Director of Accounting & Financial Compliance - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks a strategic and experienced financial leader to serve as Director of Accounting & Financial Compliance. This position provides campus-wide leadership and oversight for institutional accounting practices, financial compliance, and tax-related activities. The Director serves as a senior authority on accounting standards, regulatory compliance, and institutional financial controls, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and alignment with federal, state, and university requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and implementing financial strategies and solutions.
• Expert knowledge of GAAP, GASB, OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and higher education accounting practices.
• Knowledge of federal tax concepts relevant to higher education, including UBIT.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and operate effectively in a high accountability environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• CPA, CMA, CIA, or comparable professional.
• Experience in higher education or public sector accounting.
• Background in UBIT compliance, audit coordination, or F&A rate development.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for campus-wide accounting, compliance, and tax functions with institutional impact.
• Establish priorities, staffing strategies, and performance expectations for professional staff.
• Advise senior leadership on financial risk, regulatory exposure, and internal control frameworks.
• Oversee general ledger operations, accruals, payroll suspense, and year-end close.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy of accounting practices impacting University financial statements.
• Interpret and apply GAAP, GASB, NACUBO guidance, and UT fiscal policies for complex transactions.
• Lead campus responsibility for Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) governance and reporting.
• Direct financial compliance programs, including internal controls and regulatory reporting.
• Serve as primary liaison for audits, regulatory inquiries, and external financial reviews.
• Evaluate institutional risk and implement corrective actions and policy enhancements.
• Oversee cost accounting activities including F&A rate development, space survey processes, and review and approval of recharge and service centers.
• Provide executive oversight of accounts receivable and revenue protection strategies.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve processes, systems, and financial transparency.

Benefits

• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days.
• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses.
• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director