University Controller

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

$90K — $120K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in accounting or related field or Bachelor's with extensive experience
  • 7+ years of experience in fiscal responsibility, ideally in higher education
  • Proficiency in supervision and team management
  • Experience with grants management and capital improvement accounting
  • Certifications like CPA preferred

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the General Accounting team and its functions
  • Ensure accuracy and timeliness of payroll and financial reporting
  • Provide oversight for the annual external audit and financial statement compilation
  • Deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to stakeholders
  • Proactively find solutions to accounting-related issues for the university community
  • Interpret policies and recommend improvements for efficiency
  • Lead projects that focus on organizational improvement and customer service

Benefits

  • Full-time position with a structured schedule, Monday to Friday
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Engagement in collaborative leadership with various stakeholders
  • Access to a dynamic work environment in higher education
  • Participation in activities aimed at enhancing department efficiency
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Position Information

Classification Title
Controller

Working Title
University Controller

Position Type
EPS

Position Number
003313

Full/Part Time
Full-time

School/Department Information

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance team, is a member of the Division of Finance and Administration, which provides Operational Excellence and supports the University's mission, "UNCSA Forward" strategic plan, goals, and objectives by providing financial services efficiently and effectively to students, employees, other members of the campus community, State and Federal entities.

Primary Description of Work

The primary purpose of the University Controller is to provide exceptional service to the campus community by developing and maintaining a highly motivated and competent staff and by coordinating the automated and manual financial systems which provide essential services to the University.

The University Controller is responsible for the management, direction, and development of the General Accounting team (which includes Financial Reporting, Tax and Endowment Accounting, Payroll, and Accounts Payable), Capital Improvement/Fixed Assets, Contracts and Grants, and Accounts Receivable/Student Accounts Office functions. These primary functional areas provide services for payment processing; internal and external financial reporting; financial accounting; financial data control; fixed asset accounting; payroll processing for faculty, staff, and student employees; cashiering; student accounts receivable, and other accounting services.

The University Controller is responsible for coordinating the multiple interrelated automated financial systems such as the Banner Finance system, and the Chrome River Travel system.

This position reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and is responsible for providing timely, accurate, and complete financial data for State, Federal, and University level reporting. The Controller works collaboratively with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance by discussing proposed changes to ensure their successful implementation, and by proactively communicating important financial related information and updates. This position is expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, service, and a willingness to assist as needed.

Work Schedule and hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Description of Responsibilities and Duties

Oversees and directs the work of the General Accounting team (which includes Financial Reporting, Tax and Endowment Accounting, Payroll, and Accounts Payable), Capital Improvement/Fixed Assets, Contracts and Grants, and Accounts Receivable/Student Accounts Office functions. Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of the accounting services related to faculty, staff, and student payroll processing and reporting, invoice payment and travel reimbursement process, allotment accounting function which is crucial for resource and expenditure planning, fixed assets and capital improvement accounting, student accounts collections and reporting, and other financial reporting and accounting.

Provides oversight to the annual external audit process and the compilation of the University's financial statements. Provides oversight of taxation processes, and monthly and fiscal year-end close out processes.

Responsible for producing and providing timely and accurate financial reporting to university management and other internal and external users.

Outstanding Customer Service skills are required, as the position interacts with UNC System Office, Office of the State Controller, Office of the State Treasurer, Office of State Budget and Management, Office of the State Auditor, other State Agencies, Federal Agencies, parents, students, local banks, and various other agencies, vendors, and external parties.

Assists in maintaining effective communication with the University community by proactively finding solutions to accounting related items.

Leads, researches, collaborates with others, and uses professional judgment to interpret new and existing policies from entities such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Recommends solutions to current issues or to improve efficiency.

Leads and works collaboratively with others to build alignment and successfully accomplish assigned projects and initiatives that lead to organizational improvement, greater efficiency, and improved customer service to the campus community.

Prepares complex financial reports and performs in-depth analysis and interpretation of complex data and financial information.

Actively participates in activities that contribute to individual professional development in support of the department.

Maintains confidentiality of information exposed to during the course of business regarding students, and other employees.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree in accounting or related field from an accredited institution and seven or more years of experience, or a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field and ten or more years of increasing fiscal responsibility in a complex environment, preferably in higher education, is required, along with demonstrated skills and proficiency in supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

A Master's degree in accounting or related field from an accredited institution and seven or more years of experience preferred.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or other accounting related certification preferred.

Terms of Employment
E2 16.00 12 Month

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Ability to work in a complex matrix setting, build consensus, and develop new approaches to problem-solving.
- Strong leadership, organizatiol, and administrative skills to effectively organize plans and programs.
- Experience with grants magement and capital improvement accounting.
- Knowledge of fund accounting, preparation of fincial statements, and 13th month accounting.
- Excellent communication skills to interface effectively with diverse interl and exterl stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal, written, interpersol and listening skills.
- Treats others respectfully, speaks to others courteously, and behaves in such a way that creates a workplace environment that is marked by trustworthiness, politeness, and professiolism.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

Open Date
06/02/2026

Close Date
06/16/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Salary Range

Recruitment Range, if applicable
Commensurate with education and experience

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is an Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) position. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position.

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