Director of Accounting & Financial Compliance - UTK

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for campus-wide accounting, compliance, and tax functions with institutional impact.
• Establish priorities, staffing strategies, and performance expectations for professional staff.
• Advise senior leadership on financial risk, regulatory exposure, and internal control frameworks.
• Institutional Accounting Oversight & Reporting Integrity
• Oversee general ledger operations, accruals, payroll suspense, and year-end close.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy of accounting practices impacting University financial statements.
• Interpret and apply GAAP, GASB, NACUBO guidance, and UT fiscal policies for complex transactions.
• Compliance, Risk Management & UBIT Oversight
• Lead campus responsibility for Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) governance and reporting.
• Direct financial compliance programs, including internal controls and regulatory reporting.
• Serve as primary liaison for audits, regulatory inquiries, and external financial reviews.
• Evaluate institutional risk and implement corrective actions and policy enhancements.
• Cost Accounting & Strategic Initiatives
• Oversee cost accounting activities including F&A rate development, space survey processes, and review and approval of recharge and service centers.
• Provide executive oversight of accounts receivable and revenue protection strategies.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve processes, systems, and financial transparency.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Expert knowledge of GAAP, GASB, OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and higher education accounting practices. Knowledge of federal tax concepts relevant to higher education, including UBIT. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and operate effectively in a high accountability environment.