Assistant Controller - FAU Finance Corporation & Accounting Support Services

Full-time - Mid Level

Boca Raton, FL

Educational Services

About the position

Florida Atlantic University is seeking an Assistant Controller - FAU Finance Corporation & Accounting Support Services - Boca Raton, FL. The position involves overseeing the full-cycle accounting and financial reporting for the FAU Finance Corporation, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements, managing transfers between FAU and FAU Finance Corporation, leading the monthly and year-end close process, coordinating external audits, ensuring compliance with debt and bond requirements, and supporting DSO financial operations. The role also includes mentoring staff, maintaining strong internal controls, and participating in cross-departmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full-cycle accounting and financial reporting for the FAU Finance Corporation.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements are prepared.
• Manage and execute transfers between FAU and FAU Finance Corporation in accordance with agreements and financial policies.
• Lead the monthly and year-end close process, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Coordinate external audits and prepare required documentation for annual financial statement compilations.
• Ensure compliance with debt and bond requirements, including covenants, reporting obligations, and financial disclosures.
• Work closely with the General Counsel, Bond Counsel, Strategy, and Treasury teams to ensure FAU Finance Corporation adheres to all financial and legal obligations.
• Maintain proper tracking of debt service payments, bond-funded expenditures, and required financial reporting.
• Support the preparation of continuing disclosures, arbitrage calculations, and other required filings related to debt compliance.
• Work closely with treasurers of FAU-affiliated DSOs to ensure timely financial compilations, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Monitor inter-entity transactions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution of required transfers.
• Support DSO financial operations by identifying process inefficiencies and recommending best practices for reporting and compliance.
• Serve as a financial advisor to DSOs, ensuring proper accounting treatments and adherence to financial policies.
• Oversee accounting support functions, ensuring accurate and efficient financial processes across FAU.
• Work closely with university financial leaders, departments, and key stakeholders to align financial reporting with operational needs.
• Standardize accounting practices and provide technical support for financial operations, including reconciliations, journal entries, and budget tracking.
• Ensure financial data integrity, compliance, and accuracy by implementing best practices and monitoring internal controls.
• Identify and drive process improvements to streamline financial workflows and reporting capabilities.
• Mentor and support staff, providing guidance on accounting best practices and financial reporting accuracy.
• Ensure staff produce accurate, reliable, and timely financial work by reviewing transactions, reconciliations, and reports.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their financial expertise.
• Ensure all financial activities adhere to university policies, state regulations, and external reporting requirements.
• Maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting and transaction processing.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to support compliance, address audit findings, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support ad hoc financial analyses, reporting projects, and strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Assist in developing and implementing new financial policies, procedures, and process improvements.
• Participate in cross-departmental initiatives and task forces to improve financial operations and efficiency.
• Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience required.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience in financial reporting, construction/project accounting, and nonprofit or higher education settings.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working with Direct Support Organizations or nonprofit entities.
• Familiarity with higher education financial processes and shared services models.
• Proficiency with financial ERP systems (Workday preferred) and reporting tools.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate financial data into actionable recommendations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for cross-functional collaboration.
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Problem-solving and analytical capabilities for handling complex financial matters.

Benefits

• Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more.
• State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
• State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Flexible work arrangement plans.
• Sick Leave Pool Program.
• Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President's discretion).
• Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day.
• Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment.