Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

1d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director for Student Financial Accounting, reporting to the Director of Student Fiscal Services, leads key student financial operations including accounting, reconciliations, payments, and deposits. This role ensures 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.

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.