Assistant Controller

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Please provide contact information for at least 5 PROFESSIONAL references, 2 of which MUST be current or former direct managers or supervisors.

Posting Information

Posting Number

PG195005EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Anticipated Hiring Range

$158,000 - $162,00, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (This position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement to include hybrid remote work).

Job Location

Department

University Controller

About the Department

The University Controller’s Office is a department within the Finance Division. The office has business units covering the following areas: general accounting, cash services, asset management, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, debt, and the university’s tax compliance.

The University Controller’s Office works to advance NC State as a leader in fiscal accountability and responsibility through a partnership with our campus community, strong partnerships with our peer groups, improvements in the University’s financial systems and internal controls, and efficient and effective business operations. The office continues its attention toward collaborative efforts and providing fiscal leadership, oversight, accounting, reporting, training, and outreach services that exemplify the highest standards of quality, performance, and service. Having professional staff and managers with imagination, knowledge, and people skills is paramount in the successful implementation of these goals.

The University Controller’s Office is responsible for fiscal accountability, accuracy, and reporting of the university with a net position of approximately $2.0 billion, including timely and accurate payment of monthly and biweekly wages to over 18,000 staff, faculty, student workers, and temporary employees, over 117,000 vendor payments annually, and management of a $550 million external debt portfolio.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

As the Assistant Controller for Payables and Travel, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s disbursement operations, including vendor payments, employee reimbursements, and travel services. Reporting to the University Controller, you will lead a team of 15 employees, establish operational priorities, and ensure payment processes align with university policies and applicable regulatory requirements. You will also serve as a key campus resource and the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors, helping ensure financial accountability, compliance, and effective service across the university.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Campus Engagement

• Lead, develop, and provide strategic direction to a 15-person Payables and Travel team, establishing service standards and operational priorities.
• Represent the department on the Controller’s senior leadership team and campus/ UNC System committees.
• Advise university leadership, including Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Department Heads, on allowable purchases, funding sources, account coding, and university regulations.
• Serve as the main resource for campus inquiries and collaborate with Purchasing on Pcard, MarketPlace, and purchase order requirements.

Disbursement Operations & Financial Management

• Manage all university payment methods (checks, ACH , credit cards, wires), determining pay cycle frequencies and year-end cash cutoffs.
• Review and approve high‑value payments ($10K+ validation, $400K+ approvals, prepayments, and Pay.gov transactions) and reconcile daily cash requisitions.
• Oversee specialized operations including express checks, payment returns, and year-end accruals.

Policy, Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Establish, interpret, and update university disbursement and travel policies in accordance with federal, state, and UNC system regulations. Maintain internal desktop guides for all key processes.
• Design and execute fraud prevention strategies, monitor emerging risks, and train staff on red flags.
• Represent the university’s disbursement operations to internal, state, and federal auditors, responding to audit findings and data requests.

Systems Optimization & Training

• Troubleshoot, test, and approve enhancements for AP and Travel software modules before production deployment.
• Leverage data visualization and system analytics to improve financial reporting and resolve outstanding transactions.
• Create on‑demand resources, guidance materials, and campus training modules for expense coding, travel, and payables.

If you are a strategic financial leader who values operational excellence, collaboration, and accountability, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the university’s financial operations. We welcome you to apply and bring your leadership, financial expertise, and commitment to sound fiscal practices to NC State University.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business with 12 Credit Hours of accounting coursework and five years’ experience, or Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business with 7-10 years’ experience or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

n/a

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience overseeing accounts payable, travel, and disbursement operations in a complex organization.
• Experience using PeopleSoft or an equivalent ERP system in a higher education environment.
• Management experience leading, developing, and supporting staff.
• Ability to communicate complex financial policies, procedures, and requirements clearly to university leadership, department representatives, and employees.
• Sound professional judgment and a demonstrated commitment to integrity and ethical financial practices.
• Ability to adapt to new situations, people, ideas, structures, procedures, etc. to accommodate an evolving work environment.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

11/02/2026

Anticipated Close Date

11/13/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Please provide contact information for at least 5 PROFESSIONAL references, 2 of which MUST be current or former direct managers or supervisors.

Position Number

00041103

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Department ID

496001 - University Controller

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU Website
  • NCSU Executive Search Services
  • Monster.com
  • CareerBuilder.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • Other Online Job Board
  • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
  • Job / Career Fair
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • HERC
  • Professional Journal
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
  • Professional Organization
  • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
  • NCSU Employee Referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
  • Other
• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.
• (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

NC STATE UNIVERSITY

RALEIGH, NC 27695

PHONE: View phone number on click.appcast.io