Associate Controller for Accounting Operations and Disbursements

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking an Associate Controller for Accounting Operations and Disbursements to lead the university's Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services within the Finance division.

The role demands extensive accounting experience, CPA designation, a bachelor's degree, ERP proficiency, and preferred MBA, with duties spanning policy formulation, internal controls, and cross-department collaboration.

Qualifications

• Considerable accounting/auditing experience.
• Progressive leadership in university fiscal operations.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• CPA designation required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• MBA or related master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers the University’s Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services financial affairs and policy.
• Directs activities of Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services to ensure internal controls and customer service.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
• Directs compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Manages the Financial Procedures Manual administration.
• Provides leadership during project implementations and enhancements to financial applications.
• Serves as a finance representative on university committees.
• Interacts with employees, departments and agencies to resolve complex issues related to laws and policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Accounting experience

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

MBA or related master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Working Title: Associate Controller for Accounting Operations and Disbursements

State Role Title:Administrative and Professional Faculty

Position Type:Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status:Full-Time

FLSA Status:Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:Finance

Department: 100205 - Associate Controller - Operations

Pay Band:N/A

Pay Rate:Commensurate with Experience

Is this a JMU only position?No

Is this a grant-funded position?No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?No

Beginning Review Date:10/28/2026

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.
Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.
Who We Are
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

James Madison University is accepting applications for an Associate Controller for Accounting Operations and Disbursements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administers the University’s Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services financial affairs to include formulating and monitoring relevant policy.
• Directs the activities of Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services to ensure effective management of assigned responsibilities, proper internal controls are in place and customer service needs are met.
• Directs Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
• Directs Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services Departments’ compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Directs the administration of the university’s Financial Procedures Manual.
• Provides leadership and support during project implementations and enhancements to financial applications.
• Serves as a finance representative on university committees.
• Effectively interacts with employees, university departments and state and federal agencies to resolve complex issues related to federal, state and university laws, policies and procedures.
• Performs duties in a highly professional manner.
• Supports university tax compliance, including adherence to all local, state and federal laws.

Qualifications:

• Considerable experience in the accounting / auditing field.
• Progressive experience in leading university fiscal operations.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Additional Posting Information:

JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.