Assistant Vice President Accounting & Business Services

Assistant Vice President for Accounting & Business Services SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The AVP for Accounting & Business Services provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the university’s accounting and financial operations. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Planning & Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the AVP ensures the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the University’s financial records while maintaining compliance with applicable accounting standards, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies.

The AVP is responsible for developing and implementing sound fiscal practices, strengthening internal controls, leading continuous process improvement initiatives, and providing financial guidance that supports the University’s mission and strategic priorities. The position oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, audit coordination, treasury functions, tax compliance, and related fiscal services while fostering collaboration across the institution.

This position will be a member of the President’s Administrative Cabinet and will be integral to the University financial compliance requirements. While leveraging strategic, creative, and analytical skills, this position requires working closely and collaboratively with executive leadership and the Controller. In this role, the AVP will need the political know-how to navigate a complex institution as well as the communication skills to present financial information to both internal and external members of the University community including members of the Board of Trustees.

• Provide executive leadership for all accounting and fiscal services functions.
• Direct the University’s accounting operations to ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial reporting.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies and procedures consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) requirements, as applicable.
• Ensure the integrity of the University’s general ledger and financial records.
• Monitor and evaluate financial performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for operational improvements.
• Supports the VPPF as staff to the Board of Trustees Audit, Risk, and Physical Assets Committee by overseeing the preparation of materials for Committee meetings as well as researching or responding to other inquiries/requests from Committees.

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Direct the preparation of the University’s Annual financial statements.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to executive leadership, board of trustees, grant sponsors, and other external stakeholders.

• Serve as the University’s primary liaison for external financial auditors.
• Coordinate annual financial audits, Single Federal Audit, IRS Form 990, and other required compliance audits (ex. TEG).
• Oversee implementation of audit recommendations and corrective action plans.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve internal control systems to safeguard University assets.
• Evaluate financial risks and recommend strategies to strengthen accountability and compliance.

• Ensure compliance with:
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards
  • Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
  • State statutes and regulations
  • IRS tax reporting requirements.
  • Applicable grant and contract requirements
  • Commission on Colleges (previously known as SACS) accreditation agency
  • Other federal, state, and institutional financial regulations

• Monitor emerging accounting standards and regulatory changes and implement required updates.

• Oversee treasury operations, including cash management and banking relationships.
• Monitor institutional cash flow and liquidity.
• Ensure appropriate accounting for investments, debt, and capital assets.
• Support debt issuance and financing activities in collaboration with AVP for Finance, Controller, and VPPF.

Provide…