Associate Controller for Accounting Operations and Disbursements

About the role

Opening date: Sep 28 2026. Beginning review date: 10/28/2026. Position: Full-Time, Exempt (not eligible for overtime). Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty) in the Finance Department, Division of Finance at James Madison University. The university is a selective public institution located in Harrisonburg, VA, with approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, offering liberal arts, science and technology, and professional programs. JMU’s mission is to prepare students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives; its vision is to be the national model for the engaged university.

Responsibilities

• Administers the University’s Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services financial affairs to include formulating and monitoring relevant policy.
• Directs the activities of Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services to ensure effective management of assigned responsibilities, proper internal controls are in place and customer service needs are met.
• Directs Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
• Directs Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services Departments’ compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Directs the administration of the university’s Financial Procedures Manual.
• Provides leadership and support during project implementations and enhancements to financial applications.
• Serves as a finance representative on university committees.
• Effectively interacts with employees, university departments and state and federal agencies to resolve complex issues related to federal, state and university laws, policies and procedures.
• Performs duties in a highly professional manner.
• Supports university tax compliance, including adherence to all local, state, and federal laws.

Qualifications

• Considerable experience in the accounting / auditing field.
• Progressive experience in leading university fiscal operations.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources