Associate Controller - Accounting and Reporting

Working Title: Associate Controller - Accounting and Reporting

State Role Title: Administrative and Professional Faculty

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Finance

Department: 300123 - Accounting Services AUX

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: Commensurate with Experience

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? Yes. This successful candidate must complete a statement of personal economic interest prior to their first day of employment.

Beginning Review Date: 09/06/2025

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
Located in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Associate Controller - Accounting & Reporting will be responsible for managing a broad range of financial activities, ensuring the timely preparation of key financial reports, overseeing audits, and leading efforts related to fixed assets, surplus property, and international accounting programs. Additionally, the role includes direct supervision of staff, with a focus on fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and manage key financial statements, including annual reports and quarterly management reviews.
• Prepare reports for presentation to the Board of Visitors and Senior Management on the University's financial health.
• Develop and analyze cash flow statements, ensuring they accurately reflect the financial condition of the University.
• Monitor debt capacity and prepare bond documents as directed by Treasury or Bond Counsel.
• Oversee Federal and State Indirect Cost Studies and auxiliary mid-year reviews.

2. Audit Coordination

• Coordinate both internal and independent audits of the University's financial statements and cost studies.
• Formulate and implement responses to audit findings and management letters, ensuring a positive, practical action plan is in place.
• Timely and efficiently respond to auditors' requests for information, ensuring smooth and successful audits.

3. Fixed Assets & Surplus Property Management

• Ensure proper control and classification of fixed assets for accurate financial reporting.
• Calculate depreciation expenses in accordance with university accounting standards.
• Supervise the disposal of surplus property, ensuring compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements.

4. International Accounting Program

• Oversee the fiscal operations of the International Accounting Program, ensuring that all expenditures are accurately classified and controlled.
• Manage banking activities for international programs and maintain strong relationships with the Office of International Programs (OIP).

5. Employee Supervision & Development

• Provide effective supervision, guidance, and feedback to staff, ensuring objectives are clearly defined and aligned with departmental goals.
• Conduct performance evaluations on time, addressing any performance issues and providing support for professional development.
• Foster a team-oriented environment that promotes collaboration, growth, and accountability.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in financial reporting, accounting, or audit management
• Expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and debt management.
• Ability to manage complex financial systems and software.
• Proven ability to supervise and mentor a team, promoting both individual and team success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Strong understanding of NACUBO standards, fixed asset management, and international accounting practices.
• Strong background in higher education or public sector finance.

Additional Posting Information:

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.