Associate Controller

Associate Controller

Reporting to the Associate Treasurer and Controller, the Associate Controller is responsible for overseeing the University's accounting operations and maintaining the integrity of its financial records and systems. This position calls for a collaborative and detail-oriented leader who brings both strong accounting judgement and the managerial skill to align people, systems, and operations in support of institutional priorities. The Associate Controller supports accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective financial operations across the institution. The Associate Controller oversees several core functions within the Business Office, including payroll, accounts payable, treasury, tax, general ledger, and financial business systems, and serves as a primary resource for departmental administrative staff.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee the daily operations of the accounting functional areas, including payroll, accounts payable, treasury, tax, general ledger, and financial business systems.
• Provide supervision and support to a team of accounting professionals and specialists, including responsibilities for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and ongoing operation of financial systems, including Workday modules for payroll, general ledger, fixed assets and cash.
• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and higher education accounting practices.
• Work closely with departmental administrative staff and business managers to support effective use of financial systems and processes, identify operational needs, and provide guidance on accounting policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver training and documentation for departmental users related to financial tools, reports, and business processes.
• Assist the Associate Treasurer and Controller with treasury-related activities, including cash management, short-term cash forecasting, and endowment accounting, unitization, and valuation.
• Ensure that cash receipts and irrevocable planned gifts are recorded accurately and in a timely manner in the accounting system.
• Oversee account reconciliations and monthly close activities, monitoring timely completion and resolving discrepancies as needed.
• Review and approve journal entries and selected financial transactions, including expense reports and supplier invoices, to ensure proper documentation, coding, and compliance with University policies.
• Ensure accounts are properly monitored and that accurate and timely financial information is provided to departmental budget managers.
• Support the annual budget submission process by assisting departmental administrative staff with budget preparation, system entry, and adherence to established procedures and deadlines.
• Coordinate the annual external audit and prepare required schedules and supporting documentation.
• Maintain and evaluate internal controls and key accounting processes; recommend and assist in implementing process improvements and best practices.
• Coordinate the preparation and review of tax and other regulatory filings and ensure timely compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with departmental administrators, Business Office colleagues, and external partners; identify issues and work collaboratively to support timely resolution.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration required; master's degree in accounting or a related field preferred. CPA or other relevant professional certification strongly preferred.
• Significant management experience in accounting and financial reporting within a complex organization required; experience in higher education or a nonprofit environment highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) required; experience with fund accounting preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems required; Workday experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, auditors, and departmental faculty and staff.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin March 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Position Type: Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

Minimum Pay: $107,965.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience