Controller

UNCW; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

comprehensive health coverage

retirement options

generous paid leave

tuition opportunities within the UNC S

learning and development opportunities

wellness programs

Job summary

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking a Controller to lead the Controller’s Office and oversee key accounting functions including accounts payable, financial reporting, fixed assets, payroll, and travel.

The role requires a strong grounding in GAAP, budgeting, audits, internal controls, and at least five years of progressive accounting or finance experience, with two or more years in supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5 or more years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.
• 2 or more years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Accounts Payable, Financial Reporting, Fixed Assets, General Accounting, Non-Student Billing, Payroll, Tax Accounting, and Travel.
• Prepare financial reports for university leadership, the UNC System Office, state and federal agencies, bondholders, and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information and compliance with applicable policies.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, FI n/

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

Master of Science Accountancy (MSA), MBA, or closely related degree

Certified Public Accountant

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application before you submit for this position.

Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.

This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

• comprehensive health coverage
• retirement options
• generous paid leave
• tuition opportunities within the UNC System
• learning and development opportunities
• wellness programs

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

The Controller reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and serves as a member of the financial leadership team. The Controller oversees Accounts Payable, Financial Reporting, Fixed Assets, General Accounting, Non-Student Billing, Payroll, Tax Accounting, and Travel.

The Controller’s Office provides financial, accounting, and management reporting services to the university. The office is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and administering the university’s accounting operations, including Accounts Payable, Financial Reporting, Fixed Assets, General Accounting, Non-Student Billing, Payroll, Tax Accounting, and Travel. The Controller’s Office maintains the university’s official financial records, ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information, supports compliance with applicable federal, state, UNC System, and university policies, and prepares financial reports for university leadership, the UNC System Office, state and federal agencies, bondholders, and other external stakeholders.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5 or more years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.
• 2 or more years of supervisory of management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP , financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and internal controls.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Master of Science Accountancy ( MSA ), MBA , or closely related degree
• Certified Public Accountant
• Experience in higher education and/or governmental accounting
• Ten years of progressive fiscal responsibility

Required Certifications or Licensures

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Business Affairs Division oversees a broad range of administrative and operational functions at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, including procurement, financial affairs, physical resources, capital management, safety and security services, building management and construction, information technology services, and auxiliary services.

Within this division, the Finance team supports the University’s mission and strategic goals by delivering key financial services efficiently and effectively to students and the broader campus community. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance ( AVCF ) leads the university’s financial operations, which include the Controller’s Office (F Accounts Payable, Financial Reporting, Fixed Assets, General Accounting, Non-Student Billing, Payroll, Tax Accounting and Travel), as well as Student Accounts and Cashiers, Budget, Financial Systems, Tax, Financial Analytics, Purchasing, and Office of Associated Entities, Foundations, and Endowment.

College/School Information

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world‑class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660‑acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport ( ILM ) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington 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.

Number of Openings

Months Per Year

Months Per Year 12 Months

FTE

FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Type of Position

Type of Position Permanent

Anticipated Ending Date if Time‑Limited Positions

Job Posting Date

Job Posting Date 11/05/2026

Posting Close Date

Posting Close Date 11/19/2026

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)
  • UNCW Website
  • UNCW LinkedIn Page
  • UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)
  • UNCW Employee Referral
  • UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)
  • UNCW Job Alert
  • Chronical of Higher Education
  • Glassdoor
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Indeed
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • North Carolina Job Network
  • Craigslist
  • Career Events/Job Fairs
  • Billboards/Marquee
  • Other
• If you selected “Other” to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable.

  (Open Ended Question)