Assistant Controller

As the Assistant Controller for Payables and Travel, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s disbursement operations, including vendor payments, employee reimbursements, and travel services. Reporting to the University Controller, you will lead a team of 15 employees, establish operational priorities, and ensure payment processes align with university policies and applicable regulatory requirements. You will also serve as a key campus resource and the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors, helping ensure financial accountability, compliance, and effective service across the university

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Campus Engagement

• Lead, develop, and provide strategic direction to a 15-person Payables and Travel team, establishing service standards and operational priorities.
• Represent the department on the Controller’s senior leadership team and campus/UNC System committees.
• Advise university leadership, including Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Department Heads, on allowable purchases, funding sources, account coding, and university regulations.
• Serve as the main resource for campus inquiries and collaborate with Purchasing on Pcard, MarketPlace, and purchase order requirements.

Disbursement Operations & Financial Management

• Manage all university payment methods (checks, ACH, credit cards, wires), determining pay cycle frequencies and year-end cash cutoffs.
• Review and approve high-value payments ($10K+ validation, $400K+ approvals, prepayments, and Pay.gov transactions) and reconcile daily cash requisitions.
• Oversee specialized operations including express checks, payment returns, and year-end accruals.

Policy, Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Establish, interpret, and update university disbursement and travel policies in accordance with federal, state, and UNC system regulations. Maintain internal desktop guides for all key processes.
• Design and execute fraud prevention strategies, monitor emerging risks, and train staff on red flags.
• Represent the university's disbursement operations to internal, state, and federal auditors, responding to audit findings and data requests.

Systems Optimization & Training

• Troubleshoot, test, and approve enhancements for AP and Travel software modules before production deployment.
• Leverage data visualization and system analytics to improve financial reporting and resolve outstanding transactions.
• Create on-demand resources, guidance materials, and campus training modules for expense coding, travel, and payables.

If you are a strategic financial leader who values operational excellence, collaboration, and accountability, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the university’s financial operations. We welcome you to apply and bring your leadership, financial expertise, and commitment to sound fiscal practices to NC State University.