Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director

Job Description

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:

• Financial Stewardship & Operations 

• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support

• Policy, Planning & State Operations

• University Business Services

The Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director serves as the University’s lead authority on institutional accounting practices, providing expert guidance to campus stakeholders and central offices on complex financial matters. This role ensures the integrity and compliance of external regulatory reporting, including federal disclosures and audits, while also overseeing internal control frameworks such as Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICOFR). By interpreting and implementing evolving regulatory standards such as GASB, GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and Washington State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM)—the director ensures that institutional accounting policies remain current, accurate, and aligned with best practices.

Additionally, the Director provides strategic oversight of the Controller’s Office Accounting Support & FDM Governance team, ensuring alignment with institutional reporting needs and governance standards. This team serves as the primary point of engagement for campus stakeholders for the Controller’s Office, handling inquiries, resolving complex accounting issues, and delivering guidance to units across the institution.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy Development

The Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director serves as the institution’s principal authority on accounting practices, delivering strategic guidance and expert oversight to campus stakeholders and central administrative units on complex financial matters.

• Develops and communicates a clear vision for institutional accounting operations, aligning team goals with broader university priorities

• Leads the design and implementation of enterprise-wide financial control frameworks (e.g., ICOFR), ensuring long-term compliance and risk mitigation

• Integrates unit-level priorities into institutional financial strategy, balancing decentralized needs with central governance

• Advises senior leadership on programmatic direction, regulatory changes, and strategic growth opportunities across financial operations

• Champions continuous improvement initiatives that modernize accounting systems, streamline workflows, and enhance data-driven decision-making

Leadership / Team Management

Provide leadership and manage the Accounting Support & FDM Governance team, in addition to two Senior Accountants. 

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Enterprise Accounting & Governance team

• Works with a diverse group of individuals to create an inclusive environment and culture

• Creates and manages the budget of the Enterprise Accounting & Governance team with discretionary authority

• Manages a team of professionals who will lead institutional accounting practices, providing expert guidance to campus stakeholders and central offices on complex financial matters

• Leads Accounting, Compliance & Governance’s (ACG) Enterprise Accounting & Governance team, including guidance and oversight of projects and workflow, and general project timelines 

• Responsible for management, staff development, career enrichment, and training

Program Development/Management

• Oversees resolution of accounting-related tickets and inquiries. Acts as an escalation point for complex accounting issues and transactions, working with relevant institutional partners as needed to resolve

• Leads initiatives to update and maintain the institutional accounting policy manual, aligning with best practices and regulatory changes

• Creates and maintains a system for collecting, evaluating, and incorporating customer feedback across ACG

• Work with ACG’s Education & Outreach team to develop and deliver training materials and documentation to guide units on proper accounting practices

• Develops and implements the ICOFR strategic plan to strengthen institutional financial controls

• Drives continuous improvement in accounting systems and processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and risk mitigation

Administration

• Ensures training and cross training on business processes and systems

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a closely related field; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required and 6 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, featuring substantial leadership roles in higher education or large-scale organizations, expertise in external financial reporting, audit management, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, to include 3 years in advanced management or leadership positions, showcasing a strong ability to mentor, coach, and cultivate emerging leaders within the organization

• Demonstrated expertise in external financial reporting, audit management, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations

• Demonstrated experience implementing internal control frameworks and managing risk

• Experience interpreting and applying GASB, GAAP, UG, and state accounting standards

• Proven track record of policy development and process improvement in financial operations

• Advanced accounting knowledge, including expertise in GAAP, GASB, Uniform Guidance (UG), and state accounting standards (SAAM)

• Internal Controls & Risk Management with an ability to design and implement ICOFR frameworks and monitor compliance

• Demonstrated understanding of enterprise systems design, configuration, analysis of downstream impacts, and reporting

• Skilled in creating and maintaining institutional accounting policies and manuals

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skillset with an ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to institutional processes

• Ability to initiate clear, professional communication with senior executives, auditors, Deans' Offices, and leads of other units

• Proficiency in Excel pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data visualization for financial analysis, as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint), SharePoint, Teams, and other documentation and collaboration tools

• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups and teams; create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPB

Desired:

• Experience with Workday Financials

• Strong understanding of Single Audit/SEFA requirements and Section 117/NSF disclosure reporting

We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not feel they satisfy all of the skills listed; 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 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.

We will begin screening completed application materials upon receipt through the close date.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.