Associate Vice President, Controller

About the role

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Business & Finance/Chief Business Officer, the Associate Vice President, Controller serves as the College’s chief accounting officer and provides strategic and operational leadership for accounting, financial reporting, student accounts, internal controls, audit coordination, and related financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership and Accounting Operations
  • Provides leadership and oversight for the College’s accounting, financial reporting, general ledger, and related financial operations.
  • Provides oversight for grant accounting, sponsored program financial compliance, and related financial reporting activities.
  • Ensures the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, annual, and year-end financial reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards and University System of Georgia (USG) requirements.
  • Develops, implements, and maintains accounting policies, procedures, and business processes that support operational effectiveness and financial integrity.
  • Advises the Vice President for Business & Finance/Chief Business Officer and other campus leaders on accounting, financial reporting, and compliance matters.
• Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls
  • Leads the College’s external audit activities and coordinates responses to auditors, regulatory agencies, and other oversight organizations.
  • Oversees corrective action initiatives and continuous improvement efforts related to audit findings, compliance requirements, and internal controls.
  • Ensures compliance with College, University System of Georgia, state, federal, and other applicable financial regulations and requirements.
  • Promotes a strong system of internal controls to safeguard institutional assets and support sound financial stewardship.
• Treasury and Cash Management
  • Oversees treasury operations, cash management activities, banking relationships, and investment administration.
  • Monitors cash flow, liquidity, and financial resources to support institutional operations and strategic priorities.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable policies and regulations governing investments and cash management activities.
• Student Accounts and Receivables Administration
  • Provides leadership and oversight for student accounts, cashiering, receivables, collections, refund processing, and related customer service operations.
  • Collaborates with campus partners to ensure efficient, compliant, and student-centered business processes.
• ERP Systems and Process Improvement
  • Provides leadership for ERP system initiatives, business process improvements, and financial systems optimization.
  • Partners with campus stakeholders to enhance financial reporting, data integrity, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness through technology and process improvements.
  • Supports system implementation, testing, training, change management, and continuous improvement efforts affecting financial operations.
  • Leverages technology and data to improve decision-making, streamline workflows, and strengthen internal controls.
• Leadership and Team Development
  • Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and professional development for assigned staff.
  • Establishes performance expectations and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
  • Participates in institutional planning and strategic initiatives in support of the College’s mission and goals.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one of the following certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate, Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) certificate, or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO). A Master’s degree (MBA) may substitute for certification.
• Ten years of progressively responsible accounting, finance, or financial management experience, including experience in one or more areas such as financial reporting, audits, internal controls, or regulatory compliance.
• Ten years of supervisory or management experience overseeing accounting, financial reporting, treasury, student accounts, or related financial operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading one or more areas such as audit activities, strengthening internal controls, or implementing process improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten or more years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience.
• Higher education, governmental, public sector, or other highly regulated industry experience.
• Demonstrated success leading external audits, audit remediation efforts, and corrective action plans.
• Experience developing and strengthening internal control frameworks and financial accountability practices.
• Proven leadership of ERP implementation, conversion, optimization, or major financial systems initiatives.
• Knowledge of GAAP, GASB, governmental accounting, and higher education financial reporting requirements.
• Oversight of student accounts, cashiering, receivables, collections, or bursar operations.
• Management of treasury functions, cash management activities, banking relationships, and investment administration.
• Experience evaluating and improving financial business processes through technology, automation, and process redesign.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, develop staff, and build high-performing teams.
• Experience presenting complex financial information to executive leadership, governing boards, auditors, and external stakeholders.
• Experience supporting affiliated foundations, auxiliary operations, or related entities.
• Demonstrated success strengthening financial operations, establishing accountability, and leading organizations through periods of operational change.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and financial reporting requirements.
• Internal controls, risk management, audit practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Treasury management, cash management, banking relationships, and investment administration.
• Student accounts, receivables, cashiering, and related business operations.
• ERP systems, financial business processes, and financial reporting tools.
• Applicable federal, state, University System of Georgia, and institutional policies and regulations.
• Financial leadership and strategic problem-solving.
• Audit management, internal control assessment, and process improvement.
• Financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Project management and organizational change leadership.
• Staff supervision, coaching, and talent development.
• Effective verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Relationship building and collaboration across a wide range of stakeholder groups.
• Lead complex accounting and financial operations while maintaining compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Build, develop, and retain high-performing teams through coaching, accountability, and professional development.
• Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment.
• Identify operational risks and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Lead organizational change and business process improvement initiatives.
• Interpret and communicate complex financial information to executive leadership and non-financial audiences.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, service excellence, and stewardship.