Associate Vice President / Controller

Associate Vice President / Controller The Associate Vice President / Controller serves as the University’s chief accounting officer and provides executive leadership and administrative oversight for Accounting, Bursar Operations, Payroll Administration, Accounts Payable, Procurement Services, Fixed Asset Management, Financial Reporting, Internal Controls, and related financial operations functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Associate Vice President / Controller is responsible for safeguarding University assets, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), maintaining accurate financial records, coordinating annual audits, supporting institutional financial planning efforts, and promoting sound fiscal stewardship throughout the University. The position serves as a key member of the Division of Finance and Business Affairs leadership team and is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining effective financial policies, procedures, systems, and controls that support the University’s mission and strategic objectives. Responsibilities Serve as the University’s chief accounting officer. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for accounting and financial operations functions. 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 University’s general ledger and accounting records. Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes. Oversee preparation of financial statements, schedules, reconciliations, and management reports. Ensure compliance with GAAP and other applicable accounting standards. Review financial transactions and reporting processes to ensure accuracy and reliability. Provide executive oversight of the Bursar’s Office and ensure accurate billing, collections, receivables management, and student account reconciliation processes. Promote efficient and student-focused service delivery. Ensure compliance with University policies governing student financial transactions. Oversee payroll administration and related financial controls, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing, monitoring compliance with applicable tax regulations and reporting requirements, and coordinating payroll reconciliation and audit activities. Direct accounts payable and procurement functions, ensuring compliance with purchasing policies and procedures, overseeing vendor management and payment processes, and promoting procurement practices that maximize efficiency and stewardship of institutional resources. Oversee fixed asset accounting and inventory management programs, including proper capitalization, depreciation, inventory control, and asset reporting, and coordinate periodic physical inventories and asset reconciliation activities. Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and coordinate annual financial audits and related reporting activities. Implement and monitor internal control systems and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial requirements. Monitor financial risks and recommend corrective actions when necessary. Provide direct oversight of personnel in Accounting, Bursar Operations, Payroll Administration, Accounts Payable, Procurement Services, Fixed Asset Management, and Financial Reporting. Perform other financial operations functions as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. 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. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline. 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. Skills and Attributes Advanced knowledge of GAAP and higher education accounting practices. Knowledge of federal regulations, Uniform Guidance, and financial compliance requirements. Strong financial analysis and problem-solving abilities. Knowledge of internal control frameworks and risk management principles. Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences. Proficiency with ERP systems, financial reporting software, and Microsoft Office applications. Other Information Travel is required. Night, weekend, and after-hour work may be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tuskegee University