Assistant Controller, General Accounting

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida seeks an Assistant Controller for General Accounting on the Main Campus in Gainesville. The role leads accounting staff, manages closes, and ensures GAAP-compliant financial reporting in a complex university environment.

Candidates should have a relevant advanced degree with substantial experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong communication and process-improvement skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant accounting experience or a Bachelor's with 4+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, knowledge of college/university accounting preferred.
• CPA licensure preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting staff and interns, fostering a collaborative, customer-focused environment.
• Supervise monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes with accurate financial reporting.
• Provide accounting guidance and training to campus departments and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Data-driven decisions

Team management

Education

Master's degree + 2 yrs exp OR Bachelor's +4 yrs exp

Tools

PeopleSoft

Workday

Job description

Assistant Controller, General Accounting

Job No: 541005

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Business/Accounting/Finance, Executive/Director/Management, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support

Department: 64601000 - FA-GEN ACCTG AND FIN RPTG ADMN

Job Description

Classification Title: Assistant Controller

Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience; or a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience

Leadership

Provides leadership and direction for accounting staff and student interns by fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and customer-focused work environment. Oversees performance management, identifies training opportunities, and supports professional development to build individual and team capabilities. Partners with senior leadership and the campus community to cultivate a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while supporting the CFO Division's strategic priorities and core values. Develops and monitors data metrics that support data-driven decision-making and provide meaningful financial and operational insights to leadership.

Technical & Operations

Oversees the accurate and timely completion of monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities, ensuring the integrity and reliability of financial data and reporting. Reviews, validates, and approves complex journal entries, interdepartmental transfers, and other high-impact accounting transactions while ensuring compliance with GASB standards and applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements. Manages general ledger operations, commitment control processes, and related accounting functions to maintain the accuracy of the University's financial records. Oversees general ledger configuration and maintenance within PeopleSoft and collaborates with Workday Financial Data Model teams to ensure alignment with institutional business needs and reporting requirements.

Customer Service

Provides accounting guidance, training, and operational support to University departments regarding general ledger processes and financial transactions. Promotes a customer-service-centered environment by partnering with campus units, component organizations, and other stakeholders to address needs and improve financial operations. Evaluates business processes to enhance service quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, and resolves complex accounting issues through timely consultation and problem-solving. Builds strong working relationships across the institution by fostering trust, accountability, collaboration, and shared success.

Research & Outreach

Collaborates with campus partners, professional organizations, and peer institutions to identify and implement best practices, process improvements, and strategic initiatives that strengthen financial operations. Monitors developments in accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and industry guidance to support compliance and effective implementation across the University. Ensures the integrity of financial data by developing and enhancing processes, leading the investigation of discrepancies, and directing corrective actions related to general ledger activity. Supports continuous improvement efforts that enhance accuracy, transparency, and operational efficiency.

Special Projects

Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary

Commensurate with experience

Preferred

Licensure as a State of Florida Certified Public Accountant preferred, but not required

Strong knowledge and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), specifically as these principles relate to college and university technical accounting, fund accounting, and financial reporting. GASB experience preferred

Prior experience leading a team in financial operations and proven track record of driving process automation and change management.

Ability to analyze and solve problems, interpret, and recommend data driven solutions or changes

Excellent customer service skills, including strong written and verbal communications skills, as well as the ability to work with individuals at multiple levels. Ability to work effectively in both team and individual settings. Flexibility and adaptability dealing with various priorities

Must display a positive attitude and be a team player – must be able to thrive in a collaborative environment

Experience using PeopleSoft and/or Workday Financial systems

Must have the ability to understand various business processes and translate them into technical solutions

Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Applications Close

08 September 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.