Assistant Controller - Financial Services

Assistant Controller

The Department of Financial Services at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks an Assistant Controller (Assistant Controller (Inst) (FN054).

This position oversees day-to-day accounting operations, supervises staff, and ensures accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and applicable federal, state, system, and institutional regulations.

Responsibilities include:

• Direct daily accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, cash management, and grant accounting
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes in Workday
• Perform integrity checks of general ledger transactions and reports; resolve discrepancies promptly
• Monitor internal controls to safeguard university assets and ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, state, and federal regulations
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports prepared by staff
• Develop and maintain written policies and procedures related to general ledger functions
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate accounting and accounts payable staff, fostering professional growth and high performance
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Workday Financials
• Partner with UW System Administration and WEST functional leads on system upgrades, new functionality, and process improvements
• Provide training and guidance to staff and campus users on Workday accounting and reporting tools
• Collaborate with the Controller, Budget Office, Procurement, Payroll, and other departments to ensure alignment of financial operations
• Serve as a trusted resource for academic and administrative units on financial policies and procedures
• Promote a culture of customer service, efficiency, and continuous improvement
• Prepare annual campus GAAP reports for inclusion in the UW System Annual Financial Report
• Prepare monthly sales tax reports
• Monitor debt service schedules for campus bond issues
• Oversee the Capital Inventory/Asset Management system for GAAP reporting, annual equipment inventories, and related capital tracking reports
• Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements related to financial aid, grants, and sponsored research
• Oversee the drawdown of federal funds and related ledger entries
• Supervise the preparation of accounting and program reports for federal programs
• Contribute to fiscal policy development and ensure consistent application of university financial policies
• Contribute to the preparation of content and deliverables for monthly Campus Business Representative meetings and related communications
• Identify opportunities to automate processes, increasing efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in university accounting operations
• Complete special projects and tasks as assigned by the Controller or other Senior Leadership

Compensation: Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $83,000 – $89,000. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting standards
• Experience with financial reporting, audits, and internal controls
• Supervisory experience
• Proficiency with Workday Financials or comparable ERP systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
• Experience in higher education or public sector accounting
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements in financial systems
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholders
• Advanced knowledge and experience with Workday

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Clear, effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills

How to Apply:

Applications received by November 9, 2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information:

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Kristin Fekete

Controller

262-472-3903

feketek@uww.edu

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.

Conditions of Appointment:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Campus Information:

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.

Organization Information:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-4