Assistant Controller

largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/ . Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Essential Job Duties: 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 Work/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. Minimum Experience/Education: 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. 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 or Certification: n/a AA/EEO Statement: 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 919-513-0574 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 (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu . 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.