What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Vice President /Controller position at University of West Georgia?
About Us
Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 13,000 students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.
Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.
At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.
The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.
Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Job Summary
The Associate Vice President and Controller is responsible for providing guidance and direction for accounting and financial matters of the University, including technical accounting and reporting areas, including public/private venture reporting and capital asset management, as well as shared service areas, including accounts payable, travel services, procurement, the office of student accounts.
This administrator reports directly to the Vice President for Business and Financial Services (Chief Business Officer) and works closely in formulating and administering policy and procedures pertaining to all fiscal matters of the University, as well as supporting the programs and mission of the University.
The Associate VP and Controller is responsible for ensuring that financial reporting is accurate, timely and compliant with all accounting standards, and serves as the primary contact for external and state auditors. This role will lead or support key strategic initiatives and projects, as needed in collaboration with the Chief Business Officer. This key leadership position also serves as a developmental role for those seeking to become a Chief Business Officer in the future. A relocation allowance is provided.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a thought leader in support of the Chief Business Officer and the University executive leadership team to drive improved financial sustainability and performance of the University.
- Direct all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, coordination of internal/external auditing activities, and implement and maintain internal controls for adherence. Serves as primary contact for internal and external auditors.
- Oversee the technical accounting and reporting areas, as well as the shared service center areas, to ensure timely reporting, appropriate cost-benefit internal controls, relevant key performance indicators and tracking, efficient value-added services, contemporary processes, and a strong client ' focused approach.
2. -
- Prepare and present accurate financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
- Manage the University's operating cash and short-term investments, working closely with the Chief Business Of-ficer to develop and enhance banking relationships.
- Directs the preparation and delivery of all financial reporting requirements to both internal and external agencies, to include the University System of Georgia (USG) and University of West Georgia (UWG).
- Monitor, report, and support the University and its foundations on the use of private/public ventures to elevate the student experience.
3. -
- Provide overall leadership, supervision, and coaching to direct reports in areas of responsibility, including the evaluation of performance in relation to strategic goals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with all departments through gaining an understanding of their purpose and objectives.
4. -
- Lead and/or support episodic strategic projects as needed.
- Meet all institutional, Board of Regents, state, and federal reporting requirements within areas of responsibility. Fulfill all other leadership responsibilities as assigned by Vice President for Business and Financial Services.
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or related field, OR bachelor's degree with equivalent years of technical experience
Required Experience
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in accounting or financial service, including supervisory experience in a highly regulated environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum 10 or more years' experience leading engaged, diverse, and high-performing teams in public sector or agency or higher education.
- A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively in team environments
- Excellent communication skills; Ability to speak and write effectively and design quality presentations
KNOWLEDGE
- Thorough understanding of GAAP and relevant FASB/GASB pronouncements
- Knowledge and understanding of university operations and board governance
SKILLS
- Visionary and leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Organizational capacity building
- Proven effectiveness and expertise in fiscal management and administration and operational strategies
- Excellent communication skills; Ability to speak and write effectively and design quality presentations
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)
Other Information
The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.
Special Applicant Instructions
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity at the University of West Georgia!
For best consideration, complete applications should be received before April 14, 2025.
To be considered, please visit the Myers McRae Executive Search portal to submit your application directly by following this link.
You must apply through Myers McRae Executive Search to be considered for this opportunity.
We appreciate your interest in joining the University of West Georgia.
Salary : $650
