Assistant Vice President and Controller

External Applicants:

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.

• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.

• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees:

Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website.

A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting and Compliance:

  • Oversee the preparation and timely submission of all financial reports following GAAP, NACUBO, and other relevant standards as well as internal policies and procedures

  • Oversee the consolidation of the WFU entities, including coordination of subsidiary reporting and audits, production of interim and fiscal year-end financial statements

  • Oversee monthly reporting to the internal campus community reporting services

  • Oversee preparation and submission of internal and external financial surveys (eg, IPEDS, SACSCOC, US Census Bureau, ezAudit)

  • Oversee all financial systems underlying the financial reporting and grant reporting process

  • Manage all annual financial audit processes, including coordination with external auditors

  • Perform all necessary analysis for financial data presented in financial statements, compliance audits, and various surveys, to ensure accuracy

  • Maintain and update accounting policies and procedures

  • Oversee the implementation and maintenance of all new accounting or regulatory standards within the areas of responsibility

  • Maintain strong relationships with the external auditors, internal audit and compliance offices, senior business officers, business officers, and all subsidiary organizations

• Grants Compliance:

  • Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations, including OMB Circulars (e.g., Uniform Guidance)

  • Maintain strong relationship with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (pre-award)

  • Develop, implement, and provide training for the campus community on policies and procedures that properly administer and report grant funds.

  • Monitor grant expenditures and ensure adherence to grant terms and conditions.

  • Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to grantors.

  • Oversee the federal facilities & administrative (F&A) cost proposal preparation, responding to federal auditor questions and coordinating the University's F&A negotiations.

  • Oversee the federal and state cash draws process to ensure draws are performed promptly and accounted for accurately.

  • Directly responsible for all federal, state, or sponsored research program audit(s), including correcting audit materials, responding to auditor inquiries, and finalizing the program audit(s).

• Accounting Operations:

  • Oversee all general ledger accounting and reporting functions for WFU and all WFU Reynolda subsidiaries.

  • Implement and maintain strong internal controls.

  • Supervise and mentor accounting staff.

  • Streamline and automate accounting processes.

• Technology and Systems:

  • Evaluate and implement accounting software and systems.

  • Ensure the integrity and security of financial data.

• Leadership and Collaboration:

  • Serve as a key member of the finance leadership team.

  • Collaborate with other departments to provide financial guidance.

  • Represent the finance department in university-wide initiatives.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in higher education.

• Strong understanding of GAAP, NACUBO, and OMB Circulars.

• Proven experience in managing financial audits and ensuring regulatory compliance, especially related to grants.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in accounting software and systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience working with grant management software, and donor management software is a plus.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience in Higher Education accounting.

• Knowledge of and technical proficiency with accounting systems and related applications. Experience with Workday ERP.

Accountabilities:

Supervises, reviews, and oversees work of less-experienced staff. Provides direct supervision to Financial Reporting, General Accounting, and Post-Award Sponsored Research staff.

Note:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

Additional Job Description

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

Time Type Requirement

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.eduor (336) 758-4700.