Assistant/Associate Controller

Reporting to the Associate Treasurer and Controller, the Assistant/Associate Controller is responsible for overseeing the University’s accounting operations and maintaining the university’s financial records and accounting systems. The Assistant/Associate Controller supports accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective financial operations across the institution. The Assistant/Associate Controller oversees several core functions within the Business Office, including payroll, treasury, tax, general ledger, and financial business systems, and serves as a primary resource for departmental administrative staff. Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise. Essential Functions Oversees the daily operations of the accounting functional areas, including payroll, treasury, tax, general ledger, and financial business systems. Provides supervision and support to a team of accounting professionals and specialists, including responsibilities for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development. In conjunction with the Controller, oversees the implementation, maintenance, and ongoing operation of financial systems, including Workday modules for payroll, general ledger, fixed assets and cash. Assists in maintaining the general ledger and chart of accounts in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and higher education accounting practices. Works closely with departmental administrative staff and business managers to support effective use of financial systems and processes, identify operational needs, and provide guidance on accounting policies and procedures. Develops and delivers training and documentation for departmental users related to financial tools, reports, and business processes. Assists the Associate Treasurer and Controller with certain treasury-related activities, including cash management and short-term cash forecasting. Ensures that cash receipts and irrevocable planned gifts are recorded accurately and in a timely manner in the accounting system. Oversees account reconciliations and monthly close activities, monitoring timely completion and resolving discrepancies as needed. Reviews and approves journal entries and selected financial transactions, including expense reports and supplier invoices, to ensure proper documentation, coding, and compliance with University policies. Ensures accounts are properly monitored and that accurate and timely financial information is provided to departmental budget managers. Supports the annual budget submission process by assisting departmental administrative staff with budget preparation, system entry, and adherence to established procedures and deadlines. Assists the Controller in coordinating the annual external audit and prepare required schedules and supporting documentation. Maintains and evaluates internal controls and key accounting processes; recommends and assists in implementing process improvements and best practices. Coordinates the preparation and review of tax and other regulatory filings and ensures timely compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with departmental administrators, Business Office colleagues, and external partners; identifies issues and works collaboratively to support timely resolution. Performs other related duties as assigned. Candidates with preferred experience may be considered at the Associate Controller title with the corresponding compensation range. Associate Controller duties include: Directs and oversee the management of the general ledger, chart of accounts, and year-end financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and higher education accounting practices. Oversees the implementation, maintenance, and ongoing operation of financial systems, including Workday modules for payroll, general ledger, fixed assets and cash. Oversees accounts payable team and functions. Coordinates the annual external audit and prepares required schedules and supporting documentation. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration required; master’s degree in accounting or a related field preferred. CPA or other relevant professional certification strongly preferred. Significant experience in accounting and financial reporting within a complex organization required; experience in higher education or a nonprofit environment highly desirable. Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) required; experience with fund accounting preferred. Demonstrated experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems required; Workday experience preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, auditors, and departmental faculty and staff. Candidates with preferred experience may be considered at the Associate Controller title with the corresponding compensation range. Significant experience managing a team of accounting professionals within a complex organization. Application Instructions Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include: Cover letter Resume Names and contact information for three professional references Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at Compensation: The expected annual salary for this position is between $88,000 - $106,000 for Assistant Controller and $110,000 - $133,000 for Associate Controller. Offers are based on factors such as qualifications, relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations. Washington and Lee University also offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families. To learn more about working at W&L, benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit jobs.wlu.edu. Physical Requirements: Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling. Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Working Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Types of Work: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Position Type: Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Washington and Lee University is a nationally ranked, private liberal arts institution located in Lexington, Virginia. W&L integrates the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism, and a graduate School of Law. Our academic units are strengthened by meaningful collaborations, all in the service of the university’s mission. Washington and Lee is a welcoming, friendly, and mutually supportive community. Our students, faculty, and staff prize the trusting, respectful, and civil environment on our campus. We are united by our mission, diverse in our thinking, perspectives, and interests, and devoted to each other and to W&L. The university is committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of faculty and staff who embody many experiences, backgrounds, points of view, and interests. The University provides a comprehensive benefits package aimed at supporting the work-life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and professional development of employees. Explore jobs.wlu.edu to learn more about W&L, our vibrant community, and the exceptional employee benefits. Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Request an Accommodation