Associate VP Controller

Temple University's Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Department is searching for an Associate Vice President & Controller!

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:

A hybrid work schedule

Full medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays

3 Personal Days

Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE

A generous retirement plan and so much more!

T31

SALARY RANGE: $185,000 to $200,000

A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant's education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.

Position Summary:

The Associate Vice President & Controller ensures Temple University's financial integrity, supports mission-aligned resource stewardship, and drives modernization across financial operations. Through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and innovation, the Controller plays a pivotal role in advancing Temple's financial strength and institutional resilience.

The Associate Vice President (AVP) & Controller provides strategic, operational, and fiduciary leadership for Temple University's accounting and financial reporting. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, the AVP/Controller ensures the integrity, transparency, and compliance of all financial operations and is a key advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on fiscal management, compliance, internal controls, and risk mitigation.

As a senior member of the Finance and Operations leadership team, the Controller drives a culture of financial stewardship, service excellence, and continuous improvement, advancing modern financial systems, fostering collaboration across academic and administrative units, and ensuring that resources are used effectively to support Temple's mission of access, research, and impact.

The Controller serves as the primary liaison with the University's external auditors and oversees all accounting and reporting functions, including General Accounting; Debt Management; Technical Accounting/Analysis; Financial Reporting; Cost/Property Accounting; Accounts Payable; Procurement; and the Finance Collaboration Center. The role also provides oversight of international financial operations (Temple Rome, Temple Japan) and ensures the integrity of consolidated financial reporting across all university entities. Performs other duties as assigned.

* Must be available on nights and weekends when needed.

* This position requires the following background checks: criminal history review.

* Cover letter and current resume required.

Required Education and Experience:

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

* Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in accounting or financial management, with at least five in higher education, government, or similarly complex organizations.

* Experience preparing financial statements and drafting relevant disclosures.

* Experience leading ERP or financial system implementations.

* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills and Abilities:

* Public accounting experience.

* Accounting leadership experience in a large public research university (R1) or comparable complex institution.

* Knowledge of university-affiliated entities, including health systems, research enterprises, and international operations.

* Experience advising governing boards or audit committees.

* Demonstrated record of advancing financial modernization, automation, and data-informed decision-making.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

* Accounting leadership experience in a large public research university (R1) or comparable complex institution.

* Knowledge of university-affiliated entities, including health systems, research enterprises, and international operations.

* Experience advising governing boards or audit committees.

* Demonstrated record of advancing financial modernization, automation, and data-informed decision-making.

Essential duties:

1. Leadership, Strategy, and Governance

• Serve as a key member of the CFO's executive team, contributing to financial strategy, resource planning, and long-range fiscal sustainability.
• Provide strategic leadership for university-wide accounting, reporting, and business services with a focus on proactive service, operational excellence, and compliance.
• Develop strong, collaborative relationships with the Budget Office, Treasury, Procurement, Risk Management, Internal Audits, Ethics and Compliance, Research Administration, and other key partners.
• Prepare and present complex financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to the Board of Trustees, CFO, President, and senior leadership.
• Maintain deep knowledge of higher education accounting standards (GAAP/GAAS/GAGAS/FASB) and federal/state/local regulatory requirements.
• Lead the adoption of modern financial technologies and data analytics to enhance transparency, automation, and decision support.
• Serve as liaison to the Audit, Compliance & Risk Committee of the Board, supporting governance and institutional accountability.

2. Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Operations

• Direct all aspects of accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance across all financial systems and transactions.
• Oversee preparation and publication of quarterly, annual, and consolidated audited financial statements; coordinate university and affiliate audits.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant tax filings (Including UBIT, Form 990, 1099s), surveys, rate agreements, and regulatory reports.
• Maintain and strengthen systems of internal control, fiscal policy, and audit readiness.
• Oversee the development and management of the University's chart of accounts, general ledger, and financial reporting infrastructure.
• Oversee accounting and compliance for Temple's international campuses (Rome and Japan) and global programs.
• Partner with the CFO & Treasurer on financial compliance related to debt management, bond trustee relationships, credit rating agencies, and insurance captives, including reserve evaluations and premium allocations.
• Oversee the Finance Collaboration Center and related shared service operations, ensuring efficient, customer-focused support to university departments.
• Coordinate the response to audit findings and implementation of recommendations to strengthen accountability and performance.

3. Team Leadership and Organizational Development

* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of approximately 50 professional staff.

* Foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and cross-functional collaboration.

* Set clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching and career development opportunities.

* Manage departmental budgets and resources prudently, aligning with university priorities and cost-efficiency goals.

4. Institutional Service and Innovation

* Serve as a visible change agent, modeling adaptability and innovation across campus.

* Contribute expertise to university-wide task forces advancing administrative efficiency and financial sustainability.

* Represent Temple University at national associations (e.g., NACUBO, EACUBO, AICPA).

This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote), the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Department.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

Temple University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety. Go here to review: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report

You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University's Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.