/Data Control, Travel, Payroll, Tax Compliance, and Treasury Management. Develop and maintain Financial Operations policies and procedures; establish mutual responsibilities with campus partners to support timely, accurate processing. Build cross‑functional relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., budget office, IT, campus departments) and external partners (e.g., banks, investment manager/custodian, foundations) to support financial operations and reporting needs. Participate on committees and cross‑campus initiatives to strengthen financial operations, elevate service delivery, and support institutional goals. Systems Management & Data Integrity (15%) Maintain a strong understanding of university fiscal operations and finance information systems to support data integrity, regulatory compliance, and accurate reporting. Assist in maintaining fund and organizational security for Banner, Workday, and other financial applications. Serve as liaison with the Office of Information Technology on initiatives to improve Workday utilization and workflow capabilities within the Controller’s Office. Coordinate with Financial Systems/Data Control and Financial Reporting to support year-end closing processes and system‑dependent reporting activities. Provide standard and custom departmental reporting as needed for functions including budget, payroll/benefits, and general ledger; support data‑driven decision‑making. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field. Substantive and progressively responsible experience and expertise in an accounting or finance role. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Substantive experience with preparation of annual financial statements and coordination of annual audits. Demonstrated management level experience, directing daily operations and managing personnel. Experience with automated accounting/financial/reporting systems. Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and auditing standards as they relate to not‑for‑profit organizations and governmental entities with diversified, complex investment portfolios. In-depth knowledge of state and federal laws, IRSCODE, UPMIFA, and other regulations pertaining to not‑for‑profit organizations. Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills with the proven ability to independently interpret and apply principles guiding accounting and financial reporting. Strong proficiency with a variety of software applications, particularly MS Office with advanced competency with Excel and Word, automated accounting, enterprise and report writing systems. Ability to formulate and implement financial policies, practices, procedures, and internal controls. Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the demonstrated ability to work as a strong collaborative team player. Strong organization skills with the ability to work independently and successfully managing multiple projects with competing priorities while meeting tight deadlines. Strong work ethic with dedicated commitment to performing at a high level contributing to a collegial team‑oriented workplace. Preferred Qualifications An advanced degree (particularly a master’s in accounting, taxation, or finance). Significant financial accounting and reporting experience working for a not‑for‑profit enterprise that has a large and complex diversified portfolio. Experience with a non‑profit higher education institution or a university‑affiliated foundation. Prior experience working with Workday. Conditions of Employment This position requires additional hours beyond the typical work week, at times, in order to meet the business objectives. Posting Range: $130,000-$150,000 commensurate with experience. EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer. Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. William & Mary conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr William & Mary