Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance/Controller

Closing Date:

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that's redefining higher education. We're on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. We're committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas's rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state's varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Required Education and/or Work Experience: Requires CPA or MBA or other related Master's degree and minimum of 7 years related experience or a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and 10 years of higher education accounting experience.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: Master's degree in accounting and/or relevant certification, e.g. CPA, CMA, CIA. Professional experience in higher education and knowledge of Workday Finance is highly preferred.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Account for and manage state appropriations per applicable state laws. Assist legislative and independent audit teams. Coordinate the external audits of the financial records of the university.

• Provide leadership to and supervision of the Finance staff to achieve departmental and University goals and to provide quality support services to the University community and its constituents. Advise departments with regard to financial matters and respond to inquiries regarding financial data. Manage and update approval processes.

• Analyze and prepare financial reports inclusive of annual financial statements and coordinate financial year-end closing process adhering to GAAP & GASB. Implement, monitor, and control approved fiscal policies ensuring compliance with best practices of accounting for higher education institutions within the framework of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, Treasury Regulations, and other applicable state and federal laws.

• Coordinate cash management that meets short-term investment and liquidity requirement, settle obligations incurred by the university, interpret and analyze accounting data, maintain chart of accounts for university, make recommendations for construction procedures, and manage bond issues inclusive of compliance and reporting requirements.

• Manage business systems including new technologies and system enhancements and finance business systems security for university. Perform accounting records reviews and internal audits. Recommend, document, and implement internal procedures and organizational changes as needed to promote and maintain integrity and accuracy of the accounting records preclude material weakness in internal controls.

• Provide management oversight to the Director of Budget and Director of Procurement to meet state and system reporting and compliance requirements. Provide guidance for their daily operations.

Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Makes recommendations and establishes procedures.
• Performs other similar or related duties as requested or assigned.
• Maintains strong working relationship with faculty and staff.

• Contributes to the overall success of the department by performing all other duties as requested or assigned.

Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates. Requires consistent on-time attendance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and GASB policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of administrative and management concepts.

• Knowledge of applicable governmental requirements and regulations.

• Knowledge of a broad range of technologies utilized in a university setting.

• Ability to lead and supervise personnel.

• Ability to apply knowledge base comprehensively.

• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.

• Knowledge of general information technology concepts and various software.

• Ability to compile information and develop and prepare reports.

• Ability to prioritize and balance several major projects at the same time while remaining flexible to changing priorities

Additional Information:

Working Relationships: The AVCF/Controller has frequent contact with university administrators, peers at other colleges and universities, and personnel at regulatory agencies regarding financial data. External contacts for purposes of financial reporting include the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the University of Arkansas System Office. Contacts also include agents of the IRS and representatives of vendors, banks, and investment management firms doing business with the university.

List Employees Supervised: Directly supervises four employees: One (1) Assistant Controller, One (1) Director of Procurement, One (1) Director of Budget and One (1) Administrative Assistance. Will have oversight of 19 others working in Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Procurement, and Travel.

Special Job Dimensions: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Occasional extended walking on campus may be required in association with meetings or financial operations in remote locations. Occasional travel is required. Extended hours are frequently required, particularly associated with the fiscal year-end. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. Required abilities include walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. Visual demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to 10 pounds. Normal office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Background Check Requirements. Criminal and Financial Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.