Description

The Assistant Vice President and University Controller (AVPC) reports directly to the Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer (VPAF & CFO) and serves as a key member of the university’s financial leadership team. The AVPC provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the university’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and exceptional customer service.

The AVPC is responsible for the management and oversight of accounting operations, financial reporting, payroll, purchasing, tax compliance, grants accounting, treasury management, investment activities, and other related financial functions. The AVPF collaborates with campus leaders to support informed decision-making, promote financial sustainability, and advance the mission and strategic priorities of the university.

This position requires excellent interpersonal skills and possesses an attitude of continuous improvement and operational excellence. The AVPF will identify and implement best practices for the department and will evaluate and manage performance, stay abreast of emerging trends and bring innovation to the university. This position ensures that all reporting to both internal and external affiliates is accurate and submitted in a timely manner.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Financial Operations and Compliance

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, purchasing, grants accounting, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and institutional regulations.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of required regulatory and financial reports.
• Manage the university's annual external audit and coordinate responses to audit findings and recommendations.
• Support compliance with federal grant requirements, Uniform Guidance, and other applicable regulations.

Treasury, Investments, and Endowments

• Oversee cash management activities to ensure adequate liquidity and effective stewardship of institutional resources.
• Monitor banking relationships and treasury operations.
• Assist with the management and reporting of university investments and endowment funds.
• Ensure proper administration, accounting, and reporting of endowed and restricted scholarship funds.
• Collaborate with Advancement and Financial Aid offices to ensure appropriate stewardship of donor-restricted resources.

Tax Compliance and Reporting

• Oversee the university's tax compliance activities, including the preparation, review, and timely filing of all required federal, state, and local tax returns and informational reports, including but not limited to Form 990, Forms W-2, Forms 1099, sales and use tax filings, and other applicable tax documents.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit tax regulations, IRS requirements, and state tax laws.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and internal stakeholders regarding tax-related matters and reporting obligations.
• Monitor changes in tax laws and regulations affecting higher education institutions and recommend appropriate policy and procedural updates.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and procedures to ensure accurate tax reporting and remittance.

Leadership and Personnel Management

• Provide leadership, supervision, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for the Controller’s Office staff.
• Establish performance expectations and evaluate employee performance.
• Promote a collaborative, customer-focused work environment.
• Lead change management initiatives and encourage continuous process improvement.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve on university committees and task forces as assigned.
• Represent the Finance Division in campus and external meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the VPAF/CFO.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• On-site work is required.
• Remain current in professional knowledge, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends affecting higher education finance.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10+ years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience; five (5) years of leadership experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance; including staff management.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, FASB standards, Fund Accounting, and Internal Controls.
• Higher education or 501c3/non-profit experience strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certification

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s License (or obtained within 30 days of hire date) and satisfactory MVR.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced Excel skills along with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications. Ability to collect, organize and analyze data.
• Ability to adapt to different types of software programs.
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task is imperative.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to create a positive working environment for team members by encouraging staff to provide the highest quality of service and support to all internal and external customers. Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational culture.
• Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and outside regulations pertaining to the position.
• Working knowledge of operational and fiscal analysis techniques.
• Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to anticipate, investigate, and analyze problems and address them proactively. Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment and to work independently and follow through on assignments.
• Exhibit solid organizational skills and be detail oriented.
• Ability to always exercise discretion and good judgment and in all contexts and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively with all constituencies of the College.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present information in a meaningful manner.
• Ability to collaboratively and effectively work in a diverse and inclusive environment.