Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

1d•$120,000 - $150,000

About The Position

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. Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) 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 l eads 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.

Requirements

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 years of progressively responsible leadership/management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders OR a Master’s degree in a related field and at least four years of progressively responsible experience, including two years of progressively responsible leadership/management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required (active status not necessary); must demonstrate foundational expertise in governmental accounting and compliance relevant to higher education
Demonstrated leadership experience managing professional accounting or finance staff, fostering teamwork, professional growth, and accountability
Comprehensive understanding of GAAP, GASB, and NACUBO standards, with familiarity with Washington State financial regulations for higher education
Proven ability to assess, design, and implement financial processes and internal controls that strengthen compliance and operational efficiency
Demonstrated diplomacy, sound judgment, and tact in managing relationships and sensitive issues
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial and policy information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and business relationships simultaneously and meet sequential deadlines in a dynamic environment
Commitment to outstanding customer service, collaboration, and continuous process improvement
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Experience with Workday Financials or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system preferred
Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups, stakeholders, and teams; collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership style, and the ability to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license
Experience in higher education finance, particularly in student financial services, student accounting, or financial aid operations
Demonstrated success improving accounting operations through automation, system enhancements, or process reengineering
Knowledge of federal Title IV regulations and reporting requirements such as FISAP, IPEDS, and FSEOG
Recognized as a manager, mentor, and coach who develops others and promotes a collaborative, results-oriented team culture
Demonstrated passion for exceptional customer service and a commitment to quality and operational excellence
Proven ability to lead or contribute to cross-departmental projects involving central finance, treasury, and audit partners
Proficiency in developing financial reports, dashboards, or data analytics to support decision-making

Responsibilities

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