Assistant Controller, General Accounting

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Assistant Controller provides leadership and direction for accounting staff and student interns, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and customer-focused work environment. This role oversees performance management, identifies training opportunities, and supports professional development. The Assistant Controller partners with senior leadership and the campus community to cultivate a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, supporting the CFO Division’s strategic priorities and core values. This position develops and monitors data metrics that support data-driven decision-making and provide meaningful financial and operational insights to leadership. The role also oversees the accurate and timely completion of monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities, ensuring the integrity and reliability of financial data and reporting. It involves reviewing, validating, and approving complex journal entries, interdepartmental transfers, and other high-impact accounting transactions, ensuring compliance with GASB standards and applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements. The Assistant Controller manages general ledger operations, commitment control processes, and related accounting functions to maintain the accuracy of the University’s financial records. This includes overseeing general ledger configuration and maintenance within PeopleSoft and collaborating with Workday Financial Data Model teams. Additionally, the role provides accounting guidance, training, and operational support to University departments, promotes a customer-service-centered environment, and evaluates business processes to enhance service quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. The Assistant Controller collaborates with campus partners to identify and implement best practices, monitors developments in accounting standards, and supports continuous improvement efforts. The position also participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

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
Strong knowledge and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), specifically as these principles relate to college and university technical accounting, fund accounting, and financial reporting.
Ability to analyze and solve problems, interpret, and recommend data driven solutions or changes
Excellent customer service skills, including strong written and verbal communications skills, as well as the ability to work with individuals at multiple levels.
Ability to work effectively in both team and individual settings.
Flexibility and adaptability dealing with various priorities
Must display a positive attitude and be a team player – must be able to thrive in a collaborative environment
Must have the ability to understand various business processes and translate them into technical solutions
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Nice To Haves

Licensure as a State of Florida Certified Public Accountant preferred, but not required
GASB experience preferred
Prior experience leading a team in financial operations and proven track record of driving process automation and change management.
Experience using PeopleSoft and/or Workday Financial systems

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and direction for accounting staff and student interns by fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and customer-focused work environment.
Oversees performance management, identifies training opportunities, and supports professional development to build individual and team capabilities.
Partners with senior leadership and the campus community to cultivate a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while supporting the CFO Division’s strategic priorities and core values.
Develops and monitors data metrics that support data-driven decision-making and provide meaningful financial and operational insights to leadership.
Oversees the accurate and timely completion of monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities, ensuring the integrity and reliability of financial data and reporting.
Reviews, validates, and approves complex journal entries, interdepartmental transfers, and other high-impact accounting transactions while ensuring compliance with GASB standards and applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements.
Manages general ledger operations, commitment control processes, and related accounting functions to maintain the accuracy of the University’s financial records.
Oversees general ledger configuration and maintenance within PeopleSoft and collaborates with Workday Financial Data Model teams to ensure alignment with institutional business needs and reporting requirements.
Provides accounting guidance, training, and operational support to University departments regarding general ledger processes and financial transactions.
Promotes a customer-service-centered environment by partnering with campus units, component organizations, and other stakeholders to address needs and improve financial operations.
Evaluates business processes to enhance service quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, and resolves complex accounting issues through timely consultation and problem-solving.
Builds strong working relationships across the institution by fostering trust, accountability, collaboration, and shared success.
Collaborates with campus partners, professional organizations, and peer institutions to identify and implement best practices, process improvements, and strategic initiatives that strengthen financial operations.
Monitors developments in accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and industry guidance to support compliance and effective implementation across the University.
Ensures the integrity of financial data by developing and enhancing processes, leading the investigation of discrepancies, and directing corrective actions related to general ledger activity.
Supports continuous improvement efforts that enhance accuracy, transparency, and operational efficiency.
Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.