Controller

None.

The essential job functions of this position require you to: communicate and build working relationships with individuals from various levels throughout the university;work successfully in a team as well as independently; abide by University guidelines; ensure work is detailed, accurate and completed in a timely manner.

Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm; evenings and weekends required as needed.

The University of Kentucky is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to serve as its Controller and chief accountant. This key leadership role is vital to maintain and expand the University’s multi-faceted mission of teaching, research, health care, and service. The University Controller will collaborate across campus to ensure the University meets its ambitious goals.

The Controller’s primary responsibilities include the following:

• Oversight of internal and external financial reporting and tax compliance activities with an annual budget of approximately $8.4 billion.

• Audit, update, create and implement formal policies, procedures and internal controls to ensure financial statements meet GAAP/GASB standards, comply with relevant laws/regulations and uphold the integrity of all financial data.

• Provide expertise to executive staff on external regulations, internal financial operations and matters pertaining to the financial operations of the university.

• Plan, direct and manage all aspects of the general ledger such as control and management of the chart of accounts and preparation of consolidated financial reporting and analysis.

• Collaborate and meet regularly with departments to ensure compliance with policies and procedures while also sharing any new/updated compliance requirements.

• Provide leadership, development and mentoring to six direct reports and more than 90 indirect reports to accomplish unit objectives.

• Instill a culture of continuous improvement for the unit and university as it relates financial measures.

• Lead special projects as requested by the Treasurer and senior leadership.

• Model and promote excellent customer service by proactively engaging with the University community and external partners.

This search is being led by UK’s internal Executive Search Team. For more information about the position, please contact Mary Beth Bracken at 859-257-3348 or via email at marybeth.bracken@uky.edu.

The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving people’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service and health care. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, the university plays a critical leadership role for the Commonwealth by contributing to the economic development and quality of life within Kentucky’s borders and beyond.

In August 2024, both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed our University’s bond rating and strong financial outlook. Standard & Poor’s said our University has an “extremely strong” enterprise profile and “very strong” financial profile, and called out our management and governance as “best in class” and “extremely strong with a rigorous and conservative budget process.” Likewise, Moody’s noted our strong management, growing revenues across both the university and academic medical center and strong fiscal stewardship.

We have attained this sound financial footing in conjunction with our strategic plan -The UK Purpose (Plan for Unprecedented Research, Purposeful and Optimal Service and Education). This strategic plan ensures we can continue to educate our students and serve the Commonwealth, We’ve strengthened our commitment to hold down costs, decrease debt and increase access to the distinctive education we provide. The four-year rolling average for tuition and mandatory fee increases for our undergraduate resident students is at 2% – half of what it was a decade ago – and we are investing more than $175 million of unrestricted institutional funds in scholarships and financial aid this coming year. We are making the same commitment to invest in our employees – the people who make progress possible for so many on our campus and across the state. The University’s 2024-2025 budget marks the 11th time in the last 12 years, under President Capilouto’s leadership, that compensation for UK employees has increased.

Located in the vibrant city of Lexington, the University of Kentucky is a public, land-grant institution that plays a critical leadership role in promoting economic development and human well-being. The campus is home to approximately 36,000 students, 3,500 faculty, and 22,900 staff. The University is uniquely positioned, with a major academic health center and a full spectrum of academic colleges and professional schools on one campus.

Successful candidates must demonstrate knowledge of and experience in finance, accounting (including GAAP, FASB, and GASB), internal controls, and reimbursement. The ideal candidate will possess deep understanding of higher education trends, issues, and risks. In addition, the candidate must have proven leadership skills and executive presence with the ability to gain respect and confidence with professional peers. It is essential that this individual possess high ethical standards, attention to detail, effective communication, results-driven approach, strong commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to build teams and relationships, results orientation and commitment to staff development.

A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance plus 10 or more years of fiscal planning and analysis leadership experience in a Higher Education institution.

A CPA license is preferred and health care experience is a plus.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.