Assistant Controller

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

North Carolina State University is seeking an Assistant Controller for Payables and Travel to lead a 15-person team, oversee vendor payments, employee reimbursements, and travel services, and collaborate with campus and audit partners to ensure compliance and robust financial reporting.

Hybrid work arrangements are available. A relevant master’s degree and 5+ years in accounts payable or financial operations are preferred, along with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in accounting, finance or business with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework and five years' experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a 15-person Payables and Travel team, setting service standards and priorities.
• Represent the department on the Controller's senior leadership team and campus committees.
• Advise university leadership on allowable purchases, funding sources, and account coding.
• Oversee disbursement operations including checks, ACH, credit cards, wires, and year-end cash cutoffs.
• Establish and update disbursement and travel policies in line with federal/state/UNC system regulations.
• Design fraud prevention strategies and train staff on red flags.

Skills

Accounts payable leadership

Travel management

ERP systems

Staff development

Financial reporting

Education

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

Assistant Controller

Raleigh, North Carolina

$158,000 - $162,00, commensurate with experience

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

Full Time Equivalent (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

University Controller

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

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.

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.

If you are a strategic financial leader who values operational excellence, collaboration, and accountability, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the university's financial operations. We welcome you to apply and bring your leadership, financial expertise, and commitment to sound fiscal practices to NC State University.

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

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

Required License(s) or Certification(s): n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

Commercial Driver's License required: No

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.

Additional Requirements

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. Please provide contact information for at least 5 PROFESSIONAL references, 2 of which MUST be current or former direct managers or supervisors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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

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.