Associate Controller

Inside Higher Ed; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A state flagship university in Athens, Georgia is seeking an Associate Controller to lead the Accounting Department. Responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting and compliance with university policies, directing month-end closing activities, and collaborating with administrative offices. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a related field, significant professional experience, and strong communication skills. This full-time position offers a dynamic role in supporting the university's financial operations.

Qualifications

• 12 years of professional experience required, including 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.
• MBA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall operation and supervision of the Accounting Department.
• Direct financial reporting and compliance with UGA policies.
• Collaborate with various administrative offices for policy updates.

Skills

Knowledge of generally acceptable accounting principles

Experience with Governmental Accounting Standards

Knowledge of payroll accounting concepts

Excellent oral and written communication skills

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

MBA preferred

Job description

Associate Controller

Posting Number: S14570P

Working Title: Associate Controller

Department: FD-Accounting

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Schedule: 8 am to 5 pm

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 01/07/2026

Closing Date: 01/22/2026

Proposed Starting Date: 02/02/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. Enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including a newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The General Accounting Department is responsible for the installation and administrative direction of all general accounting records and procedures, the preparation and interpretation of all external financial reports, and the preparation and interpretation of all internal financial reports concerning the university as a whole. The department also prepares the indirect cost rate proposal applicable to contracts, grants, and agreements and assists in any required rate negotiation. Website: https://busfin.uga.edu/finance-division/accounting/

Position Summary

Serves as the Associate Controller, responsible for the operations of the accounting, payroll, and commitment accounting departments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain excellent service to the campus community and external customers.
• Sustain processing accuracy, fiscal integrity, and security of data.
• Coordinate the implementation of system improvements and integrations.
• Determine solutions for improved business transaction processing; distribute business service information to the campus community; prepare management and financial reports; maintain administrative policies and procedures; ensure compliance with various federal, state, Board of Regents and University policies and directives.

This individual will report to the Controller in the Finance Division and will assist with special projects, assignments, and financial analysis.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Knowledge and experience with generally acceptable accounting principles and Governmental Accounting Standards.
• Knowledge of payroll accounting concepts and IRS regulations.
• Knowledge of financial systems and the ability to extract and analyze financial data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Normal business office environment.
• Sitting at a computer for long periods of time.

Driving responsibility: No

Position of trust: Yes

Financial resources control: Yes

P-Card requirement: No

Security access: Yes

Credit and P-Card Policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit: UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. A pre‑employment drug test may be required for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience, including 5 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in higher education and an MBA.

Duties/Responsibilities – Departmental Leadership and Oversight (50%)

• Oversee the overall operation and supervision of the Accounting Department in compliance with UGA policies and procedures.
• Direct financial reporting, monthly and year‑end closing activities, performance assessments, and updates to departmental policies and procedures.
• Supervise the Directors and operations of the Payroll and Commitment Management departments to ensure consistency and compliance with university standards.

Duties/Responsibilities – Collaboration, Communication, and Strategic Support (30%)

• Represent the Accounting and Payroll Department on UGA and USG committees and institutional work groups.
• Collaborate with administrative offices such as Human Resources, Budgets, and Faculty Affairs, as well as USG Shared Services Center and OneUSG Connect support staff.
• Lead departmental efforts with EITS and other campus units to strengthen sensitive data protection measures.
• Communicate policy and procedural updates to university departments and ensure strong customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist the Controller with problem‑solving, analysis, interpretation, data acquisition, and reporting tasks.

Duties/Responsibilities – Policy Administration, Compliance, and Guidance (20%)

• Administer and interpret applicable federal and state laws, Board of Regents policies, and accounting standards (GASB and FASB) relevant to university accounting and financial reporting.
• Provide guidance to managers and directors on complex policy, procedural, and regulatory issues, including audit and accounting concerns, software/equipment needs, and training initiatives.
• Resolve and respond to departmental questions by interpreting federal, state, BOR, and UGA policies, balancing compliance with the intent and spirit of the regulation.

Contact Details

Recruitment Contact: Allison Davis

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: 706‑542‑1831