Assistant Controller

Jacksonville State University • Jacksonville, AL

1d

About The Position

The Assistant Controller supports the financial stewardship and fiscal integrity of Jacksonville State University by assisting with the oversight of accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance with applicable regulations and accounting standards. This position plays a key role in ensuring accurate and timely financial records, supporting audits, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and university policies. The Assistant Controller collaborates closely with the Controller and other campus stakeholders to strengthen internal controls, enhance financial processes, and support strategic financial decision-making across the institution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, preferably within governmental, public sector, or higher education environments.
• Experience preparing or reviewing financial statements, account reconciliations, and supporting audit processes.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
• Experience in a public university or state agency, preferably within the State of Alabama.
• Experience supervising or leading professional or clerical accounting staff.
• Hands‑on experience with higher‑education ERP systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, Workday, or similar platforms).
• Demonstrated success in process improvement, internal control enhancement, or financial system implementation or upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating and preparing the University’s financial statements in accordance with GASB, State of Alabama, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applicable to public institutions of higher education.
• Support the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Monitor accounting activity related to restricted and unrestricted funds, including auxiliary operations, grants, student accounts, and university‑affiliated entities as applicable.
• Support University compliance with Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts, federal regulations, state statutes, and University financial policies.
• Serve as a primary liaison during external audits, under the supervision of the Controller, including coordination of audit requests, preparation of schedules, and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Oversee trainings sessions to educate University faculty/staff on all fiscal and accounting procedures
• Participate in the development and documentation of accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with the Controller and Budget Office to support budget monitoring, financial forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Assist campus departments with financial reporting interpretation, reconciliations, and compliance requirements.
• Assist in overseeing day‑to‑day accounting operations, including general ledger, account reconciliations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll coordination functions.
• Helps oversee and provides counsel and assistance to budget managers regarding financial matters for the institution.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with key employers, suppliers, finance stakeholders and partners, professional contacts, faculty, staff, and administration.
• Provide guidance, training, and technical support to accounting staff and departmental users regarding financial systems and accounting procedures.
• Serve as a backup to the Controller as needed, including assuming leadership responsibilities during absences or peak reporting periods.
• Support maintenance and effective use of the University’s financial systems (e.g., ERP, reporting platforms).
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting efficiency, and system controls while maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Assist with system upgrades, implementations, testing, and documentation affecting financial operations.
• Interpret and apply University policies, state fiscal regulations, and federal requirements in support of campus financial operations.
• Provide professional accounting guidance to administrators, department heads, and program managers across the institution.
• Assist with special accounting projects, studies, reporting requests, and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans
• Alabama Teacher’s Retirement System (TRS)
• RSA-1 Deferred Compensation
• 403-B Retirement Annuity (TIAA)
• Health Insurance
• Medical (PEEHIP)
• Optional plans: vision, dental, flexible spending plan, dependent care, cancer, and hospital indemnity
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Paid and unpaid leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Prescription assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees