Associate Comptroller - Reporting & Compliance

Summary

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.

• 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.
• Provides guidance to the Principal Investigator as needed.

• Provides full oversight of the general ledger
  , ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely reconciliation.
• Coordinates with Associate Comptroller Operations and ERP Manager for the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Ensures proper classification of transactions across all funds, including restricted, unrestricted, auxiliary, and capital.
• Serves 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.

• Serves 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, including the annual SEFA report.
• Works with Comptroller management team to implement corrective action plans and strengthen internal controls.
• Coordinates with Associate Comptroller – Operations to ensure tax compliance related to payroll, state and other federal compliance regulations.

• Supervises staff in Grants & Contracts, General Ledger Accounting, and coordinates as needed with the Associate Comptroller – Operations.
• In collaboration with ERP Manager establishes 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.
• Works with Business Process Improvement to support ERP modernization and process improvement initiatives.

• 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 in collaboration with 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.
• Provides 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.
• Monitors and adheres to tax compliance guidance and deadlines.

• 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 of internal controls relative to finance and accounting processes.
• In‑depth knowledge of state and federal regulations and procedures related to grants processing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• 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.