Assistant Controller

Salary/Position Classification

• $84,900- $92,400+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

The University of North Dakota (UND) has a unique leadership opportunity for a results-focused and resourceful Assistant Controller to join its Regional Shared Service Center (RSSC).  Based out of UND’s Central Financial Services, the RSSC provides advanced professional accounting leadership to various North Dakota University System campuses, supporting consistent financial operations and compliance.

The Assistant Controller works closely with the RSSC Controller to oversee timely, core accounting functions, ensuring adherence to GASB and GAAP standards, federal and state regulations, and institutional or system‑wide policies.  This highly collaborative position requires strong technical expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to navigate diverse institutional settings with professionalism and sound judgment.

UND’s financial team is committed to learning and growth opportunities for our talented staff.  Our success is a direct result of our remarkable team.   

Duties & Responsibilities

• This position does not support fully remote work.  In-office presence several days per month is required.  Occasional in-state travel is required.
• Oversee general ledger operations and ensure consistent accounting treatment across multiple institutions.
• Coordinate month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Develop and support data validation, error resolution, and system-driven reconciliation processes.
• Support preparation of institutional and system‑level financial statements in alignment with GASB standards.
• Develop management reports, dashboards, and financial analytics for leadership.
• Lead ERP configuration, chart of accounts updates, reporting improvements, and system integrations.
• Oversee proper accounting for unrestricted, restricted, auxiliary, plant, endowment, and grant funds.
• Monitor fund balances, spending restrictions, and compliance with donor, grant, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal controls, policy development, and audit preparation activities across institutions.
• Supervise accounting staff, providing training, mentoring, and professional development.
• Lead special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated strong communication skills – including written, oral, and listening skills: articulate ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, showing sensitivity to one's audience. Ability to influence a team without direct authority and navigate through difficult or ambiguous situations.
• Assesses situations, considers alternatives and chooses an appropriate course of action while weighing potential risk.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Requires the ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet established goals and objectives.
• Ability to take initiative, be self-directed, and maintain very strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated team player and treat others with respect, while confidently contributing to the team.
• Maintains a positive attitude and the ability to adapt to changes with a positive outlook; open to new and different ways of doing things.
• Ability to be receptive to new ideas and ways of doing things.
• Ability to quickly and rationally grasp the “big picture” goal.
• Ability to look for efficiencies in processes and offer value added suggestions to customers about their needs.
• Positive outlook.
• Utilizes knowledge of industry to make practical applications in everyday operations.
• Establishes priorities and organizes work in a logical manner to accomplish goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cohesive team, willing to back up and support other team members and treat others with respect, while confidently contributing to the team.
• Anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Business Administration, Finance or related degree.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Outlook, and in particular, knowledge of Excel with the ability to generate a summary of the data.
• Successful completion of Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA preferred.
• MBA preferred.
• 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience with PeopleSoft software, Campus Connection.
• Strong knowledge of GASB.
• Educational background or professional experience with governmental/fund accounting.
• Experience working in higher education, preferably North Dakota University System.
• Experience working in a shared services, system office, or multicampus environment.
• Experience with capital accounting, grant management, treasury, or audit management.