Job Summary

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. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Business & Finance/Chief Business Officer, the Controller is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the College's financial records, compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements, and the timely preparation of financial reports.

The Controller leads efforts to strengthen internal controls, improve business processes, ensure audit readiness, and support corrective action initiatives. This position plays a critical leadership role in enterprise resource planning (ERP) initiatives, including the implementation, optimization, and continuous improvement of ERP and other financial systems.

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

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree in accounting or related field from and accredited Institution.
• Eight years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
• Five years of experience supervising professional staff or leading major projects and initiatives
• Experience in one or more areas of financial operations, such as financial reporting, account reconciliations, year-end closing activities, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience supporting audits or maintaining internal controls.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience.
• CPA or related professional certification.
• Higher education, governmental, public sector, or other highly regulated industry experience.
• Experience preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP and/or GASB.
• Experience supporting annual financial audits and corrective action activities.
• Experience leading timely month-end and year-end close processes.
• Experience with ERP implementation, optimization, or financial system conversions.
• Experience evaluating and strengthening internal controls.
• Experience supervising professional accounting staff.
• Experience with grants, restricted funds, component units, auxiliaries, or foundation-related activities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Technical accounting leadership and problem-solving.
• Skilled in professional written and verbal communication and presentations.
• Skilled in organizational and time management with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities.
• Skilled in identifying accounting process deficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
• Skilled in analyzing financial data and identifying trends and discrepancies.
• Knowledge of financial management systems, reporting tools, and computer applications, including advanced Excel functions, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of general accounting and financial management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of grant accounting, sponsored program compliance, and federal grant regulations.
• Knowledge of fraud prevention concepts, segregation of duties, internal controls, and financial risk mitigation practices.
• Knowledge of ERP systems implementation, testing, and business process optimization.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with auditors, grant administrators, campus departments, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Ability to lead others by providing direction, guidance, coaching, and professional development.
• Ability to mentor, train, and develop accounting professionals while fostering accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Other Information

Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the College unless an applicant is selected for an interview. Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. Georgia is an open records state.