Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting

Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state, and around the world. UW employees bring their energy, creative problem‑solving skills to their work and are dedicated to building stronger minds and a healthier world. UW is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff; your experiences, perspectives, and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington.

Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:

• Finance & Budget Strategy
• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support
• Policy, Planning & State Operations
• University Business Services

Reporting to the Director of Student Fiscal Services, the Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting leads key student financial operations, including accounting, reconciliations, payments, and deposits. This role ensures that financial activities are accurate, compliant, and efficient, while providing hands‑on leadership that promotes integrity, customer service, and operational excellence.

The Assistant Director manages a team responsible for student accounting and reporting, monitors workflows and internal controls, and drives process improvements that strengthen accuracy and efficiency. This position collaborates closely with campus partners, including the University Controller’s Office, Student Financial Aid, Treasury, and auditors, on matters related to student payments, reconciliations, and compliance.

We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not feel they satisfy all of the skills listed below; we understand that it will take some time for the successful applicant to strengthen specific position skills where needed, to learn about the university systems, campuses, and vendor collaborators, and to develop a deep understanding of the FPB environment itself. You will join a supportive team that will partner with you in these efforts;

we are an open, ethical, highly engaged, and collaborative community based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. We believe in the importance of quality of life, embracing inclusion, making a difference, and having fun.

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations for student financial accounts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to GAAP, GASB, NACUBO, and University policies
• Oversee accounting functions, internal controls, and variance analyses to maintain data integrity and compliance
• Coordinate reconciliation of Title IV and other student financial aid funds and support audit preparation and responses
• Develop and enhance Workday reports to improve reconciliation, analysis, and decision‑making
• Partner with SFS and the University Controller’s Office staff to strengthen control structures and improve receivable management

• Oversee payment and deposit operations to ensure accuracy, security, and compliance
• Collaborate with the Treasury Office to monitor and analyze cash activity, identify trends, and resolve variances
• Evaluate and implement technology and process improvements to enhance efficiency in receipting and reconciliation

• Supervise and develop staff responsible for accounting, reconciliation, and payment operations, providing clear direction and ongoing feedback
• Lead performance management, goal setting, and training to promote cross‑functional expertise and professional growth
• Partner with the Director on strategic initiatives, operational planning, and continuous improvement efforts
• Lead or contribute to special projects that advance financial operations, reporting, and compliance

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field and six years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or business management, and two years of progressively responsible…