Assistant/Associate Controller

About the role

The Assistant/Associate Controller oversees the University's accounting operations and maintains financial records and systems. This role supports accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily operations of accounting functional areas including payroll, treasury, tax, general ledger, and financial business systems.
• Supervises and supports a team of accounting professionals and specialists, including responsibilities for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Oversees implementation, maintenance, and ongoing operation of financial systems, including Workday modules for payroll, general ledger, fixed assets and cash.
• Maintains general ledger and chart of accounts in accordance with GAAP and higher education accounting practices.
• Works 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.
• Develops and delivers training and documentation for departmental users related to financial tools, reports, and business processes.
• Assists with treasury-related activities, including cash management and short-term cash forecasting.
• Oversees account reconciliations and monthly close activities, monitoring timely completion and resolving discrepancies as needed.
• Reviews and approves journal entries and selected financial transactions, ensuring proper documentation, coding, and compliance with University policies.
• Supports annual budget submission process by assisting departmental administrative staff with budget preparation, system entry, and adherence to established procedures and deadlines.
• Aids in annual external audit and prepares required schedules and supporting documentation.
• Maintains and evaluates internal controls and key accounting processes; recommends and assists in implementing process improvements and best practices.
• Coordinates tax and regulatory filings and ensures timely compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with departmental administrators, Business Office colleagues, and external partners; identifies issues and collaborates to support timely resolution.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 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.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, auditors, and departmental faculty and staff.

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 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.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, auditors, and departmental faculty and staff.

Skills

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, particularly Workday
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Ability to manage a team of accounting professionals
• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Benefits

Washington and Lee University offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

The expected annual salary for this position is between $88,000 - $106,000 for Assistant Controller and $110,000 - $133,000 for Associate Controller.

Schedule

Full-time, benefit-eligible position.