Assistant Vice President for Accounting & Business Services

Summary of Responsibilities

The AVP for Accounting & Business Services provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the university’s accounting and financial operations. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Planning & Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the AVP ensures the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the University’s financial records while maintaining compliance with applicable accounting standards, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies. The AVP is responsible for developing and implementing sound fiscal practices, strengthening internal controls, leading continuous process improvement initiatives, and providing financial guidance that supports the University’s mission and strategic priorities. The position oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, audit coordination, treasury functions, tax compliance, and related fiscal services while fostering collaboration across the institution. This position will be a member of the President’s Administrative Cabinet and will be integral to the University financial compliance requirements. While leveraging strategic, creative, and analytical skills, this position requires working closely and collaboratively with executive leadership and the Controller. In this role, the AVP will need the political know-how to navigate a complex institution as well as the communication skills to present financial information to both internal and external members of the University community including members of the Board of Trustees.

Essential Functions

Financial Leadership and Accounting Operations

• Provide executive leadership for all accounting and fiscal services functions.
• Direct the University’s accounting operations to ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial reporting.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies and procedures consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) requirements, as applicable.
• Ensure the integrity of the University’s general ledger and financial records.
• Monitor and evaluate financial performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for operational improvements.
• Supports the VPPF as staff to the Board of Trustees Audit, Risk, and Physical Assets Committee by overseeing the preparation of materials for Committee meetings as well as researching or responding to other inquiries/requests from Committees.

Financial Reporting

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Direct the preparation of the University’s Annual financial statements.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to executive leadership, board of trustees, grant sponsors, and other external stakeholders.

Audit and Internal Controls

• Serve as the University’s primary liaison for external financial auditors.
• Coordinate annual financial audits, Single Federal Audit, IRS Form 990, and other required compliance audits (ex. TEG).
• Oversee implementation of audit recommendations and corrective action plans.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve internal control systems to safeguard University assets.
• Evaluate financial risks and recommend strategies to strengthen accountability and compliance.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards; Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200); State statutes and regulations; IRS tax reporting requirements; Applicable grant and contract requirements; Commission on Colleges (previously known as SACS) accreditation agency; Other federal, state, and institutional financial regulations.
• Monitor emerging accounting standards and regulatory changes and implement required updates.

Treasury and Cash Management

• Oversee treasury operations, including cash management and banking relationships.
• Monitor institutional cash flow and liquidity.
• Ensure appropriate accounting for investments, debt, and capital assets.
• Support debt issuance and financing activities in collaboration with AVP for Finance, Controller, and VPPF.

Business Services Administration

• Provide leadership and oversight for departments including, but not limited to: General Accounting; Accounts Payable; Accounts Receivable; Payroll Accounting; Fixed Assets; Student Financial Accounting and Posting; Grants and Sponsored Programs Accounting with Advancement; Tax Compliance; Financial Systems Administration in J1 Web.

Budget Collaboration and Financial Planning

• Collaborate with AVP for Planning and Finance to support annual budget development and long-term financial planning.
• Monitor actual financial performance against budget.
• Assist in forecasting revenues, expenditures, and institutional financial trends.

Technology and Business Process Improvement

• Lead modernization of financial systems and business processes with J1 Web.
• Oversee implementation and optimization of Jenzabar systems and related financial technologies.
• Promote automation, workflow efficiencies, and continuous improvement throughout accounting operations.
• Develop financial reporting tools and dashboards to improve operational transparency.

Leadership and Talent Development

• Provide leadership, supervision, mentoring, and performance management for professional staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, customer service, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Policy Development

• Develop, interpret, and administer University financial policies and procedures.
• Recommend policy revisions to improve compliance, efficiency, and accountability.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting standards and fiscal policies across the institution.

Campus Collaboration

• Build collaborative relationships with academic and administrative units across the University.
• Partner with Human Resources, Information Technology, Financial Aid and Student Accounts, Advancement, and other departments to support institutional objectives.
• Represent the University on internal and external committees related to finance and accounting.

Other Duties

• Work closely with Controller and assume responsibilities of that role upon departure of the individual; serve as part of succession plan until Controller is identified.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the President or Senior Vice President for Planning and Finance.

Education, Experience and Skills Required

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, or Bachelor of Science in accounting required.
• Master’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field OR any combination of education and work experience that provides the required skills and ability required.
• Hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License and be in good standing.
• Ten years of relevant experience, preferably in higher education but not required.
• Knowledge of higher education organizations and associated expectations preferred.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of accurate and independent judgment, tact and discretion, and exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Experience in managing financial functions required.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting guidelines/practices and the ability to research and apply accounting principles and applicable rules.
• Knowledge of grant accounting/administration is preferred.
• High degree of integrity with the ability to handle confidential and sometimes highly sensitive matters in the appropriate manner.
• Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Proven ability to effectively resolve conflicts involving individuals at all organizational levels; mediation experience preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to accomplish all tasks independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to effectively function at strategic financial decision-making level and hands-on task level.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign.
• Understanding of investment management concepts and terminology.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with extended periods of computer use.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during fiscal year-end, audits, or major institutional initiatives.
• Occasional travel for professional development, conferences, or system meetings may be required.
• Attending university events as expected by the President or the Senior VPPF.