Assistant Controller - Office of Accounting

$95,000 - $110,000/Yr

University of Texas Permian Basin - Odessa, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Odessa, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Controller is a key leadership role within the AVPBA/Controller's team, responsible for overseeing the university's financial operations and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of its financial accounts, records, and reports. This position manages the preparation of annual financial statements, grant and project accounting, fixed assets, treasury operations, payables, and general ledger activities. The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, accounting standards, and university policies through system oversight, reconciliations, reporting, and special projects. Collaboration with departments across the university is essential to address financial needs, resolve issues, and support institutional objectives. This position requires staying current with federal, state, and local reporting standards. Work is performed under general supervision, with performance evaluations based on results aligned with university policies and goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage accounting staff, ensuring accurate processing of transactions related to grants, gifts, projects, fixed assets, treasury, payables, and other accounting functions.
• Oversee timely and accurate account reconciliations and ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Foster a culture of professional development and continuous improvement among staff.
• Manage monthly and year-end general ledger close, including preparation for external audits.
• Oversee daily accounting activities and ensure accurate monthly reconciliations and closing processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports, including the Annual Financial Report, Monthly Financial Report (MFR), cash projection, grant-related reports, and other required submissions.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, accounting standards (e.g., GASB), federal and state regulations, grant requirements, and tax laws.
• Act as a primary liaison with the Comptroller's Office and auditors, ensuring all records meet applicable requirements.
• Provide high-quality financial services to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with institutional and external partners to address financial needs and meet strategic objectives.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures and systems to strengthen financial operations and internal controls.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with reporting requirements related to accounting standards, grant mandates, debt obligations, and accreditation guidelines.
• Train, guide, and evaluate staff performance, fostering professional growth.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement and efficiency.
• Support the AVPBA/Controller's office with additional tasks, initiatives, and special projects to advance university financial operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting or management experience.
• Supervisory or management experience required.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar ERP systems, USAS, and creating dashboards or reporting tools for finance teams.
• Accounting experience in higher education.

Benefits

• UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including health, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.
• Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.
• You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.
• Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!
• Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.