Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director

Job DescriptionFinance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:Financial Stewardship & Operations Institutional Analytics & Decision SupportPolicy, Planning & State OperationsUniversity Business ServicesThe Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director serves as the University’s lead authority on institutional accounting practices, providing expert guidance to campus stakeholders and central offices on complex financial matters. This role ensures the integrity and compliance of external regulatory reporting, including federal disclosures and audits, while also overseeing internal control frameworks such as Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICOFR). By interpreting and implementing evolving regulatory standards such as GASB, GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and Washington State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM)—the director ensures that institutional accounting policies remain current, accurate, and aligned with best practices.Additionally, the Director provides strategic oversight of the Controller’s Office Accounting Support & FDM Governance team, ensuring alignment with institutional reporting needs and governance standards. This team serves as the primary point of engagement for campus stakeholders for the Controller’s Office, handling inquiries, resolving complex accounting issues, and delivering guidance to units across the institution.Duties & ResponsibilitiesStrategy DevelopmentThe Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director serves as the institution’s principal authority on accounting practices, delivering strategic guidance and expert oversight to campus stakeholders and central administrative units on complex financial matters.Develops and communicates a clear vision for institutional accounting operations, aligning team goals with broader university prioritiesLeads the design and implementation of enterprise-wide financial control frameworks (e.g., ICOFR), ensuring long-term compliance and risk mitigationIntegrates unit-level priorities into institutional financial strategy, balancing decentralized needs with central governanceAdvises senior leadership on programmatic direction, regulatory changes, and strategic growth opportunities across financial operationsChampions continuous improvement initiatives that modernize accounting systems, streamline workflows, and enhance data-driven decision-makingLeadership / Team ManagementProvide leadership and manage the Accounting Support & FDM Governance team, in addition to two Senior Accountants. Manages the day-to-day operations of the Enterprise Accounting & Governance teamWorks with a diverse group of individuals to create an inclusive environment and cultureCreates and manages the budget of the Enterprise Accounting & Governance team with discretionary authorityManages a team of professionals who will lead institutional accounting practices, providing expert guidance to campus stakeholders and central offices on complex financial mattersLeads Accounting, Compliance & Governance’s (ACG) Enterprise Accounting & Governance team, including guidance and oversight of projects and workflow, and general project timelines Responsible for management, staff development, career enrichment, and trainingProgram Development/ManagementOversees resolution of accounting-related tickets and inquiries. Acts as an escalation point for complex accounting issues and transactions, working with relevant institutional partners as needed to resolveLeads initiatives to update and maintain the institutional accounting policy manual, aligning with best practices and regulatory changesCreates and maintains a system for collecting, evaluating, and incorporating customer feedback across ACGWork with ACG’s Education & Outreach team to develop and deliver training materials and documentation to guide units on proper accounting practicesDevelops and implements the ICOFR strategic plan to strengthen institutional financial controlsDrives continuous improvement in accounting systems and processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and risk mitigationAdministrationEnsures training and cross training on business processes and systemsOther duties as assignedRequirements:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a closely related field; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required and 6 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, featuring substantial leadership roles in higher education or large-scale organizations, expertise in external financial reporting, audit management, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, to include 3 years in advanced management or leadership positions, showcasing a strong ability to mentor, coach, and cultivate emerging leaders within the organizationDemonstrated expertise in external financial reporting, audit management, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulationsDemonstrated experience implementing internal control frameworks and managing riskExperience interpreting and applying GASB, GAAP, UG, and state accounting standardsProven track record of policy development and process improvement in financial operationsAdvanced accounting knowledge, including expertise in GAAP, GASB, Uniform Guidance (UG), and state accounting standards (SAAM)Internal Controls & Risk Management with an ability to design and implement ICOFR frameworks and monitor complianceDemonstrated understanding of enterprise systems design, configuration, analysis of downstream impacts, and reportingSkilled in creating and maintaining institutional accounting policies and manualsAdvanced analytical and problem-solving skillset with an ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to institutional processesAbility to initiate clear, professional communication with senior executives, auditors, Deans' Offices, and leads of other unitsProficiency in Excel pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data visualization for financial analysis, as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint), SharePoint, Teams, and other documentation and collaboration toolsDemonstrated experience in working with diverse groups and teams; create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPBDesired:Experience with Workday FinancialsStrong understanding of Single Audit/SEFA requirements and Section 117/NSF disclosure reportingWe encourage applicants to apply even if they do not feel they satisfy all of the skills listed; we understand that it will take some time for the successful applicant to strengthen specific position skills where needed, to learn about the university systems, campuses, and to develop a deep understanding of the FPB environment itself. You will join a supportive team that will partner with you in these efforts; we are an open, ethical, highly engaged, and collaborative community based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. We believe in the importance of quality of life, embracing inclusion, making a difference, and having fun.We will begin screening completed application materials upon receipt through the close date.Compensation, Benefits and Position DetailsPay Range Minimum:$100,008.00 annualPay Range Maximum:$155,004.00 annualOther Compensation:-Benefits:For information about benefits for this position, visit Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:Not ApplicableAbout the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Our Commitment The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. SummaryLocation: Seattle, WAType: Full time