Associate Controller for Accounting Operations and Disbursements

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University is seeking an Associate Controller for Accounting Operations and Disbursements. This is a full-time, exempt position within the Finance Department. The role involves administering the University’s Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable, and Payroll Services financial affairs, including policy formulation and monitoring. The Associate Controller will direct these departments to ensure effective management, proper internal controls, and excellent customer service, while also ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and institutional policies. This position also involves directing the administration of the university’s Financial Procedures Manual, providing leadership during financial application implementations and enhancements, and serving as a finance representative on university committees. The role requires effective interaction with employees, university departments, and state and federal agencies to resolve complex issues related to financial laws, policies, and procedures, and performing duties in a highly professional manner. Support for university tax compliance is also a key responsibility.

Requirements

Considerable experience in the accounting / auditing field.
Progressive experience in leading university fiscal operations.
Excellent communication skills.
Experience with ERP systems required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

Nice To Haves

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Administers the University’s Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services financial affairs to include formulating and monitoring relevant policy.
Directs the activities of Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services to ensure effective management of assigned responsibilities, proper internal controls are in place and customer service needs are met.
Directs Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
Directs Accounting Technology, Accounts Payable and Payroll Services Departments’ compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
Directs the administration of the university’s Financial Procedures Manual.
Provides leadership and support during project implementations and enhancements to financial applications.
Serves as a finance representative on university committees.
Effectively interacts with employees, university departments and state and federal agencies to resolve complex issues related to federal, state and university laws, policies and procedures.
Performs duties in a highly professional manner.
Supports university tax compliance, including adherence to all local, state, and federal laws.