Associate Vice President and Controller

The Associate Vice President & Controller (AVP) serves as the chief accounting officer (Controller) and is responsible for the leadership and operational management of the university’s core accounting, financial reporting, and business services functions. Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the AVP/Controller directs activities that ensure the integrity, transparency, and compliance of the financial operations.

The position oversees Financial Accounting and Reporting, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Student Accounts/Bursar, and Purchasing. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining effective systems of internal controls, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements, facilitating audits, and providing timely and accurate financial information to university leadership and external stakeholders.

The AVP/Controller advances a culture of proactive service, innovation, and financial stewardship while fostering strong partnerships with academic, research, and administrative units. As a visible university leader, the AVP/Controller drives adoption of modern systems and processes to improve efficiency and data-informed decision-making, strengthens constituent engagement, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional standards and policies. This position is critical in positioning the university for financial sustainability, operational excellence, and long‑range success.

Essential Functions:

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for financial accounting and reporting, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Student Accounts (Bursar), and Purchasing.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and relevant federal and state regulations.
• Manage the annual audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Maintain and enforce strong internal controls and policies to safeguard University assets.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year‑end closing processes.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, reports, and forecasts for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate accounting staff, promoting a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the lead administrator for the accounting and finance modules within the Workday ERP system; collaborate with IT and other departments to enhance and optimize system usage.
• Lead efforts to improve efficiency through redesign, automation, and technology integration.
• Collaborate with departments across campus to ensure clear communication and effective financial practices.
• Stay current with changes in higher education finance, accounting standards, and applicable laws/regulations.

Additional Position Information:

Education:Requires a relevant Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s preferred

Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:CPA preferred.

Experience:

Requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible accounting/finance experience, with at least three years in a leadership or controller‑level role, preferably in a higher education environment. Deep knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and regulations (including GAAP, GASB/FASB). Strong leadership, managerial, and team‑building skills. Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision‑making abilities. Superior communication and interpersonal skills and able to effectively communicate complex financial information to non‑financial audiences.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools. Master’s degree or CPA preferred.

Compensation:

The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory…