Assistant Controller, General Accounting

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

82d

About The Position

The Assistant Controller provides leadership and direction for accounting staff and student interns, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and customer-focused environment. The role oversees performance management, identifies training and professional development opportunities, and partners with senior leadership and the campus community to support the CFO Division’s strategic priorities and core values. It develops and monitors data metrics to support data-driven decisions and provide financial and operational insights to leadership. The position oversees monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities; reviews, validates, and approves complex journal entries, interdepartmental transfers, and other significant accounting transactions; and manages general ledger operations and commitment control processes. It ensures compliance with GASB standards and applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements, oversees general ledger configuration and maintenance in PeopleSoft, and collaborates with Workday Financial Data Model teams. The Assistant Controller provides accounting guidance, training, and operational support to University departments. It partners with campus units, component organizations, and other stakeholders to improve financial operations, evaluates business processes, resolves complex accounting issues, and builds collaborative institutional relationships. The role also works with campus partners, professional organizations, and peer institutions on best practices and process improvements; monitors accounting standards and regulatory guidance; investigates general ledger discrepancies; directs corrective actions; and supports special projects and other assigned duties.

Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience.
Ability to analyze and solve problems, interpret information, and recommend data-driven solutions or changes.
Strong written and verbal communication and customer service skills, including the ability to work with individuals at multiple levels.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility and adaptability in managing various priorities.
Positive attitude and ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
Ability to understand business processes and translate them into technical solutions.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

State of Florida Certified Public Accountant licensure.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, particularly college and university technical accounting, fund accounting, and financial reporting.
GASB experience.
Experience leading a team in financial operations and a track record of driving process automation and change management.
Experience using PeopleSoft and/or Workday Financial systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and direct accounting staff and student interns; oversee performance management, training opportunities, and professional development.
Partner with senior leadership and the campus community to support strategic priorities and continuous improvement.
Develop and monitor data metrics that inform decision-making and provide financial and operational insights.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.
Review, validate, and approve complex journal entries, interdepartmental transfers, and other high-impact accounting transactions.
Manage general ledger operations, commitment control processes, and related accounting functions.
Oversee general ledger configuration and maintenance within PeopleSoft and collaborate with Workday Financial Data Model teams.
Provide accounting guidance, training, and operational support to University departments.
Partner with campus units, component organizations, and stakeholders to address needs and improve financial operations.
Evaluate business processes and resolve complex accounting issues through consultation and problem-solving.
Collaborate with campus partners, professional organizations, and peer institutions to implement best practices and process improvements.
Monitor accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and industry guidance to support compliance.
Develop and enhance processes to maintain financial data integrity; investigate discrepancies and direct corrective actions related to general ledger activity.
Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.