Associate Vice President and University Controller

University of West Georgia; Carrollton (GA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Assistance Program

Recreation facility access

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Georgia is seeking an Associate Vice President and University Controller. This role involves overseeing the entire accounting and financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity and compliance with regulations. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in accounting and significant leadership experience, particularly in public-sector fund accounting. The position emphasizes collaboration, effective communication, and requires a relevant certification. The salary ranges from $155,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in accounting or financial services.
• Experience in a highly regulated environment is essential.
• A CPA, CIA, CMA, or CA certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and financial reporting operations.
• Provide strategic direction for financial management and compliance.
• Lead and manage a team of 3 to 5 direct reports.

Skills

Leadership

Public-sector fund accounting

Collaboration

Effective communication

Financial systems expertise

Education

Master's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Peoplesoft

Workday

Job description

Job Title: Associate Vice President and University Controller

Location: UWG Recruiting Location

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 295557

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia—a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 14,400+ students and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student‑centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post‑graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first‑choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University’s mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia’s Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well‑being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small‑town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year‑round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award‑winning spaces, including an 18‑mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University’s students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K‑12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Job Summary

The Associate Vice President and University Controller will oversee all accounting, financial reporting, and compliance operations of the university, ensuring fiscal integrity and adherence to University System of Georgia (USG) and state audit requirements. It includes oversight of Financial Reporting and Accounting, including public/private venture reporting and capital asset management, as well as Purchasing and Payables, Travel Services, Procurement, and the Office of Student Accounts. The role will have 3 to 5 direct reports.

Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Finance, the University Controller provides strategic direction for financial management, internal controls, external audits, and fiscal policy implementation. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader with deep technical expertise in public‑sector fund accounting, GASB reporting, and financial systems, along with a strong commitment to service excellence and UWG’s mission of transforming lives through education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical accounting and reporting areas to ensure timely, accurate reporting through directing the preparation and delivery of all financial reporting requirements to internal and external agencies, the University System of Georgia (USG), and University of West Georgia (UWG). · Manage the University’s operating cash and short‑term investments, working closely with the Chief Business Officer to develop and enhance banking relationships and improve cash flows and related interest income.
• Monitor, report, and support the University and its foundations on the use of private/public ventures to elevate the student experience. Ensure processes are followed that result in timely balance sheet reconciliations and clearing of reconciling items.
• Oversee the shared service center areas to ensure timely reporting, appropriate cost‑benefit internal controls, relevant key performance indicators and tracking, efficient value‑added services, contemporary processes, and a strong client‑focused approach. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, coordinate internal/external auditing activities, and implement and maintain internal controls for adherence. Serve as primary contact for internal and external auditors. Ensure students have contemporary, efficient, and timely processes to effectively manage their student accounts. Coordinate with USG Shared Service Center as needed to deliver on campus needs balanced with USG needs for those processes managed centrally.
• Provide overall leadership, supervision, and coaching to direct reports in areas of responsibility, including the evaluation of performance in relation to strategic goals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. · Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with all departments through gaining an understanding of their purpose and objectives.
• Lead and/or support episodic strategic projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Master’s Degree

Required Experience

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or a related field, OR a bachelor’s degree with equivalent years of technical accounting experience.
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in accounting or financial services, including supervisory experience in a highly regulated environment.
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Accountant (CA) is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• Master’s Degree

Preferred Experience

• Minimum 10 or more years’ experience leading engaged, diverse, and high‑performing teams in public sector or agency or higher education.
• Experience in the University System of Georgia or comparable public higher education system.
• Familiarity with Peoplesoft, Workday, or similar ERP systems.

Proposed Salary

$155,000 to $180,000 annually. Paid on a monthly basis. Commensurate with experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Abilities

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively in team environments.
• Excellent communication skills; Ability to speak and write effectively and design quality presentations.

Physical Requirements

Office Environment – Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of GAAP and relevant FASB/GAS pronouncements.
• Knowledge and understanding of university operations and board governance.

Skills

• Visionary leader able to manage stakeholder engagement.
• Organizational capacity building with proven effectiveness and expertise in fiscal management and administration and operational strategies.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to speak and write effectively and design quality presentations.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75‑50).

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.