"Associate Controller - Financial Reporting"

Associate Controller - Financial Reporting

Benefits of Working at UNCW: Want to become a soaring UNCW Seahawk and work at one of the best universities on the East Coast? Want to put your toes in the sand after a day of work? The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a wonderfully vibrant university community along with a beautiful location just miles from the beach. Employees of UNCW are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other programs, resources, policies, and practices that help to support a work/life balance. Our programs have been designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Full time employees are eligible for dental, vision and health insurance plans. Health insurance benefit plans eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Full time employees are also eligible for the tuition waiver program which covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to three (3) undergraduate or graduate courses per academic year at UNCW or any other university within the UNC System. In addition, UNCW covers the cost of tuition and fees for one UNCW course each summer session. As a full time employee, UNCW also offers a free membership to the Campus Recreation Center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, meditation and yoga sessions, voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave time, paid vacation and sick leave accrual and family medical leave after 12 months of continuous service. We also offer an abundance of training and development programs through our Dare to Learn Academy, and the employee assistance program, many of which are offered free of charge.

Recruitment Range: Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

Vacancy Number: E1502

Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

Home Department: Controller - 35100

Division: Business Affairs - 35000 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:
The Office of Controller (department) includes general accounting, payroll, accounts payable, travel and direct pay, non-student billing, tax compliance, financial reporting, fixed assets, and capital reporting. The department provides financial, accounting, tax, and management reporting support services to the University. The department is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, supervising and administering all accounting functions related to the operation of UNCW and the integration of the budget and procurement system into the official financial records of the University and for the consolidation and maintenance of university financial records to provide accurate and complete financial data to university management, State and federal agencies.

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
The Associate Controller - Financial Reporting reports to the Controller and serves as a member of the Controller's Office leadership team. The position manages and provides leadership to the staff in the following three areas: Non-Student Billing, Capital Reporting & Fixed Assets, and Financial Reporting. Other competencies include providing counsel and advice to the University (Payroll, Debt Management, Associated Entities, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Advancement, Sponsored Programs, Athletics, and Budget) on financial matters, policy interpretation, fiscal theory and compliance requirements. Additionally, the position collaborates with university system peers to learn best practices in financial reporting. The Associate Controller - Financial Reporting has the authority and responsibility of the financial systems including workflow requirements for input and output and has delegated authority and responsibility to manage, initiate, approve, and monitor financial transactions.

Responsibilities Include:

• Interpreting state and federal financial guidelines.
• Acting as delegated authority and has responsibility over preparing, and posting year-end adjustments and disclosures, and preparing and publishing the annual financial statements.
• Acting as delegated authority and has responsibility over the certification of letter of credit requests for federal awards and federal invoices as well as preparing and submitting federal financial reports under Uniform Guidance 2 CFR part 200.
• Coordinates the annual financial reporting activities with the Office of State Auditor and the Office of State Controller and is responsible for annual closing plans and guidance for activities to close the fiscal year.
• Other duties as assigned or required by the Controller.

The role leverages applicable information technology for the efficient execution of post award accounting, capital & fixed asset accounting and financial reporting tasks, ensuring integrity across systems, internal controls, and data management. This position involves excellent verbal and written communication skills and is responsible for staying informed about changes in post award accounting and financial reporting, communicating their impact, and implementing necessary updates to organizational processes and procedures. This role requires fostering productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external entities, and demonstrating leadership in continuous improvement, staff development, and operational excellence. Actions taken and decisions made in this position affect the financial stability and well-being of the entire institution and have long-lasting and significant effects on current operations and the future of the University.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance or other discipline related to the area of assignment with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework and three years of professional accounting experience, of which at least one is supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional credit hours of accounting coursework. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• MBA, master's in accountancy, or other relevant degree
• Experience in financial reporting
• CPA or another relevant professional credential
• Direct supervisory experience
• Experience in higher education
• Experience with Banner (Ellucian) Systems
• Experience in North Carolina government fund accounting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent work ethic with commitment to meeting deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to learn technology/software systems to run processes and diagnose system issues.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products with proficient Excel skills

Required Certifications or Licensures: N/A

FTE: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Months Per Year: 12 Months

Type of Position: Permanent

Job Posting Date: 03/11/2026

Posting Close Date: 4/8/2026

Number of Openings: Single Incumbent