Assistant Controller - University of California, Riverside

Another Source•Riverside, CA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The University of California, Riverside (UCR), one of the nation's leading public research universities, is seeking an experienced financial leader to join its team as Assistant Controller – Financial Audit & Reporting. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Business & Financial Services and Controller, this highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to shape institutional financial strategy while overseeing financial reporting, audit activities, treasury analysis, internal controls, and executive decision support. This position is based onsite with opportunities for collaboration across campus leadership and financial operations teams. Relocation assistance is available. The University of California, Riverside is one of the nation’s leading public research universities and a member of the prestigious University of California system. Recognized for its commitment to innovation, social mobility, and student success, UCR serves more than 26,000 students and continues to expand its impact through groundbreaking research, community partnerships, and strategic investments across the institution. UCR is consistently recognized as a national leader in advancing opportunity and access while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence and operational stewardship. As the university continues to grow, the financial leadership team plays a critical role in ensuring resources are managed strategically to support the institution’s mission and long-term success. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Business & Financial Services and Controller, the Assistant Controller – Financial Audit & Reporting serves as a key financial leader responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the university’s financial reporting environment. This is a highly visible role that combines technical accounting expertise with strategic financial leadership. The Assistant Controller will oversee complex financial reporting, audit activities, internal controls, liquidity analysis, and financial modeling efforts that support executive decision-making. This individual will partner with senior leaders across the university to develop reporting strategies, strengthen financial stewardship, support long-range planning initiatives, and ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, University of California policies, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence institution-wide financial strategy while serving as a subject matter expert on accounting standards, financial reporting, treasury activities, and financial controls.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive accounting, financial reporting, or financial management experience
Deep expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
Strong analytical and executive communication skills
Experience with audits, treasury management, debt planning, or complex financial environments
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Eight (8) to thirteen (13) years of progressively responsible accounting, financial reporting, or financial management experience.
Expert-level knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and analytical methodologies.
Extensive experience interpreting and applying accounting policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial information and develop actionable recommendations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial information to executive audiences.
Strong proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a complex organizational environment.

Nice To Haves

CPA certification
Higher education or public sector experience
Familiarity with Oracle Cloud Financials
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification.
Experience within higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organizations.
Working knowledge of University of California policies and procedures.
Experience with Oracle Cloud Financials.
Experience supporting audits, treasury management, debt planning, or large-scale financial reporting initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead complex financial reporting and audit initiatives
Serve as a technical accounting and compliance expert
Partner with executive leadership on treasury, liquidity, and investment strategies
Develop financial models supporting debt management and capital planning
Drive process improvements and strengthen financial stewardship across the institution
Present financial insights and recommendations to senior campus leadership
Lead complex financial analyses to evaluate current and future financial performance, resource allocation, and institutional financial health.
Develop and implement fund management strategies and internal controls that mitigate risk and strengthen financial stewardship.
Ensure compliance with University, State, Federal, contract, and grant regulations.
Lead large-scale audits, coordinate audit preparedness efforts, and ensure timely and accurate responses to audit requests.
Monitor industry trends and emerging accounting standards and recommend enhancements to accounting practices and procedures.
Provide oversight of gift, endowment, and federal appropriation funds.
Advise executive leadership on financial and investment strategies that maximize income on cash balances and long-term working capital.
Develop financial models supporting investment, debt management, and capital planning decisions.
Conduct feasibility studies and debt affordability analyses to support campus initiatives and capital projects.
Recommend funding strategies that balance liquidity, risk management, and long-term financial objectives.
Develop and maintain periodic and ad hoc reporting related to cash flow, investments, liquidity, debt obligations, and balance sheet activity.
Deliver meaningful financial insights and performance metrics that support executive decision-making.
Create dashboards and analytical tools that identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert for accounting and financial reporting matters.
Mentor and provide guidance to accounting professionals and campus stakeholders.
Develop and maintain documentation related to treasury, debt, investment, banking, and liquidity management activities.
Lead the preparation, maintenance, and reconciliation of complex journal entries and general ledger accounts.
Ensure accurate accounting treatment and reporting of financial transactions.
Support fiscal year-end close activities and financial statement preparation.
Lead efforts to improve financial reporting, forecasting, and liquidity management systems.
Collaborate with stakeholders across the university and UC system to enhance reporting quality and operational efficiency.
Translate business requirements into reporting and system enhancements.
Prepare executive-level reports, analyses, and recommendations regarding cash management, investments, debt service, liquidity metrics, and financial performance.
Develop dashboards and scorecards that support strategic planning and resource allocation decisions.
Present complex financial information to senior leadership in a clear and actionable manner.