Associate Vice President and Controller

TITLE:Associate Vice President and Controller

DEPARTMENT:Finance and Administration

REPORTS TO:Vice President for Finance and Administration

CLASSIFICATION:Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE:TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS:37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Associate Vice President and Controller serves as the chief accounting officer for Kentucky State University and provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the University's accounting and financial reporting functions. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, this position is responsible for directing General Accounting, Fixed Assets Accounting, Grant Accounting, and Accounts Payable operations. The Associate Vice President and Controller ensures the integrity of the University's financial records, oversees preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, coordinates all financial and compliance audits, and supports the implementation and effective use of financial systems across the University. This position supervises accounting personnel and serves as a key advisor on financial reporting, accounting, compliance, and internal control matters.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for all accounting functions, including general accounting, fixed assets accounting, grant accounting, and accounts payable.
• Direct and supervise accounting staff, providing guidance, coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
• Prepare and review financial and operational reports that provide timely and accurate information regarding the University's financial condition and performance.
• Conduct ongoing analyses of general ledger accounts and financial activity to identify trends, assess financial impacts, and support informed management decision-making.
• Lead the implementation, enhancement, and effective utilization of Banner and other financial systems to improve operational efficiency and reporting capabilities.
• Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Information Technology, and other departments to ensure integrated and effective financial system operations.
• Coordinate and facilitate all internal, external, governmental, and compliance audits.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, grant requirements, accounting standards, and University policies and procedures.
• Review and approve balance sheet account reconciliations and supporting documentation in preparation for year-end closing activities and annual audits.
• Coordinate fiscal year-end closing procedures and oversee the preparation of annual financial statements, audit workpapers, state reporting requirements, and other required financial reports.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and monitor internal controls and financial procedures to safeguard University assets and ensure the integrity of financial records.
• Advise the Vice President for Finance and Administration on accounting, auditing, compliance, financial reporting, and internal control matters.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, banking institutions, governmental agencies, and other external stakeholders regarding accounting and financial matters.
• Monitor developments in accounting standards, governmental regulations, grant compliance requirements, and financial reporting practices, ensuring timely implementation of applicable changes.
• Identify and implement training opportunities to enhance staff knowledge, technical competencies, and operational effectiveness.
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external constituents through professional, responsive, and solution-oriented interactions.
• Prepare for and participate in meetings of the Finance Division, Board of Regents, committees, and other University meetings as required.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and actively participate in on-campus operations, meetings, audits, financial reviews, and other institutional activities as an essential function of the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting requirements, governmental accounting standards, and internal control practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience with the ability to build, develop, and motivate high-performing teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex and dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, adapt to evolving priorities, and implement process improvements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Directly supervises professional and support staff within the Accounting and Finance areas. Responsibilities include hiring recommendations, training, assigning and reviewing work, performance management, and ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures.

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Serve on University committees, task forces, and advisory groups as assigned.
• Assist with strategic planning, policy development, and institutional initiatives related to financial management, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Support the Vice President for Finance and Administration in special projects, financial analyses, and organizational initiatives.
• Provide leadership and guidance during system implementations, upgrades, and process improvement efforts.
• Represent the University at professional meetings, conferences, training programs, and external stakeholder engagements as appropriate.
• Assist in the development, review, and implementation of University policies and procedures related to accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and fiscal management.
• Respond to inquiries and requests from internal and external constituents regarding financial and accounting matters.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience in financial reporting, internal controls, auditing, and accounting operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, federal grant management requirements, Uniform Guidance, and governmental accounting practices.
• Experience preparing financial statements, coordinating audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and enterprise resource planning (ERP) financial systems.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Experience in higher education accounting and financial management.
• Experience with Banner ERP and Argos reporting systems.

Licensing and Certifications: None Required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment. The position requires extensive computer use, frequent interaction with faculty, staff, students, auditors, governmental agencies, and external stakeholders. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs, reporting deadlines, audit requirements, and special projects.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
• Ability to move throughout campus to attend meetings and perform assigned duties.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.