Controller

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Controller at the University of North Carolina Wilmington leads the university's financial operations, supervising critical areas such as Accounts Payable, Financial Reporting, Fixed Assets, and Payroll. The role ensures accurate accounting records and compliant financial practices across the campus.

As part of the Finance team, you’ll drive reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, partnering with leadership to support strategic goals and institutional success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.
• 2+ 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.
• Provide financial, accounting, and management reporting services to the university; ensure accuracy and integrity of financial information.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Internal controls

Leadership

Education

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

Master of Science Accountancy (MSA) or MBA

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Job description

Controller

Benefits of Working at UNCW:

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by aclear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, andstrengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic visionand commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic andcollaborative environment where employees can make meaningfulcontributions while growing their careers.Located in coastal NorthCarolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic communitywith the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here,professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality oflife—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally andprofessionally.As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefitfrom a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, andconnection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits packagedesigned to support your health, financial well-being, andprofessional growth. From comprehensive health coverage andretirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunitieswithin the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, andwellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both atwork and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range:

Determined based on qualifications and/orexperience.

Vacancy Number:

E1644

Location of Workplace:

Main UNCW Campus

Home Department:

Controller - 35100

Division:

Business Affairs - 35 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Business Affairs Division oversees a broad range ofadministrative andoperational functions at the University of NorthCarolina Wilmington, including procurement, financial affairs,physical resources, capital management, safety and securityservices, building management and construction, informationtechnology services, and auxiliary services. Within this division, the Finance team supports the University'smission and strategic goals by delivering key financial servicesefficiently and effectively to students and the broader campuscommunity. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance (AVCF) leadsthe university's financial operations, which include theController's Office (F Accounts Payable, Financial Reporting, FixedAssets, General Accounting, Non-Student Billing, Payroll, TaxAccounting, and Travel), as well as Student Accounts and Cashiers,Budget, Financial Systems, Tax, Financial Analytics, Purchasing,and Office of Associated Entities, Foundations, andEndowment.

University Information:

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastaluniversity, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring,research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment toputting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff,delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging itsunique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarlyexcellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academicexperience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinkingand reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinaryinnovation.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers afull range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as wellas doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology,nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learningoptions, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSNprogram, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for workingprofessionals, and the nation's first bachelor's degree programfocused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarlyactivities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "DoctoralUniversities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University)by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of HigherEducation.

Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its presentlocation in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acrecampus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historicdowntown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture anddesignated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport(ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic andabroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since1969.

Location of Workplace:

Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:

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

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

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, BusinessAdministration, or a related field.
• 5 or more years of progressively responsible accounting orfinance 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 relateddegree
• Certified Public Accountant
• Experience in higher education and/or governmentalaccounting
• Ten years of progressive fiscal responsibility

FTE:

1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Months Per Year:

12 Months

Type of Position:

Permanent

Position Number:

E1644

Job Posting Date:

11/05/2026

Posting Close Date:

11/19/2026

Number of Openings:

Single Incumbent

Special Notes to Applicants:

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.

Eligibility for Employment:

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offenderbackground checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motorvehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federallaw requires all employers to verify the identity and employmenteligibility of all persons hired to work in the UnitedStates.

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant foremployment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, genderidentity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color,national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexualorientation, political affiliation, veteran status, militaryservice member status, genetic information, or relationship toother university constituents - except where sex, age, or abilityrepresent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications orwhere marital status is a statutorily established eligibilitycriterion for State funded employee benefit programs.