George Mason University · 1 month ago
Associate Controller
Fairfax, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expGeorge Mason University is the largest and most diverse university in Virginia, and they are seeking an Associate Controller to oversee Financial Reporting and General Accounting. The role involves ensuring fiscal services to the university, developing financial frameworks, and collaborating with various finance units to support strategic decision-making.
Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Oversees the Financial Reporting, General Accounting and tax management ensuring that units provide fiscal services to the university, financial monitoring and oversight, processes fiscal transactions, maintains the financial records (both modified cash basis and accrual basis) for the university, and provides support to the university on fiscal policies, procedures and systems
Responsible for process improvements and for the development of a financial framework to support strategic financial reporting and analysis
Attends meetings, participates in and leads committees/project teams, and responds to inquiries
Creates, interprets and applies policies and procedures and approves exceptions within limits of authority
Ensures internal controls are appropriate and routinely tested
Responsible for the maintenance of the chart of accounts and general ledger and subsidiary applications (currently Banner)
Serve as the agency Security Officer for the Commonwealth's Cardinal System (Oracle)
Oversees and ensures successful audits including, but not limited to the university GAS audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Supports the NCAA annual review
Supports and collaborates with other Finance units such as the Strategic Planning and Budget, Treasury, Student Accounts, Payroll, Internal Controls, Procurement and Accounts Payable, Fiscal Learning and Engagement, Finance Technology Services, and others. In addition, independently interfaces and collaborates with other areas of the university such as the Office of Sponsored Programs, Provost, Internal Audit, Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, and Human Resources
Responsible for setting goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with the university's plans and vision and communicates them to subordinates
Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks
Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching
Receives complaints and resolves problems
Maintains timekeeping and personnel records
Passes on information from upper management to employees and vice versa
Prepares and submits performance evaluations
Decides on rewards and promotions based on performance
Hires and trains new employees; and
Ensures adherence to legal and university policies and procedures and undertakes disciplinary actions if the need arises
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, including: 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience overseeing accounting or financial reporting functions
Demonstrated experience with audits, financial reporting, and internal controls
Advanced knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
Relevant federal and state financial reporting requirements
Knowledge of university financial operations, state funding processes, and fiscal policies governing higher education institutions
Skill in setting goals, delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and providing coaching and feedback. Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in a finance or accounting setting
Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights for senior management
Excellent oral and written communication skills for explaining financial concepts to non-financial audiences and preparing clear reports
Skill in leading cross-functional initiatives to streamline financial processes and enhance reporting accuracy
Ability to interpret, apply, and develop financial policies and procedures
Ability to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements at the university, state, and federal levels
Ability to balance strategic and operational priorities, managing both day-to-day accounting and long-term financial planning
Ability to work collaboratively with senior administrators and external partners (e.g., auditors, state agencies)
Commitment to ethical financial stewardship and transparency
Demonstrated customer service orientation toward university departments and external agencies
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential
Preferred
Master's degree in related field
Experience writing fiscal policies and procedures and interpreting state and federal regulations
Experience in a higher education, state government, or public sector environment
Experience with Banner Ellucian Finance Module, or similar enterprise financial systems
Experience of internal control frameworks (COSO) and experience preparing and managing for state, external, and compliance audits (e.g., GAS audit, NCAA review)
Understanding of university-related tax compliance including unrelated business income tax (UBIT), 1099/1042 reporting, and sales/use tax regulations
Familiarity with financial reporting software, spreadsheets, and data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
Company
George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.68MKey Investors
National Safety CouncilNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyVirginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
2025-06-25Grant· $0.05M
2024-04-03Grant· $0.2M
2023-08-03Grant· $0.07M
Leadership Team
Bassam Haddad
Director, Middle East and Islamic Studies Program
Ellen Laipson
Director, International Security Program
Recent News
2025-11-15
American Institutes for Research
2025-11-05
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