Assistant Controller

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 158,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

NC State University seeks an Assistant Controller for Payables and Travel to lead a 15-member team, oversee vendor payments, employee reimbursements, and travel services. Reporting to the University Controller, you will drive policy compliance and audit readiness while partnering with campus leadership.

The role requires advanced accounting education and substantial experience in university-level financial operations, with a focus on internal controls, financial reporting, and process

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required with 12 accounting credit hours and 5+ years experience or Bachelor’s with 7–10 years experience
• Experience overseeing accounts payable, travel, and disbursement operations in a complex org.
• ERP experience in higher education (PeopleSoft or equivalent) is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead Payables and Travel team (15 staff) and set service priorities.
• Oversee payment methods (checks, ACH, cards, wires) and cycle frequencies.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements; interact with auditors.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Auditing liaison

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master’s Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business with accounting coursework

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business with accounting coursework

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG195005EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Assistant Controller

Anticipated Hiring Range: $158,000 - $162,00, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (This position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement to include hybrid remote work).

Job Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Department: University Controller

About The Department

The University Controller's Office is a department within the Finance Division. The office has business units covering the following areas: general accounting, cash services, asset management, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, debt, and the university's tax compliance.

The University Controller's Office works to advance NC State as a leader in fiscal accountability and responsibility through a partnership with our campus community, strong partnerships with our peer groups, improvements in the University's financial systems and internal controls, and efficient and effective business operations. The office continues its attention toward collaborative efforts and providing fiscal leadership, oversight, accounting, reporting, training, and outreach services that exemplify the highest standards of quality, performance, and service. Having professional staff and managers with imagination, knowledge, and people skills is paramount in the successful implementation of these goals.

The University Controller's Office is responsible for fiscal accountability, accuracy, and reporting of the university with a net position of approximately $2.0 billion, including timely and accurate payment of monthly and biweekly wages to over 18,000 staff, faculty, student workers, and temporary employees, over 117,000 vendor payments annually, and management of a $550 million external debt portfolio.

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

As the Assistant Controller for Payables and Travel, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the university's disbursement operations, including vendor payments, employee reimbursements, and travel services. Reporting to the University Controller, you will lead a team of 15 employees, establish operational priorities, and ensure payment processes align with university policies and applicable regulatory requirements. You will also serve as a key campus resource and the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors, helping ensure financial accountability, compliance, and effective service across the university

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Campus Engagement

• Lead, develop, and provide strategic direction to a 15-person Payables and Travel team, establishing service standards and operational priorities.
• Represent the department on the Controller's senior leadership team and campus/ UNC System committees.
• Advise university leadership, including Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Department Heads, on allowable purchases, funding sources, account coding, and university regulations.
• Serve as the main resource for campus inquiries and collaborate with Purchasing on Pcard, MarketPlace, and purchase order requirements.

Disbursement Operations & Financial Management

• Manage all university payment methods (checks, ACH , credit cards, wires), determining pay cycle frequencies and year-end cash cutoffs.
• Review and approve high-value payments ($10K+ validation, $400K+ approvals, prepayments, and Pay.gov transactions) and reconcile daily cash requisitions.
• Oversee specialized operations including express checks, payment returns, and year-end accruals.

Policy, Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Establish, interpret, and update university disbursement and travel policies in accordance with federal, state, and UNC system regulations. Maintain internal desktop guides for all key processes.
• Design and execute fraud prevention strategies, monitor emerging risks, and train staff on red flags.
• Represent the university's disbursement operations to internal, state, and federal auditors, responding to audit findings and data requests.

Systems Optimization & Training

• Troubleshoot, test, and approve enhancements for AP and Travel software modules before production deployment.
• Leverage data visualization and system analytics to improve financial reporting and resolve outstanding transactions.
• Create on-demand resources, guidance materials, and campus training modules for expense coding, travel, and payables.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business with 12 Credit Hours of accounting coursework and five years' experience, or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business with 7-10 years' experience or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

n/a

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience overseeing accounts payable, travel, and disbursement operations in a complex organization.
• Experience using PeopleSoft or an equivalent ERP system in a higher education environment.
• Management experience leading, developing, and supporting staff.
• Ability to communicate complex financial policies, procedures, and requirements clearly to university leadership, department representatives, and employees.
• Sound professional judgment and a demonstrated commitment to integrity and ethical financial practices.
• Ability to adapt to new situations, people, ideas, structures, procedures, etc. to accommodate an evolving work environment.

Required License(s) Or Certification(s)

n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

11/02/2026

Anticipated Close Date

11/13/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Position Details

Position Number: 00041103

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.0

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Department ID: 496001 - University Controller

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.