Associate Comptroller - Reporting & Compliance

Associate Comptroller

The Associate Comptroller is a senior financial leader responsible for overseeing the university's post-award grants and contracts administration, general ledger integrity and reporting, along with tax and financial compliance. This role ensures accurate accounting, timely financial reporting, and compliance to federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Associate Comptroller serves as a key partner to the AVP/Comptroller, Sponsored Programs, Division of Business & Finance, campus community, internal and external auditors, ensuring strong internal controls and audit-ready operations.

Key Areas of Oversight
1. Grants & Contracts (Post-Award)

• Oversees all post-award financial administration for federal, state and private grants.
• Ensures compliance with Uniform Guidance, agency-specific requirements, and institutional policies.
• Manages grant billing, drawdowns, financial reporting, and closeout.
• Reviews and approves grant budgets, cost transfers, and allowable expenditures.
• Coordinates with Title 3 Office and Office of Sponsored Programs on award setup and compliance monitoring.
• Provide guidance to the Principal Investigator as needed

2. General Ledger (GL) Leadership

• Provides full oversight of the general ledger, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely reconciliation.
• Coordinate in conjunction with Associate Comptroller Operations and ERP Manager the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Ensures proper classification of transactions across all funds, including restricted, unrestricted, auxiliary, and capital.
• Serve on the committee to oversee chart of accounts governance and ERP financial configuration related to the chart structure.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP, GASB, and state reporting requirements.

3. Financial Reporting & Audit Readiness

• Serve as the lead in the coordination and preparation of financial statements, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Serves as a primary liaison for internal and external auditors, including A-133/Single Audit.
• Ensures timely submission of federal, state, and agency-required financial reports to include the annual SEFA report.
• Work with Comptroller management team to implement corrective action plans and strengthen internal controls.
• Coordinate with Associate Comptroller – Operations to ensue tax compliance to related to payroll, state and other federal compliance regulations.

4. Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervises staff in Grants & Contracts, General Ledger Accounting, and coordinate as needed with the Associate Comptroller – Operations.
• In collaboration with ERP Manager establish training programs and guidance related to compliance, internal controls, and financial processes.
• Collaborates with Budget, Procurement, Comptroller Operations, and Business Process Improvement to ensure integrated financial operations.
• Work with Business Process Improvement to supports ERP modernization and process improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains the integrity of the university's financial systems and data.
• Ensures timely and accurate grant invoicing, reporting, and cash management.
• Oversees reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts along with the Associate Comptroller
  - Operations.
• Reviews and approves journal entries, cost allocations, and adjustments.
• Develops and updates financial policies and procedures.
• Monitors grant spending to ensure compliance and prevent audit findings.
• Leads financial analysis for grant portfolios and institutional funds.
• Provide assistance to the leadership in preparing materials for the Executive Cabinet, Board of Trustees, State, and Federal Agencies.
• Ensures strong internal controls across Grants and General Ledger operations.
• Monitor and adhere to tax compliance guidance and deadlines

Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including grants or fund accounting.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of Uniform Guidance, GAAP, and GASB.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of internal controls relative to finance and accounting processes.
• In depth knowledge of state and federal regulations and procedures relative to grants processing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A strong foundation and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Strong understanding of internal controls relative to business processes.
• Experience with Cayuse Research Administration Software, a plus.